1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

“Now on the topic of times and seasons, brothers and sisters, you have no need for anything to be written to you. For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come in the same way as a thief in the night. Now when they are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction comes on them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will surely not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would. For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness. So then we must not sleep as the rest, but must stay alert and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night and those who get drunk are drunk at night. But since we are of the day, we must stay sober by putting on the breastplate of faith and love and as a helmet our hope for salvation. For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that whether we are alert or asleep we will come to life together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up each other, just as you are in fact doing.”

— ‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭1‬-‭11‬‬

 If they didn’t need anything written to them, then why are 1 and 2 Thessalonians’ primary theme the end times? Lol Paul.

Times and seasons: phrase regarding things of the end. (Good place to remind us that “end times” began at Jesus’ resurrection. Regardless of eschatological views, that launched God’s restoration of all things, and so final redemption/judgment is coming and has been coming since Jesus)

Thief in night: Jesus used this picture, too. I don’t think the point is that Jesus is the thief and stealing people away. The point is that no one is expecting it. It’s a surprise, even with all the “signs” that have pointed to His appearing throughout history. 

The world preaches peace and security. All is well. Nothing to worry about, and from some perspectives that may be true. Certainly not worth worrying about the list they give. Again, the point here is that Jesus’ appearing will occur. No one can stop it. And those who are content with the status quo of culture on a moral/religious level may be surprised by the final verdicts.

We are “of the light.” “The Day” as in when God vindicates His people and judges the nations will not surprise us like a thief. I wonder why, because we don’t have a date or time. Sure, we have signposts that point in the right direction, and we can see indications in Bible of what precedes Jesus’ appearing. But any attempt to date set breeds awful results. Perhaps we won’t be surprised because we won’t be judged. We are not “of wrath.” 

Sleeping in this passage seems to represent moral dullness. Those in darkness sleep. They do not have the renewed minds. And thus, the thief at night surprises them. We are of the light. We are alert, and sober. We can wear faith, hope, and love, anticipating our final redemption. 

That “for wrath” is obviously debated, whether it’s a specific period of God’s wrath on the world, i.e., a tribulation period. Or whether it’s final judgment. I suppose this passage could be taken either way, but I am not a fan of piece mealing a view of the end with various texts. I’m more comfortable saying we have been saved from wrath in general and not limit it to specific things. Though in this case, Paul probably does have a specific referent. I would say it’s final verdicts before God as judge.

Asleep—in this passage seems to be moral. But ch 4-5 together talk about those who have fallen asleep, i.e., died. I haven’t read arguments either way, but the nearer context does seem to point to being morally foolish. Whether we are alert and sober or sleeping in the darkness, Jesus will bring us to ultimate salvation. We will be raised to life. 

It’s important to remember that studying end times and all the different “events” or people can be fascinating. For some it’s downright scary. But this final verse reveals the purpose of study. It’s encouraging to know that Jesus is returning. He will save His people. And vindication and justice will come finally. Our job is simply to endure to the end, probably with that faith, hope, and love he talked about.