5:1 times and the seasons This phrase refers to a single idea—the events that would allow a person to predict the “Day of the Lord.” But Paul does not need to write the Thessalonians about such things. Knowing how to live in preparation for the Lord’s return is more important than knowing the timing of His return (Acts 1:6–7).

5:2 day of the Lord Refers to the time when God judges His enemies and delivers His people, establishing His reign (Joel 2:1–2, 31–32). The apostles applied this same expression to Christ’s return (e.g., 1 Cor 1:8; Phil 1:6; 2 Pet 3:10).

thief in the night Jesus described His return this same way (Matt 24:43; Rev 3:3; 16:15). His return will surprise some people, but believers must be ready.

5:3 Peace and security The Roman Empire used the phrase “peace and safety” in its propaganda to promote the idea of Roman Peace (Pax Romana).

5:4 darkness Symbolizes ignorance about and separation from God. Paul describes believers as not being in darkness—alert believers will have signs of the event to discern (see e.g., Luke 21:11).

5:5 sons of light The Greek phrase used here, huioi phōtos, refers to people characterized by light. In this context, light symbolizes God’s favor toward those who will be spared from His judgment. In the ot, light symbolizes God’s favor (Prov 4:18; Psa 112:4) and truth (Psa 119:130).

darkness See note 1 Thess 5:4.

5:6 we must not sleep Earlier in this letter, Paul used a Greek word for “sleep,” koimaō, metaphorically to describe those who have died (4:13). In this verse, he uses a different Greek word, katheudō, also translated “sleep,” to refer to being unaware of God, His workings, and His return.

5:7 get drunk To become intoxicated by alcohol. Drunkenness impairs judgment and leads to recklessness (Eph 5:18; Rom 13:13).

5:8 breastplate of faith and love Breastplates protected the chest area—the place of the body’s most vital organs. They were made of leather and overlaid in the front with metal, such as bronze.

helmet the hope of salvation Armor that covers the head and cheek bones. It was made of bronze metal and leather.

5:9 God did not appoint us for wrath Believers should not consider persecution to signify God’s wrath; faith and suffering are both part of the Christian life (Phil 1:29; 1 Thess 3:3). See note on 1:10.

5:10 awake or asleep Physically alive or dead.

live at the same time with him Neither life nor death can separate believers from Christ (compare Rom 8:35–39).

5:12 respect those who labor among you Paul seems to be urging the Thessalonians to respect those who labored and supported the church. These people likely held positions of leadership within the church (compare 1 Cor 16:15–18).

admonish The Greek word used here, noutheteō, refers to warning someone about the disastrous consequences of his or her actions.

5:14 the disorderly Refers to believers in Thessalonica who refused to work and support themselves. Such people took advantage of wealthy fellow believers because of their disdain for work. See note on 1 Thess 5:12.

5:15 one pays back evil for evil to anyone The Thessalonians may have been tempted to retaliate against those who persecuted them. Paul advises them against this (Matt 5:39–40; Rom 12:19). Believers must extend to others (i.e., believers and unbelievers) the same goodness the Lord has shown them.

5:18 the will of God See note on 1 Thess 4:3.

5:19 Do not quench the Spirit The Greek word for “Spirit” (pneuma) refers to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity. The nt uses imagery of fire to describe the Spirit’s presence and activity (Matt 3:11; Acts 2:3; 2 Tim 1:6). Paul uses the image of quenching to describe the idea of resisting the Spirit’s work in and among believers. In this context, the notion of quenching the Spirit likely refers to a prohibition on prophetic activity within the Thessalonian church (1 Thess 5:20–21).

Pneuma Word Study

5:20 prophecies The Greek word used here, prophēteia, refers in this context to an utterance inspired by the Holy Spirit for the edification of the church community (1 Cor 14:4). Some believers at Thessalonica may have felt uncomfortable with the spiritual gift of prophecy because of their past experience with idolatry (1 Thess 1:9). Some religious cults—such as the cult of the Greek god Dionysus—practiced a form of pagan prophecy that involved ecstatic behavior.

5:21 examine all things Probably refers to testing the legitimacy of the prophetic activity mentioned in vv. 19–20. In 1 Corinthians, Paul mentions the need for discernment within the church (1 Cor 12:10; 14:29).

5:22 Abstain from every form of evil During the council at Jerusalem, the apostles agreed that the Gentiles should abstain from sexual immorality, from eating meat sacrificed to idols, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and blood (Acts 15:20). Paul broadens the instruction—all evil must be avoided.

5:23 God of peace While the Roman emperor brought “peace” to the city of Thessalonica, the Thessalonians must ultimately look to God for peace. Compare Rom 15:33; 16:20.

sanctify See note on 1 Thess 4:3.

spirit and soul and body The nt understands people as a unity of material (body) and immaterial (spirit and soul).

Old Testament Anthropology

coming of our Lord Jesus Christ See note on 1:10.

5:24 faithful The new believers at Thessalonica endured persecution even without the presence of Paul and his companions (see 3:9 and note), demonstrating God’s faithfulness.

5:26 holy kiss A kiss was a common greeting in the ancient world. A kiss exchanged upon greeting could also symbolize reconciliation (Gen 45:15; Luke 15:20). In the Christian context, it expresses unity (Rom 16:16; 2 Cor 13:12).