1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

[1] But  of  the times  and  the seasons,  brethren,  ye have  no  need  that I write  [2] For  yourselves  know  perfectly  that  the day  of the Lord  so  cometh  as  a thief  in  the night.  [3] when  they shall say,  Peace  and  safety;  then  sudden  destruction  cometh upon  them,  as  travail  upon  a woman with child;  and  escape.  [4] But  brethren,  not  in  darkness,  that  that day  should overtake  as  a thief.  [5] all  the children  of light,  and  the children  of the day:  not  of the night,  nor  of darkness.  [6] Therefore  not  sleep,  as  do others;  but  let us watch  and  be sober.  [7] For  they that sleep  in the night;  and  they that be drunken  are drunken  in the night.  [8] But  of the day,  be sober,  putting on  the breastplate  of faith  and  love;  and  for an helmet,  the hope  of salvation.  [9] For  God  not  appointed  to  wrath,  but  to  obtain  salvation  by  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  [10] Who  died  that,  whether  we wake  or  sleep,  we should live  together  with  him.  [11] Wherefore  comfort  yourselves together,  and  edify  one  even  as also  ye do. 

What does 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

In view of the imminency of Christ"s return Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to be ready to meet the Lord at any time.
"The former [1] offered instruction concerning the dead in Christ; this [2] gives a word of needed exhortation to the living." [3]
Other contrasts between these passages are the Rapture and the day of the Lord, and resurrection and judgment.
This pericope deals with the time of Christ"s return and the consequent need for watchfulness.