1 Thessalonians 4:18 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore encourage one another with these words.

NIV: Therefore encourage one another with these words.

NASB: Therefore, comfort one another with these words.

CSB: Therefore encourage one another with these words.

NLT: So encourage each other with these words.

KJV: Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

NKJV: Therefore comfort one another with these words.

In this verse Paul appeals to his readers to encourage one another with the truths about the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:13–17). The fact that departed Christians and living Christians will be caught up to be with Jesus forever is a solid reason not to grieve hopelessly, but to anticipate a grand reunion with fellow Christians in the presence of Jesus.

When we are reunited with Christ, pain and suffering will be over (2 Corinthians 4:16–18). Our bodies, which now age and deteriorate, will become imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:54). Death will have lost its sting (1 Corinthians 15:54–57). Our bodies will be glorified, just as Jesus' body is a glorified body (Philippians 3:20–21). Joy will last eternally (Psalm 16:11). We will live eternally in a place Jesus promised to prepare for us (John 14:1–3). All of the stresses and strains of earthly life will be gone: taxes, breakdowns, bills, accidents, tornadoes, floods, hail, infestation, and all other calamities will cease to exist. We will never again be victims of crime or fraud. Eternal joy and pleasure will delight our hearts in God's presence (Psalm 16:11).

That is encouraging, indeed!

First Thessalonians 4:13–18 represents an important shift in the subject matter of Paul's letter. Realizing the Thessalonian believers needed further teaching about Jesus' return (the rapture) and specifically about what happens to Christians who die before Jesus returns, Paul turns to address these vital matters. He wants his readers to know that death should not cause them to grieve like unbelievers. There is a bright prospect of seeing departed believers again. When Jesus returns from heaven, He will bring deceased Christians with Him. At that time there will be a loud command, the archangel's voice will be heard, and God's trumpet will sound. Christians who have died will receive their resurrected bodies, and living Christians will be caught up to join them, to be with the Lord forever. Paul urged the Thessalonian believers to use what he wrote about the rapture to encourage one another.

Chapter 4 starts with an encouragement for the Thessalonian believers to continue their spiritual growth. Their conduct is exemplary, but they need to seek to do even more. Paul especially emphasizes the importance of sexual purity, as well as the need for believers to live peaceful, polite, and productive lives. Paul then begins to discuss the subject of Christ's return. This begins with a reassurance that believers who have died prior to the return of Christ will be the first ones raised when He comes back for His people. Next will be those still living, all of whom will meet Jesus ''in the air.'' Knowledge of our eternal destiny should be encouraging!

Chapters 1—3 had a lot to say about the good reputation of the Thessalonian church. Chapter 4 begins to address points Paul wants to clarify. First of these is the need to grow in good works, and to avoid immoral living. Paul then begins to explain ''the rapture'': the moment when Christ will retrieve believers from this earth. Paul's explanation seems to be intended to dispel rumors. In the final chapter, Paul will further explain the nature of the ''day of the Lord,'' correcting what might have been said by false teachers.

The apostle Paul's second missionary journey included a visit to the prominent Greek city of Thessalonica. This stood alongside a major land route and boasted a busy seaport. A number of individuals believed Paul's message (Acts 17:1–4), but an angry mob forced Paul to leave the city after his brief stay. Later, while in Athens, Paul received a glowing report: the believers at Thessalonica were growing spiritually and serving God fervently. However, they had questions about the Lord's return, including what happens to a believer who dies before that day. And, as all churches do, they had some areas in which they were falling short. In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, written about AD 51, he addresses these developments. Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonian believers' spiritual progress, and frequently makes references to Christ's impending return.