1 Thessalonians 5 — Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

Overview of 1 Thessalonians

- D. COMMENTS ABOUT THE RESURRECTION AND THE COMING OF JEHOVAH’S DAY (4:13–5:11)
  - Those dead in union with Christ will rise first (4:13-18)
  - “Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night” (5:1-5)
  - Stay awake, and keep your senses; display faith, love, and hope (5:6-11)
- E. INSTRUCTIONS ON HOW TO WORK TOGETHER IN THE CONGREGATION (5:12-22)
  - Respect those taking the lead; support the weak and the depressed (5:12-15)
  - Pray constantly, and do not put out the fire of the spirit (5:16-22)
- F. CONCLUDING REMARKS (5:23-28)
  - Paul prays that the whole congregation be preserved blameless (5:23, 24)
  - Paul requests that brothers pray for him and his fellow workers and that his letter be read to all (5:25-28)

1 Thessalonians 5:1

the times and the seasons: See study note on Ac 1:7.

Research Guide

Insight, Volume 2, p. 885

The Watchtower,
10/1/1986, pp. 16-17
Publications Index
it-2 885; w86 10/1 17;

nh 293; pn 27; w40 228, 230

1 Thessalonians 5:2

Jehovah’s day: Throughout the Scriptures, the expression “Jehovah’s day” (or “the day of Jehovah”) refers to special times when Jehovah God executes judgment on his enemies and glorifies his great name. The expression has its background in the Hebrew Scriptures. (Some examples are found at Isa 13:6; Eze 7:19; Joe 1:15; Am 5:18; Ob 15; Zep 1:14; Zec 14:1; Mal 4:5.) The prophet Joel speaks about “the coming of the great and awe-inspiring day of Jehovah.” (Joe 2:31) This scripture is quoted by Peter at Pentecost 33 C.E., as recorded at Ac 2:20. (See study note on Ac 2:20.) In the first fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, that “day of Jehovah” came upon Jerusalem in the year 70 C.E. Here at 1Th 5:2, Paul speaks of a future day of Jehovah that corresponds to the “great tribulation” that Jesus foretold at Mt 24:21.—For the use of the divine name in this verse, see App. C3 introduction; 1Th 5:2.

as a thief in the night: Thieves will typically strike at night, quickly and unexpectedly. (Job 24:14; Jer 49:9; Mt 24:43) Likewise, Jehovah’s day will strike suddenly, taking people by surprise. (2Pe 3:10; Re 16:15) Faithful Christians obey the counsel to live in expectation of that day. (Lu 12:39; Re 3:3) While they too may be surprised by the sudden start of that day (Mt 24:42-44; Lu 12:40), they will not be caught off guard when it arrives (1Th 5:4).

+Zep 1:14
+Mt 24:36, 43; 2Pe 3:10; Re 16:15

1 Thessalonians 5:3

sudden destruction is to be instantly on them: Paul here indicates that there will be little or no time between the proclamation of “peace and security” and the destruction that will come upon those making that cry. It will be sudden and inescapable. The Greek phrase contains two terms (rendered “sudden” and “be instantly on”) to emphasize the striking suddenness with which the destruction will come. A similar combination of terms appears at Lu 21:34, where the coming of Jehovah’s day is described.

just like birth pains on a pregnant woman: Labor pains come suddenly; there is no way of foreknowing the exact day and hour. However, Paul’s metaphor stresses the suddenness and inevitability of the coming destruction. Once labor pains begin, a woman knows that an unstoppable process has begun.—Compare study note on Mt 24:8.

they will by no means escape: Paul here uses two negatives (lit., “not not escape”) to emphasize that it will be impossible for the wicked to escape the “sudden destruction” that will come “instantly on them.”

+Ps 37:10; Jer 8:11

Research Guide

The Watchtower (Study),
10/2019, pp. 8-9
9/2019, pp. 9-10

Insight, Volume 2, p. 187

God’s Kingdom Rules!, pp. 222-223

The Watchtower,
11/15/2013, pp. 12-13
1/1/2013, p. 7
9/15/2012, pp. 3-4
7/15/2010, pp. 5-6
5/15/2008, pp. 15-16
2/1/2004, pp. 20-21
6/1/1997, pp. 9-10
4/15/1995, p. 25
8/1/1994, p. 6
9/15/1991, p. 16
9/1/1991, pp. 5-6, 7-8
4/15/1991, p. 7
11/1/1988, p. 6
9/1/1987, pp. 18-20, 23
5/15/1987, pp. 17-19
10/1/1986, pp. 18-20
5/15/1984, p. 6
5/1/1982, p. 18
11/15/1981, pp. 11-15, 16-17
12/15/1978, p. 15
4/1/1978, p. 5
12/1/1976, pp. 710-711
7/15/1976, p. 442
11/15/1975, pp. 681-682
6/15/1975, p. 375
9/15/1974, p. 552
4/15/1974, pp. 243-244
1/15/1974, p. 40
10/15/1964, pp. 625-626
6/15/1954, pp. 379-381
11/15/1953, pp. 698-700
10/15/1951, pp. 613-615

Awake!,
4/2008, p. 7
2/22/1993, p. 32
12/8/1989, pp. 24-27
4/8/1988, p. 14
12/22/1983, p. 7
8/22/1983, pp. 6-8
11/8/1975, p. 7
4/8/1974, pp. 7-8
10/8/1972, pp. 14-15, 22

Revelation Climax, pp. 250-251

Worship God, p. 182

Does God Care, p. 21

Purpose of Life, p. 28

Mankind’s Search for God, pp. 371-372

True Peace, pp. 5-7, 85

Survival, pp. 185-186

United in Worship, p. 182

God’s Kingdom Has Approached, pp. 364-365

Peace and Security, p. 89
Publications Index
w23.02 16; w19.09 9-10; w19.10 9; it-2 187; kr 222-223; w13 1/1 7; w13 11/15 12-13; w12 9/15 3-4; w10 7/15 5; w08 5/15 15-16; g 4/08 7; re 251; w04 2/1 20-21; wt 182; dg 21; w97 6/1 9-10; w95 4/15 25; w94 8/1 6; pr 28; g93 2/22 32; w91 4/15 7; w91 9/1 5-8; w91 9/15 16; sh 371-372; g89 12/8 24-27; w88 11/1 6; g88 4/8 14; w87 5/15 17-19; w87 9/1 18-20, 23; w86 10/1 18-20; tp 5-7, 85;

w84 5/15 6; su 185-186; uw 182; g83 8/22 6-8; g83 12/22 7; w82 5/1 18; w81 11/15 11-17; w78 4/1 5; w78 12/15 15; w76 442; w76 710-711; w75 375; w75 681-682; g75 11/8 7; w74 40; w74 243-244; w74 552; g74 4/8 7-8; ka 365; tp73 89; g72 10/8 14-15, 22; ad 1018; w64 626; pw 14; w54 380; w53 699; nh 293; aa 17; w51 614; rm 330; w49 45; pn 27; w42 58, 101, 190; w41 23, 119, 359, 373; w40 243, 262, 296; w39 103; wa 54; w37 357, 363; en 293; w36 87, 99-100; cg36 32; fw 36; w31 54

1 Thessalonians 5:4

overtake you as it would thieves: Some Bible translations convey this idea: “overtake you as a thief would.” This rendering is based on a number of ancient Greek manuscripts that use the singular form “thief” as the subject of the clause. However, having “thieves” as the object of the clause also has good manuscript support. This rendering would fit the context, where Paul says that “you are not in darkness” but are “all sons of light and sons of day.” (1Th 5:5) In either case, the main idea is that Christians should not be taken by surprise by the coming of Jehovah’s day.

as it would thieves: At 1Th 5:2, Paul likens Jehovah’s day to a thief who comes suddenly, without warning. Here, though, Paul apparently shifts the picture, comparing Jehovah’s day to the dawn. That dawn brings light that exposes the activity of thieves, such as house burglars, who steal under the cloak of darkness. (Job 24:14; Joh 3:20) However, the morning light might “overtake” thieves who become so absorbed in stealing that the dawn surprises them. Unlike thieves, true Christians are to be “sons of light,” who belong neither to the night nor to the darkness. (1Th 5:5) The comparisons that Paul uses, both the one in verse 2 and the one in verse 4, emphasize that Christians need to remain spiritually vigilant.

Research Guide

Insight, Volume 2, pp. 187-188

Peace and Security, p. 72

The Watchtower,
2/1/1961, pp. 80-81
6/15/1954, pp. 379-381
Publications Index
it-2 187-188;

tp73 72; w61 81; jp 60; w54 380; pn 27; w40 234, 263-264; w36 104

1 Thessalonians 5:5

+Joh 12:36; Ro 13:12; Eph 5:8
+Joh 8:12; Col 1:13; 1Pe 2:9

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
7/15/1976, p. 442
9/15/1974, p. 572
Publications Index
w76 442; w74 572; jp 60; w40 264; w36 105

1 Thessalonians 5:6

sleep on: In the Bible, the Greek word here rendered “sleep on” was often used to refer to literal sleep. (Mt 8:24; Mr 4:38; 1Th 5:7) However, it could also be used as a metaphor for one who is apathetic, or indifferent, and fails to remain alert. When a person is sleeping, he generally does not know what is going on around him and is unaware of the passing of time. Likewise, one who is spiritually asleep fails to discern important developments related to Jehovah’s purpose and the swift approach of His day. Here Paul warns Christians to avoid sleeping on “as the rest do,” imagining God’s day of judgment to be far off.—2Pe 3:10-12.

keep our senses: Lit., “may we be sober.” The Greek word used here also appears at 1Th 5:8; 2Ti 4:5; 1Pe 1:13; 4:7 (“be vigilant”); 5:8.

+Ro 13:11
+Mt 24:42
+1Pe 5:8

1 Thessalonians 5:7

+Ro 13:13

Publications Index
w40 234, 266; w36 105

1 Thessalonians 5:8

the breastplate of faith and love: In this verse, Paul uses two pieces of armor to illustrate three important Christian qualities—faith, love, and hope. (See study note on the hope of salvation as a helmet in this verse and study note on 1Th 1:3.) Just as a breastplate protects a soldier’s heart, so faith and love protect a Christian’s figurative heart. In order to emphasize that such qualities are vital to a Christian’s life, Paul likens them to the equipment worn by a warrior whose life is endangered on the battlefield. At Eph 6:14, Paul uses the breastplate to represent the quality of “righteousness.”

the hope of salvation as a helmet: Just as a helmet protects a soldier’s head, so the hope of salvation protects a Christian’s mind. Paul mentions this figurative helmet, as well as “the breastplate of faith and love,” when he discusses the importance of staying awake spiritually. (1Th 5:6, 7) A Christian who has this helmet on his head looks “intently toward the payment of the reward,” as Moses did. (Heb 11:26) If he keeps his hope of salvation strong, he will stay awake spiritually.—See study note on Eph 6:17.

+Isa 59:17; Eph 6:14-17

1 Thessalonians 5:9

+2Th 2:13

Publications Index
w40 266

1 Thessalonians 5:10

asleep: Or “asleep in death.” The Greek word rendered “are asleep” is used in connection with being dead. (Mt 9:24; Mr 5:39 and study note; Lu 8:52) Here at 1Th 5:10, Paul apparently speaks of being awake or asleep in the sense of being alive or dead.

+Ro 5:8; 1Co 15:3
+1Th 4:16, 17

Publications Index
w40 266; w36 106

1 Thessalonians 5:11

keep encouraging: Or “keep comforting,” as the same Greek word is rendered at 1Th 4:18.—See study note on Ro 12:8.

+Ro 1:11, 12; 15:2

1 Thessalonians 5:12

presiding over you: Or “directing you; taking the lead among you.” The Greek word pro·iʹste·mi literally means “to stand before (in front of)” and may include the ideas of leading, conducting, directing, showing an interest in, and caring for others.

admonishing: The Greek word used here (nou·the·teʹo) combines the words for “mind” (nous) and “to put” (tiʹthe·mi). It could literally be rendered “to put mind in.” In some contexts, it could convey the idea of “to warn,” as at 1Th 5:14.

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
6/15/2011, pp. 24-28
6/1/1999, p. 18
8/15/1991, p. 19
10/1/1988, pp. 15-16
7/1/1960, pp. 401-403

Awake!,
1/22/1972, p. 12
Publications Index
w11 6/15 24-28; w99 6/1 18; w91 8/15 19; w88 10/1 15-16;

g72 1/22 12; w60 402; el 199; w44 325

1 Thessalonians 5:13

give them extraordinary consideration: This expression emphasizes the affection and high esteem that Christians should have for those who are “working hard” among them. (1Th 5:12) The Greek word translated “extraordinary” is a strong expression combining Greek terms meaning “beyond,” “exceeding,” and “abundantly.”

+Php 2:29, 30; 1Ti 5:17; Heb 13:7
+Mr 9:50; 2Co 13:11; Heb 12:14; 1Pe 3:11

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
6/1/1999, pp. 18-19
8/15/1991, p. 19
10/1/1988, pp. 15-16
7/1/1960, pp. 401-403

Awake!,
1/22/1972, p. 12
Publications Index
w99 6/1 18-19; w91 8/15 19; w88 10/1 15-16;

g72 1/22 12; w60 402

1 Thessalonians 5:14

warn: Or “admonish.”—See study note on 1Th 5:12.

the disorderly: The Greek word for “disorderly” was often used regarding soldiers who broke ranks or who were undisciplined. First-century historian Josephus used the term to describe troops that “advanced in disorder.” In colloquial Greek, the word could describe an idle, lazy person, but more often it referred to someone who did not submit to accepted norms. Paul here uses the term in a broad sense to describe those in the Christian congregation who were unruly, disobedient, and guilty of significantly deviating from Christian standards.—1Th 4:11; 2Th 3:6.

speak consolingly: The Greek verb for “speak consolingly” (pa·ra·my·theʹo·mai) is also used at Joh 11:19, 31 regarding the Jews who went to console Mary and Martha after the death of their brother, Lazarus. It denotes a great degree of tenderness and comfort.—See study note on 1Co 14:3, where the related noun is rendered “consoles.”

those who are depressed: Or “those who are discouraged.” The Greek word used here (o·li·goʹpsy·khos) can literally be rendered “those of little soul.” Ancient Greek writers used a term with the opposite meaning, “those of great soul,” to refer to those who were self-confident and self-sufficient. So the term Paul here uses seems to include a lack of self-worth. The same Greek term was used in the Septuagint to translate Hebrew equivalents rendered “anxious” and “grief-stricken.” (Isa 35:4; 54:6) Some of those Thessalonian Christians may have been discouraged because of persecution or because of grief over the death of fellow believers. (1Th 2:14; 4:13-18) Paul does not urge fellow Christians to admonish or warn the depressed. Rather, he asks that Christians comfort or console them.—See study note on speak consolingly in this verse.

be patient toward all: The Greek words referring to “patience” denote calm endurance and slowness to anger, qualities that Jehovah and Jesus constantly show in their dealings with humans. (Ro 2:4; 9:22; 1Ti 1:16; 1Pe 3:20; 2Pe 3:9, 15; see study note on Ga 5:22.) As imitators of Jehovah and Jesus, Christians are to be patient. (1Co 11:1; Eph 5:1) The Greek verb for “to be patient” is used twice in Jesus’ illustration about two slaves, each of whom pleaded: “Be patient with me.” (Mt 18:26, 29) The unforgiving “wicked slave” refused to be patient and merciful, in contrast with the master, whom Jesus uses to picture his heavenly Father. (Mt 18:30-35) Jesus’ illustration and the use of the same verb at 2Pe 3:9 suggest that being patient with others includes being forgiving and merciful.

+Le 19:17; 2Ti 4:2
+Ps 34:18
+1Co 13:4; Ga 5:22; Eph 4:1, 2; Col 3:13

1 Thessalonians 5:15

+Mt 5:39
+Ro 12:17, 19

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
3/15/1990, p. 28
6/1/1968, pp. 323-324
2/1/1961, pp. 88-89

Awake!,
3/8/1974, p. 4
Publications Index
w90 3/15 28;

g74 3/8 4; w68 323; w61 89; yb61 21

1 Thessalonians 5:16

+2Co 6:4, 10; Php 4:4

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
12/15/1991, pp. 8-9
6/1/1965, pp. 329-331
2/15/1961, pp. 114-115
2/1/1961, pp. 84-85
Publications Index
w91 12/15 8-9;

w65 330; w61 85, 115

1 Thessalonians 5:17

Pray constantly: Paul was not expecting the Thessalonians to pray at every moment. Rather, he was encouraging them to have a prayerful attitude, always looking to God for guidance, ever conscious of the need for dependence on him in all aspects of life. (Pr 3:6) In several of his other letters, Paul gave similar encouragement.—Ro 12:12; Eph 6:18; Php 4:6; Col 4:2.

+Lu 18:1; Ro 12:12

1 Thessalonians 5:18

+Eph 5:20; Col 3:17

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
4/1/1981, pp. 22, 25-26
6/1/1972, p. 332
2/1/1964, pp. 94-96
2/15/1961, pp. 114-115
2/1/1961, pp. 84-85
10/15/1960, pp. 611-612

Awake!,
6/8/1974, p. 6
Publications Index
w81 4/1 22, 26; g74 6/8 6; w72 332; g65 11/22 28; w64 95; w61 85, 115; w60 612

1 Thessalonians 5:19

Do not put out the fire of the spirit: The expression “put out the fire” renders a single Greek verb that literally means “to extinguish; to quench.” At Mr 9:48 and Heb 11:34, it is used in connection with symbolic and literal fire. Here Paul uses it in a figurative sense about God’s “spirit,” or active force. This spirit can be like a fire within Christians, causing them to “be aglow” with that force, invigorating them to speak and act in harmony with Jehovah’s will. (See Ro 12:11 and study note; see study note on Ac 18:25.) A Christian whose thinking and actions are in harmony with the flesh would be disregarding God’s holy spirit, in effect, extinguishing it within his own heart.—Ga 5:17; 1Th 4:8.

+Ac 18:25; Ro 12:11; Eph 4:30

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
7/1/2000, p. 10
12/1/1989, p. 21
2/1/1961, pp. 84-85
Publications Index
w00 7/1 10; w89 12/1 21;

w61 85

1 Thessalonians 5:20

prophecies: That is, messages from God. (See Glossary, “Prophecy.”) To treat divinely inspired messages with contempt means viewing them as of no value, ignoring them, and rejecting them disdainfully.

+1Co 14:1

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
11/15/1967, pp. 678-680
10/1/1964, pp. 601-602
Publications Index
w67 679; w64 601

1 Thessalonians 5:21

Make sure of: The Greek word used by the apostle Paul for to “make sure of” could also be rendered to “test.” This Greek word means to examine and scrutinize something to see if it is genuine. It was used in connection with testing precious metals. Paul uses the same Greek word at Ro 12:2 (see study note) in the expression “prove to yourselves.”

Make sure of all things: This statement shows that Christians must make sure that “all things” they accept as their beliefs are in harmony with God’s will. (Compare Ac 17:11.) In this context, Paul specifically says in verse 20: “Do not treat prophecies with contempt.” This warning indicates that the Thessalonian Christians were to “make sure” that any prophecies they put faith in were truly from God. In the first century C.E., some of Christ’s followers had the gift of prophecy. (Ro 12:6; 1Co 14:1-3) Yet, Jesus foretold that false prophets would also appear. (Mt 24:11, 24; Mr 13:22) Christians should consider the sort of person delivering the prophecy (Mt 7:16-20) and note whether its content harmonized with the inspired Scriptures. When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians (c. 50 C.E.), Matthew’s Gospel was likely the only part of the Christian Greek Scriptures already written. So to determine whether a prophecy or a teaching was truly from God, they needed to rely heavily on a careful study of the Hebrew Scriptures.

+1Jo 4:1

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
5/15/1996, p. 17
3/15/1964, pp. 166-167
3/15/1962, p. 169
8/1/1959, pp. 457-459

Awake!,
2/8/1996, p. 6
6/8/1987, pp. 17-18
Publications Index
w96 5/15 17; g96 2/8 6; g87 6/8 17-18;

w64 166; g64 10/22 6; w62 169; w59 458

1 Thessalonians 5:22

+Job 2:3

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
2/1/1963, p. 79
Publications Index
w63 79; ln 50

1 Thessalonians 5:23

the spirit and soul and body of you brothers: Paul’s intense concern for the spiritual welfare of the entire first-century Christian congregation is reflected in his prayerful, heartfelt petition (verses 23, 24) in behalf of the brothers in Thessalonica. In this context, the three terms apparently have the following meaning: spirit, that is, the dominant attitude of the congregation (see study notes on 1Co 5:5; Ga 6:18; and Glossary, “Spirit”); soul, that is, the life, or existence, of the congregation (see Glossary, “Soul”); body, that is, the composite group of anointed Christians who make up the congregation. (Compare 1Co 12:12, 13.) Paul’s intense concern for the congregation is evident in his asking that God sanctify them “completely” and that He preserve them “sound in every respect.”

at the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ: See study note on 1Th 2:19.

+1Co 1:8

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
9/15/2008, p. 29
5/1/1993, p. 11
6/1/1967, pp. 339-341
Publications Index
w08 9/15 29; w93 5/1 11;

w67 340; g64 6/8 27-28; w46 91; w39 126; w30 119

1 Thessalonians 5:25

+Ac 12:5; Ro 15:30; Eph 6:19; Col 4:3; 2Th 3:1; Phm 22; Heb 13:18

1 Thessalonians 5:26

with a holy kiss: See study note on Ro 16:16.

Research Guide

Insight, Volume 2, p. 177

The Watchtower,
6/15/1968, p. 384
Publications Index
it-2 177;

w68 384

1 Thessalonians 5:27

the Lord: In a context like this, “the Lord” could refer either to Jehovah God or to Jesus Christ. When the Hebrew Scripture background and the context provide no clear support for restoring the divine name, the New World Bible Translation Committee retained the rendering “Lord” so as not to overstep the bounds of a translator. (See App. C1.) While some translations of the Christian Greek Scriptures into Hebrew and other languages use the divine name here, in this context “Lord” could well refer to the Lord Jesus Christ.—1Th 5:28.

Letter Writing

+Col 4:16

Research Guide

The Watchtower,
4/15/1963, pp. 249-251
Publications Index
w63 250; g37 6/2 562

1 Thessalonians 5:28

be with you: Some manuscripts add “Amen” at the end of the letter. Although some of Paul’s letters end with “Amen” (Ro 16:27; Ga 6:18), the manuscript support for adding it here is not strong.

Overview of 1 Thessalonians

1 Thessalonians 5:1

Indexes

1 Thessalonians 5:2

Marginal References

Indexes

1 Thessalonians 5:3

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1 Thessalonians 5:4

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1 Thessalonians 5:5

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1 Thessalonians 5:6

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1 Thessalonians 5:7

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1 Thessalonians 5:8

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1 Thessalonians 5:9

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1 Thessalonians 5:10

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1 Thessalonians 5:11

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1 Thessalonians 5:12

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1 Thessalonians 5:13

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1 Thessalonians 5:14

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1 Thessalonians 5:15

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1 Thessalonians 5:16

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1 Thessalonians 5:17

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1 Thessalonians 5:18

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1 Thessalonians 5:19

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1 Thessalonians 5:20

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1 Thessalonians 5:21

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1 Thessalonians 5:22

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1 Thessalonians 5:23

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1 Thessalonians 5:25

Marginal References

1 Thessalonians 5:26

Indexes

1 Thessalonians 5:27

Media

Marginal References

Indexes

1 Thessalonians 5:28

Parallel Translations

General