1 Thessalonians 5:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.

NIV: He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

NASB: who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him.

CSB: who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.

NLT: Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.

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

NKJV: who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.

Prior verses encouraged Christians to be self-controlled, self-aware, and ready. This is depicted using analogies such as night versus day (1 Thessalonians 5:4–7), and the use of armor (1 Thessalonians 5:8). In the prior verse, Paul pointed out that God had provided for our salvation so that we would not be subject to the wrath poured out on those "of the night."

In this verse Paul states that Christ died for us. Jesus' life was not taken from Him; He freely offered it as a sacrifice for our sin (John 10:17–18; 15; 1 Corinthians 15:3). Paul also returns to a reassurance he gave earlier in this letter: that those believers who have died before the return of Christ are just as much a part of the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:15–16) as those who still live when He returns. As such, Christians who die are said to be "asleep," in that their condition is only temporary. Using sleep as a metaphor for death is seen often in ancient literature, but it carries particular significance in a biblical sense.

Writing to the Galatians, Paul stresses the voluntary nature of Jesus' death. He writes that Jesus "gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father" (Galatians 1:4). Paul affirms in 1 Thessalonians 5:10 that Jesus died for us so we would live with Him. One of heaven's best joys is that of living with Jesus eternally. No Christian will miss out on this joy, because Paul insists that "whether we are awake or asleep we [will] live with him." This is a firm reminder that departed Christians will be resurrected when the trumpet announces the coming of Christ and living Christians will be caught up to be with Christ.

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.

The end of chapter 4 discussed the nature of the rapture: a sudden, physical ''taking away'' of believers from the earth. Here, Paul continues to refer to this event's sudden and dramatic nature. A key analogy used in this passage is that of daytime versus darkness, and the concept of being awake and alert. As with many of Paul's letters, practical instructions make up the bulk of his closing statements. In particular, Paul adds a command that this letter be read aloud among all of the people of the Thessalonian church.

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.