1 Thessalonians 4:18

The Second Coming Is a Message of Comfort

Though Paul was many miles away from the young church in Thessalonica when he penned the words of this letter, he deeply desired that they know the comfort available to those who trust in Jesus Christ as Lord. Words of truth about the resurrection surely should have given, and continue to give, hope to all who are in Christ. They should give special reassurance to those whose loved ones have died in Christ. For that reason, Paul urged his readers to use the truth about the resurrection to comfort one another (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

1 Thessalonians 5:1-3

When Will the Lord Come Again?

The questions which the Thessalonians seemingly asked about the condition of dead saints when Christ comes again might have logically led one to ask when He would come. Paul must have already dealt with this matter since he wrote as if they already knew the answer. Jesus clearly taught that His coming would be sudden and unexpected. No signs will precede that day which would point to its being at hand (Matthew 24:36-51; Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 12:39-40). Just as a thief does not call ahead to announce his coming, the Lord's coming will have no special sign occurring before it and will therefore be a surprise.

Unbelievers, according to Paul, reassure themselves by saying there is no reason for concern. He explained that the second coming would be as sudden as the onset of labor pains. Those who fail to be watchful will not escape the Lord's wrath (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3).