1 thessalonians 4:18 - Therefore comfort one another with these words.
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What does "1 thessalonians 4:18" mean?
The verse "Therefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18) is the conclusion to a passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 dealing with the Christian hope regarding those who have died in Christ. To understand what it means, let's break down the context:
The Context: Paul is writing to the Thessalonian church to address their concerns about believers who had already died before the return of Christ (the Second Coming). They worried that these deceased believers would somehow miss out on the blessings and glory promised to those who were alive at Christ's return.
Paul's Explanation: Paul reassures them that those who have died "in Christ" (i.e., those who were believers in Jesus) will not miss out. He explains that when Christ returns, He will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Him. He also describes the resurrection of the dead in Christ and how they, along with the believers who are still alive, will be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever (the "Rapture").
"These Words": The phrase "these words" refers back to the specific truths and assurances Paul has just conveyed in verses 13-17:
Hope, not despair: Christians should not grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Resurrection: Jesus died and rose again, and God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Him (1 Thessalonians 4:14).
Priority in resurrection: The dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Eternal presence with Christ: Living and resurrected believers will be caught up together to meet the Lord and be with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
"Comfort one another": This is the key instruction. Knowing these truths about the future should bring comfort to believers who are grieving or anxious about death. They are encouraged to share these truths with one another to provide solace, encouragement, and a renewed sense of hope.
In simpler terms:
Paul is saying, "Because you now know that those who die in Christ will rise again and be with Him forever, encourage each other with this wonderful news! Remind each other of this hope when you are sad or worried about death."
The Meaning and Significance
Hope in the face of death: The verse highlights the Christian's hope in resurrection and eternal life with Christ, which is a source of immense comfort during times of grief and loss.
Community Support: It emphasizes the importance of Christian community in providing mutual support and encouragement, particularly during difficult times.
Focus on the Future: It encourages believers to focus on the future hope of being with Christ, which can help them to persevere through present trials.
Living Hope: It reminds us that our hope is not just a wishful thought, but a solid assurance based on the truth of God's Word. This hope should affect how we live our lives in the present.
In essence, 1 Thessalonians 4:18 is a powerful call to share the comforting truths of the Christian faith with one another, especially in the face of death and loss, reminding each other of the hope we have in Christ's return and the promise of eternal life with Him.
1 thessalonians 4:18 - Therefore comfort one another with these words.
What does "1 thessalonians 4:18" mean?
The verse "Therefore comfort one another with these words" (1 Thessalonians 4:18) is the conclusion to a passage in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 dealing with the Christian hope regarding those who have died in Christ. To understand what it means, let's break down the context:
The Context: Paul is writing to the Thessalonian church to address their concerns about believers who had already died before the return of Christ (the Second Coming). They worried that these deceased believers would somehow miss out on the blessings and glory promised to those who were alive at Christ's return.
Paul's Explanation: Paul reassures them that those who have died "in Christ" (i.e., those who were believers in Jesus) will not miss out. He explains that when Christ returns, He will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Him. He also describes the resurrection of the dead in Christ and how they, along with the believers who are still alive, will be caught up together in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and be with Him forever (the "Rapture").
"These Words": The phrase "these words" refers back to the specific truths and assurances Paul has just conveyed in verses 13-17:
Hope, not despair: Christians should not grieve like those who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Resurrection: Jesus died and rose again, and God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Him (1 Thessalonians 4:14).
Priority in resurrection: The dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
Eternal presence with Christ: Living and resurrected believers will be caught up together to meet the Lord and be with Him forever (1 Thessalonians 4:17).
"Comfort one another": This is the key instruction. Knowing these truths about the future should bring comfort to believers who are grieving or anxious about death. They are encouraged to share these truths with one another to provide solace, encouragement, and a renewed sense of hope.
In simpler terms:
Paul is saying, "Because you now know that those who die in Christ will rise again and be with Him forever, encourage each other with this wonderful news! Remind each other of this hope when you are sad or worried about death."
The Meaning and Significance
Hope in the face of death: The verse highlights the Christian's hope in resurrection and eternal life with Christ, which is a source of immense comfort during times of grief and loss.
Community Support: It emphasizes the importance of Christian community in providing mutual support and encouragement, particularly during difficult times.
Focus on the Future: It encourages believers to focus on the future hope of being with Christ, which can help them to persevere through present trials.
Living Hope: It reminds us that our hope is not just a wishful thought, but a solid assurance based on the truth of God's Word. This hope should affect how we live our lives in the present.
In essence, 1 Thessalonians 4:18 is a powerful call to share the comforting truths of the Christian faith with one another, especially in the face of death and loss, reminding each other of the hope we have in Christ's return and the promise of eternal life with Him.