We learn much about Paul’s pastoral heart in this passage. First, he wants to deal with ignorance (v 13), which causes many issues in the Christian walk. How do you deal with your own ignorance in matters of faith? Do you?

Second, he meets their concern with the central message of the gospel: ‘Jesus died and rose again’ (v 14). Notice we ‘sleep in death’, but Jesus ‘died’: he endured death and its consequences which means that for his followers it is more like sleep.

Third, Paul’s confidence in Jesus’ return comes from ‘the Lord’s word’ (v 15). This is not made up by Paul, but the truth from the only one we can truly trust. The picture he uses is of an important visitor being greeted and then welcomed into a city by its citizens (vs 16,17). It will be a wonderful reunion.

Fourth, we don’t know everything about the future (see 5:1), but we know enough to ‘encourage one another’ (v 18). Pastoral care and encouragement is for all of us to practise.

... I am convinced that neither death nor life … will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.’¹

I was shocked and upset to learn recently that a close friend had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. A mutual friend said she was ‘praying that her days will be filled with transfiguring grace’ – beautiful words, which helped me, despite my grief, to see my dying friend as a dearly loved child of God who awaited the glorious culmination of her redemption in Christ. 

Often, we need others to remind us that the grief we feel for loved ones who have died is not the final word and that there is a greater perspective. This seems to be Paul’s role here. We can infer from this passage that the Thessalonians are grieving for some brothers and sisters who have recently died and that they are concerned that they will miss Jesus’ eagerly anticipated return. Paul reassures them that those who have ‘fallen asleep’ in Christ (a common euphemism for death)² will rise when the Lord comes, to meet him together with those who remain living (v 17). The word Paul uses for Jesus’ coming (parousia – v 15) was commonly used to refer to a magnificent imperial visit to a city, whose officials and people would travel outside the city to welcome the dignitary with great celebration.³ All in Christ – whether living or dead – will rise to greet the Lord upon his return. 

Some of the imagery Paul employs – the cry of command, the voice of the archangel, the trumpet call and the clouds (vs 16,17) – might seem slightly outlandish, but Paul is using it to paint a picture of the splendour and brilliance of the Lord’s return, as our divine and rightful sovereign. His aim is less to outline the logistics of the second coming than to evoke excitement at the prospect of welcoming Christ in all his glory – along with all our beloved sisters and brothers. 

Pray that God will increase in you the gift of hope in Christ. Come, Lord Jesus, come!

¹ Rom 8:38,39  ² Witherington, Thessalonians, Eerdmans, 2006, p131  ³ Witherington, p138