I Thessalonians 5
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Commentaries
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But of the times and the seasons - It is natural to suppose, after what he had said in the conclusion of the preceding chapter concerning the coming of Christ, the raising of the dead, and rendering those immortal who should then be found alive, without obliging them to pass through the empire of death, that the Thessalonians would feel an innocent curiosity to know, as the disciples did concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, when those things should take place, and what should be the signs of those times, and of the coming of the Son of man. And it is remarkable that the apostle answers, here, to these anticipated questions as our Lord did, in the above case, to the direct question of his disciples; and he seems to refer in these words, Of the times and the seasons ye have no need that I write unto you, for yourselves know that the day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night, to what our Lord said, Mat 24:44; Mat 25:13; and the apostle takes it for granted that they were acquainted with our Lord's prediction on the subject: For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. It is very likely therefore, that the apostle, like our Lord, couples these two grand events-the destruction of Jerusalem and the final judgment. And it appears most probable that it is of the former event chiefly that he speaks here, as it was certainly of the latter that he treated in the conclusion of the preceding chapter. In the notes on Act 1:6, Act 1:7, it has already been shown that the χρονους η καιρους, times or seasons, (the very same terms which are used here), refer to the destruction of the Jewish commonwealth; and we may fairly presume that they have the same meaning in this place.
Open source ↗THE SUDDENNESS OF CHRIST'S COMING A MOTIVE FOR WATCHFULNESS; VARIOUS PRECEPTS: PRAYER FOR THEIR BEING FOUND BLAMELESS, BODY, SOUL, AND SPIRIT, AT CHRIST'S COMING: CONCLUSION. (1Th. 5:1-28) times--the general and indefinite term for chronological periods. seasons--the opportune times (Dan 7:12; Act 1:7). Time denotes quantity; season, quality. Seasons are parts of times. ye have no need--those who watch do not need to be told when the hour will come, for they are always ready [BENGEL]. cometh--present: expressing its speedy and awful certainty.
Open source ↗But of the times and the seasons, brethren,.... Of the coming of Christ, his "appointed time" and "his day", as the Ethiopic version renders it; of the resurrection of the dead in Christ first, and of the rapture of all the saints in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, things treated of in the preceding chapter: and which might excite a curiosity to know the times and seasons of them; as in what year they would come to pass; in what season of the year, whether winter or summer; in what month, and on what day of the month; and whether in the night season, or in the daytime; and in what hour, whether at midnight, cockcrowing, morning, or noonday: to repress which the apostle observes, ye have no need that I write unto you; to write to them concerning the things themselves was necessary and useful, to stir up and encourage their faith, hope, and expectation of them; to allay their grief for departed friends, and to comfort one another under the various trials and exercises of life; but to write to them about the time of these things would be trifling and unnecessary, would be an idle speculation, and an indulging a vain curiosity; and, besides, was impracticable: for of that day and hour knows no man; the times and seasons the Father hath put in his own power; for these things are equally true of Christ's second coming, as of the kingdom of Christ coming with power and glory, and of the destruction of Jerusalem, Mat 24:36. The Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions read, "ye have no need that we write unto you"; the reason follows;
Open source ↗In these words observe, I. The apostle tells the Thessalonians it was needless or useless to enquire about the particular time of Christ's coming: Of the times and seasons you need not that I write unto you, Th1 5:1. The thing is certain that Christ will come, and there is a certain time appointed for his coming; but there was no need that the apostle should write about this, and therefore he had no revelation given him; nor should they or we enquire into this secret, which the Father has reserved in his own power. Of that day and hour knoweth no man. Christ himself did not reveal this while upon earth; it was not in his commission as the great prophet of the church: nor did he reveal this to his apostles; there was no need of this. There are times and seasons for us to do our work in: these it is our duty and interest to know and observe; but the time and season when we must give up our account we know not, nor is it needful that we should know them. Note, There are many things which our vain curiosity desires to know which there is no necessity at all of our knowing, nor would our knowledge of them do us good. II. He tells them that the coming of Christ would be sudden, and a great surprise to most men, Th1 5:2. And this is what they knew perfectly, or might know, because our Lord himself had so said: In such an hour as you think not, the Son of man cometh, Mat 24:44. So Mar 13:35, Mar 13:36, Watch you therefore, for you know not when the master of the house cometh; lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And no doubt the apostle had told them, as of the coming of Christ, so also of his coming suddenly, which is the meaning of his coming as a thief in the night, Rev 16:15. As the thief usually cometh in the dead time of the night, when he is least expected, such…
Open source ↗5:1 Questions such as how and when all this will happen occupied the thoughts of both Jewish and Christian people (Dan 12:6; Matt 24:3; Luke 17:20; Acts 1:6; 1 Pet 1:10-11).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… χρόνος (chrónos, G5550) — a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from G2540 (καιρός), which… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… καιρός (kairós, G2540) — an occasion, i.e. set or proper time ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not χρεία (chreía, G5532) — employment, i.e. an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or… γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἀκριβῶς (akribōs, G199) — exactly ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) ἔρχομαι (érchomai, G2064) — to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) κλέπτης (kléptēs, G2812) — a stealer (literally or figuratively) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. νύξ (nýx, G3571) — "night" (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὅταν (hótan, G3752) — whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively… λέγω (légō, G3004) — properly, to "lay" forth, i.e. (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or… εἰρήνη (eirḗnē, G1515) — peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀσφάλεια (aspháleia, G803) — security (literally or figuratively) τότε (tóte, G5119) — the when, i.e. at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution) αἰφνίδιος (aiphnídios, G160) — unexpected, i.e. (adverbially) suddenly ὄλεθρος (ólethros, G3639) — a prolonged form); ruin, i.e. death, punishment ἐφίστημι (ephístēmi, G2186) — to stand upon, i.e. be present (in various applications, friendly or otherwise, usually… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὥσπερ (hṓsper, G5618) — just as, i.e. exactly like ὠδίν (ōdín, G5604) — a pang or throe, especially of childbirth ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐστέ (esté, G2075) — ye are οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. σκότος (skótos, G4655) — shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… καταλαμβάνω (katalambánō, G2638) — to take eagerly, i.e. seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) κλέπτης (kléptēs, G2812) — a stealer (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ἐστέ (esté, G2075) — ye are πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole υἱός (huiós, G5207) — a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively,… φῶς (phōs, G5457) — compare G5316 (φαίνω), G5346 (φημί)); luminousness (in the widest application, natural or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… ἐσμέν (esmén, G2070) — we are οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not νύξ (nýx, G3571) — "night" (literally or figuratively) οὐδέ (oudé, G3761) — not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even σκότος (skótos, G4655) — shadiness, i.e. obscurity (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗ἄρα (ára, G686) — a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows) οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly καθεύδω (katheúdō, G2518) — to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… λοιποί (loipoí, G3062) — remaining ones ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) γρηγορεύω (grēgoreúō, G1127) — to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively) νήφω (nḗphō, G3525) — to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… καθεύδω (katheúdō, G2518) — to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively) νύξ (nýx, G3571) — "night" (literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μεθύσκω (methýskō, G3182) — to intoxicate μεθύω (methýō, G3184) — to drink to intoxication, i.e. get drunk
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. νήφω (nḗphō, G3525) — to abstain from wine (keep sober), i.e. (figuratively) be discreet ἡμεῖς (hēmeîs, G2249) — we (only used when emphatic) ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… ἐνδύω (endýō, G1746) — to invest with clothing (literally or figuratively) θώραξ (thṓrax, G2382) — the chest ("thorax"), i.e. (by implication) a corslet πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast περικεφαλαία (perikephalaía, G4030) — encirclement of the head, i.e. a helmet ἐλπίς (elpís, G1680) — expectation (abstractly or concretely) or confidence σωτηρία (sōtēría, G4991) — rescue or safety (physically or morally)
Open source ↗ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very τίθημι (títhēmi, G5087) — to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὀργή (orgḗ, G3709) — properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy),… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) περιποίησις (peripoíēsis, G4047) — acquisition (the act or the thing); by extension, preservation σωτηρία (sōtēría, G4991) — rescue or safety (physically or morally) διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Open source ↗ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἀποθνήσκω (apothnḗskō, G599) — to die off (literally or figuratively) ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) εἴτε (eíte, G1535) — if too γρηγορεύω (grēgoreúō, G1127) — to keep awake, i.e. watch (literally or figuratively) καθεύδω (katheúdō, G2518) — to lie down to rest, i.e. (by implication) to fall asleep (literally or figuratively) ζάω (záō, G2198) — to live (literally or figuratively) ἅμα (háma, G260) — properly, at the "same" time, but freely used as a preposition or adverb denoting close… σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗διό (dió, G1352) — through which thing, i.e. consequently παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) ἀλλήλων (allḗlōn, G240) — one another καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… οἰκοδομέω (oikodoméō, G3618) — to be a house-builder, i.e. construct or (figuratively) confirm εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ἐρωτάω (erōtáō, G2065) — to interrogate; by implication, to request ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) κοπιάω (kopiáō, G2872) — to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… προΐστημι (proḯstēmi, G4291) — to stand before, i.e. (in rank) to preside, or (by implication) to practise ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… νουθετέω (nouthetéō, G3560) — to put in mind, i.e. (by implication) to caution or reprove gently
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἡγέομαι (hēgéomai, G2233) — to lead, i.e. command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e. consider αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ὑπέρ (hypér, G5228) — "over", i.e. (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the… ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) περισσός (perissós, G4053) — superabundant (in quantity) or superior (in quality); by implication, excessive;… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ἔργον (érgon, G2041) — toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act εἰρηνεύω (eirēneúō, G1514) — to be (act) peaceful ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) νουθετέω (nouthetéō, G3560) — to put in mind, i.e. (by implication) to caution or reprove gently ἄτακτος (átaktos, G813) — unarranged, i.e. (by implication) insubordinate (religiously) παραμυθέομαι (paramythéomai, G3888) — to relate near, i.e. (by implication) encourage, console ὀλιγόψυχος (oligópsychos, G3642) — little-spirited, i.e. faint-hearted ἀντέχομαι (antéchomai, G472) — to hold oneself opposite to, i.e. (by implication) adhere to; by extension to care for ἀσθενής (asthenḗs, G772) — strengthless (in various applications, literal, figurative and moral) μακροθυμέω (makrothyméō, G3114) — to be long-spirited, i.e. (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Jesus replied, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by His own authority.
Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.
No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.
While Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of Your coming and of the end of the age?”
Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.
Beloved, although I made every effort to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt it necessary to write and urge you to contend earnestly for the faith entrusted once for all to the saints.