pray without ceasing, Truth to Learn Our prayer life is to be a continual part of our walk with God. Behind the Words “Pray” is translated from the Greek verb proseuchomai. This word is made up of pros, meaning “to or toward” and euchomai, which literally means “to speak...
1 Thessalonians 5:16 – Rejoice Always
Rejoice always, Truth to Learn Christians should always be filled with joy. Behind the Words The Greek verb translated “rejoice,” is chairō, which literally means “to be calmly happy, to be glad, or to rejoice.” It is expressed here in the imperative mood, indicating a command. “Always” is from...
1 Thessalonians 5:15 – Do Good, Not Evil
See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for one another and for all. Truth to Learn Don’t retaliate when you experience evil. Do good instead. Behind the Words The word translated “renders” is apodidōmi, which is composed of apo,...
1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Caution, Support, and Patience
And we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient with all. Truth to Learn We all need to patiently work toward peace in the church. Behind the Words The word “exhort” is from parakaleō, meaning “to encourage, challenge, or comfort.”...
1 Thessalonians 5:13 – Respect, Honor, and Peace
and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves. Truth to Learn Respect and honor your pastor and be at peace with all your Christian brothers. Behind the Words “Esteem” is translated from hēgeomai, which means “to lead,” that is, “to...
1 Thessalonians 5:12 – Encouragement and Prayer
And we ask you, brothers, to recognize those working hard among you, and leading you in the Lord and admonishing you, Truth to Learn Pastors have a tough job. Encourage and pray for him today. Behind the Words The word translated “we ask” is erōtaō, which literally means “to...
1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Comfort and Build-up
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing. Truth to Learn Christians need to comfort and spiritually build-up each other. Behind the Words “Therefore” is translated from the Greek word dio. This word is a combination of dia, meaning “through” and hos, meaning...
1 Thessalonians 5:10 – Eternal, Living Faith
who died for us, that whether we should watch or sleep, we should live together with Him. Truth to Learn Faith in Jesus Christ means living with Him eternally. Behind the Words “Died” is from apothnēskō, which is composed of apo, meaning “from” or “away from,” used as an...
1 Thessalonians 5:9 – Why We Fight!
Because God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, Truth to Learn We need to realize what God has given us and fight for Him. Behind the Words “Because” is from hoti, meaning “that” or “because.” It serves to introduce something...
1 Thessalonians 5:6 – No Sleep-walking!
Therefore we should not sleep, as others do, but we should be alert and be watchful. Truth to Learn Christians need to wake up and stop sleep-walking through life. Behind the Words Ara oun are the opening words of this verse in Greek. They are both inferential particles, serving...
1 Thessalonians 5:8 – Ready For Battle?
But we, being of the day should be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and of love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. Truth to Learn It is important for Christians to always be battle ready. Behind the Words “Be sober” is the translation of the...
1 Thessalonians 5:7 – Darkness or Light?
For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. Truth to Learn Unbelievers like the spiritual darkness they live in. Behind the Words The words “those who sleep” are from the verb katheudō, which we saw in yesterday’s verse. This form of...
1 Thessalonians 5:5 – Spiritual Enlightenment
You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of night nor of darkness. Truth to Learn Christians have spiritual understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit. Behind the Words “You” is from humeis, the second person plural personal pronoun. Greek is different...
1 Thessalonians 5:4 – Spiritual Darkness?
But you, brothers, are not in darkness, so that this Day should seize you as a thief. Truth to Learn Christians do not live in darkness. Behind the Words The word “but” is translated from the Greek particle de, which we looked at in verse one. It indicates transition...
1 Thessalonians 5:3 – Peace and Destruction
For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them, like labor pains of childbirth. And they shall not escape. Truth to Learn The Day of the Lord will begin with a period of peace. Behind the Words Hotan is the Greek word translated “when.” It...
1 Thessalonians 5:2 – Noisily Versus Quietly
For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. Truth to Learn The Day of the Lord will come quietly, the rapture noisily. Behind the Words “Know” is translated from the verb eidō, which refers to “seeing with perception and...
1 Thessalonians 5:1 – Ignorance Versus Knowledge
But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need of anything to be written to you. Truth to Learn There is a distinct difference between the rapture (the day of Jesus Christ) and the tribulation (the Day of the Lord). Behind the Words The word “but”...
1 Thessalonians 4:18 – Words of Comfort
Therefore comfort one another with these words. Truth to Learn Knowledge of the rapture should be a comfort to us all. Behind the Words Hōste is the Greek word translated “therefore.” It is composed of hōs, meaning “in this manner” and te, an article of connection, which serves to...
1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Glorious Meeting
Afterwards we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Truth to Learn Living Christians will join the “dead in Christ” at the rapture. Behind the Words...
1 Thessalonians 4:16 – A Joyful Sound
For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Truth to Learn The rapture is a loud event and a time of celebration. Behind the Words...
1 Thessalonians 4:15 – Any Day Now
For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. Truth to Learn The rapture could happen any day now! Behind the Words The word...
1 Thessalonians 4:14 – Returning With Him
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. Truth to Learn Christians who have died will come with Jesus at the rapture. Behind the Words There are three classes of conditional clauses (if statements) contained...