The Skeptics Annotated Bible (949 page)

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that
we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.

(4:15)
“We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.”
1 Thessalonians was one of the first Christian writings, yet already (ca.50 CE) believers were getting impatient about Jesus’ supposed return. Their fellow believers were dying and yet Jesus still hadn’t come. What the hell is taking him? And what happens to dead believers? Will they get to see Jesus return? Paul had a lot of ‘splainin to do.

16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel
, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

(4.16)
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel.”
From this verse and Jude 9, the Jehovah’s Witnesses figure that Jesus is really the archangel Michael.

17 Then
we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air
: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

(4.17)
“We which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air.”
Christians get the idea of the rapture from this verse. (Paul thought he’d live to see it.)
469 Is the day of the Lord at hand?

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

5
But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.

4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.

7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.

8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.

11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.

14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly,
comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

(5.14)
“Comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”

15
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

(5.15) “See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.”

16 Rejoice evermore.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

19 Quench not the Spirit.

20 Despise not prophesyings.

21
Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.

(5.21) “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”
308 Should we believe everything?

22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and
I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

(5.23)
“I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Paul prays that the Thessalonians will be good until Jesus returns, which implies that he expected this to happen within their lifetimes.
469 Is the day of the Lord at hand?