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1 Thessalonians Chapter 5

Concerning the second coming, Paul has no need to write as to the hour it will happen. (v1) The Lord comes as a thief in the night. (v2) When also people are saying "peace and safety" and sudden destruction comes on them as labour pains - without any way to escape. (v3) (A prophecy of Christ - see Matthew chapter 24). If there is no opposition to the gospel, then the world doesn't hate it. - It is of the world then.

But, as the Lord comes as a thief in the night - as we are not the children of darkness, that day should not come as a surprise if we watch for it. (v4) We are the children of light - living in the day, not the night, or the darkness. (The implication is that the wrath of God comes upon the children of darkness because the Lord takes away in the darkness. The light is the truth - any one not living in the truth is therefore in receipt of the wrath and is taken away.) (v5) Therefore we should watch for the labour pains Jesus spoke of, so we can keep fixed on resting in the truth as we are required, (v6) for those that are at ease (asleep) are not in the truth, and those that are reprobate (drunken) are not in the truth. (v7)

But to those that are in the truth of the gospel, let us armour ourselves improving our faith, charity and hope of salvation. (v8) For God has not put us under His grace to prove us to destruction as disobedient; but to be saved to eternal life. (v9) Jesus, who died for an example to us that whether we are in the truth or not - it is possible for any man to stay in fulfilment of the law; and so under grace we have a hope of salvation upon Him. (v10) So we should be comforted and keep each other in the truth, as we also should be doing so already. (v11)

Paul beseeches them to show the proper respect and love to those that have the gospel and minister its teaching amongst their fellowship, and openly against the opposition facing them. (v12) (For the sake of its teaching) and to be at peace concerning the truth of the gospel - not divided over its message by showing a lack of respect to those with the ministry of truth by the Holy Spirit. (v13) Paul instructs them to warn the malcontents in this (the unruly), to comfort the feebleminded (that dont understand) support the weak in faith and truth; (towards their edification in small things by the Holy Spirit.) so as to be patient to all men. (v14)

Paul commands that they never retaliate against a fault amongst their fellowship - that it is better to be in receipt of an evil than as like the corinthians, to repay evil for evil or take a man to law over the issue. (And put yourself under the power of men. A fearful occurrence when under opposition.) Paul states it is better to repay any evil with good, not just to each other but to all men, after the fashion of Christ - who suffered for the sake of all. (v15)

Paul sums up with some final encouragement - rejoice evermore - As Paul had for their faith (v16); - Pray without ceasing - as Paul did that they withstand their opposition (v17); - give thanks - For the eternal life by grace is given to an abounding of thanksgiving to God, which is weighed greater than Him sending His wrath upon all. (v18)

Quench not the Spirit - stay in the truth of the gospel; and do not grieve the Holy Spirit's ministrations to you or others. (v19) - despise not prophesyings - (refuse not correcction or edification in the Holy Spirit, grieving Him thereby). (v20) Prove all things. (If a truth presented as of the gospel is unfounded and is not doctrinally correct - refuse it.) (v21) Paul this way warns them against the leavening of the gospel into something rotten.

Abstain from evil. - (We are not to neglect so great a salvation under grace. We will not be elected if we neglect the manner of our election! We should appear blameless before Christ at His coming, but for the gospel's sake we should appear blameless before all men now.) (v22)

Paul blesses them in all such things, that they will attain that behaviour by the ministering of the Holy Spirit and be sanctified (in all these things.) Paul prays their whole spirit and soul be blameless at Jesus' second coming - as well as their body. (He refers to individuals - being blameless before all so as to render the accusations of opponents false. - Mere slander.) but by praying after Paul's manner I assume his repayment would infer the far greater part of their fellowship, by his reward for the gospel preached without cost.(v23,v24)

Paul also asks them to remember him in their prayers, greets them finally and then he alludes to the trinity - he commends the reading of this epistle to all of their fellowship - (and where they have spread the gospel; commending by the Lord, the Father whose people they all are). He then blesses by grace (by the Holy Spirit) of Jesus Christ (The Son) be with them all.


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