What does 1 Thessalonians 5:6 mean?
Paul has been discussing the rapture: a future, abrupt moment when Christ will retrieve believers from the earth (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). This moment is one the Thessalonians are prepared for, so they won't be caught off guard the way unbelievers will (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3). Paul emphasized this point in the prior verse by referring to these Christians as "children of light, children of the day."Because the Thessalonian believers had come to know the Light of the world and the truth of the gospel, Paul calls on them to stay alert and self-disciplined. He urges them not to "sleep," appealing to them not to be apathetic or uncaring. Believers need to be alert and self-disciplined as they watch for the Lord's return to take them to heaven.
Paul issues a similar appeal to the Christians at Ephesus. In Ephesians 5:15–16 he writes, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." If believers fail to be alert to the times and the hopeless condition of the children of darkness, how will they win the lost to Christ? In Ephesians 6:18 he admonishes believers to "keep alert with all perseverance."
The apostle Peter also appeals for sobriety—meaning self-discipline—and watchfulness. Similarly, Peter writes: "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8).
First Thessalonians 5:1–11 informs believers about the day of the Lord. This phrase refers both to the moment of the rapture as well as the seven-year tribulation period that follows the rapture. The passage assures us that believers will not experience the tribulation. The day of the Lord will commence unexpectedly, like the arrival of a thief at night. It is described as a time of darkness with dreadful consequences. Unbelievers, identified as those who belong to the night, will be overtaken by destruction. But believers are, symbolically, of the day not the night. They are not the objects of God's wrath, but are destined to receive a full rescue from the day of God's wrath. In view of their exemption from the day of the Lord, believers ought to encourage and edify one another.
First Thessalonians chapter 5 reiterates that the rapture will occur quickly, catching the unbelieving world unprepared. In contrast, Paul presents faithful Christians as those who are aware and ready for this event. This passage uses the contrast of day versus night to highlight those differences. Paul also completes his letter by offering various practical instructions. These include the need to be peaceful, hardworking, and forgiving. He also commends constant prayer and an attitude of joyfulness, before closing his letter with a command for this letter to be read aloud.
