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§ 9. 1Th 5:1-11. The Coming of the Day
The second misgiving of the Thessalonians respecting the παρουσία (see Introd. to § 8, and general Introd. p. xxxvi.) was closely connected with the first (1Th 4:13 ff.). If only “the living, οἱ περιλειπόμενοι,” might count on witnessing the παρουσία, then any uncertainty about its date throws a cloud upon the prospects of all believers; if the season was delayed, any of those living might be cut off before the time and no one could count on seeing the wished-for day! This apprehension made the desire of the Church to know περὶ τῶν χρόνων κ.τ.λ. painfully keen; no mere curiosity prompted the question, but a practical motive, a natural fear arising from the very loyalty of the Thessalonians to Christ and the “love” of “His appearing” which the Gospel awakened in them. The Epistle has allayed the main cause of disquiet by showing that there will be no essential difference in the lot of those found “sleeping” and those “waking” at the Lord’s return (cf. 1Th 5:10 below); it goes on to remind the readers of what they had been taught already, viz., that “the day of the Lord” is to come by way of surprise to the wicked, for which reason its date must be hidden (1Th 5:2 f.). The “sons of light and of day” will be ready for “the day” whenever it dawns (1Th 5:4 f.). Their duty and safety is to be wakeful and sober, arming themselves with faith and hope (1Th 5:6-8)—a hope grounded on God’s purpose of salvation revealed in the Gospel, which assures to them through Christ’s death a life of union with Him remaining unchanged in life and death (1Th 5:9 f.), and secure whether His coming be earlier or later.