1 Thessalonians 4
Lutheran reading notes
In 1 Thessalonians chapter 4, the message of the gospel develops the theme of encouragement and hope in Christ’s return. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort {you} by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, {so} ye would abound more and more. {beseech: or, request} {exhort: or, beseech}
1 Thessalonians 4:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
2
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 4:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
For this is the will of God, {even} your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
1 Thessalonians 4:3 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
1 Thessalonians 4:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6
That no {man} go beyond and defraud his brother in {any} matter: because that the Lord {is} the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. {defraud: or, oppress, or, overreach} {in...: or, in the matter}
1 Thessalonians 4:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. {despiseth: or, rejecteth}
1 Thessalonians 4:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
1 Thessalonians 4:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;
1 Thessalonians 4:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
1 Thessalonians 4:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and {that} ye may have lack of nothing. {of...: or, of no man}
1 Thessalonians 4:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
1 Thessalonians 4:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
14
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
1 Thessalonians 4:14 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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. {prevent: or, come before, or, anticipate, or, precede}
1 Thessalonians 4:15 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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:
1 Thessalonians 4:16 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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.
1 Thessalonians 4:17 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
18
Wherefore comfort one another with these words. {comfort: or, exhort}
1 Thessalonians 4:18 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.