As recent converts to Christianity, the Thessalonian church lacked a full understanding of the faith and suffered severe persecution. Could the fledgling believers withstand the antagonistic social climate? First Thessalonians reminds us that faithful leaders, good teaching, and obedience help believers remain firm in their faith. The letter presents a clear vision of God as powerfully active i…
1Pero acerca de los tiempos y de las ocasiones, no tenéis necesidad, hermanos, de que yo os escriba.
2Porque vosotros sabéis perfectamente que el día del Señor vendrá así como ladrón en la noche;
3que cuando digan: Paz y seguridad, entonces vendrá sobre ellos destrucción repentina, como los dolores a la mujer encinta, y no escaparán.
4Mas vosotros, hermanos, no estáis en tinieblas, para que aquel día os sorprenda como ladrón.
5Porque todos vosotros sois hijos de luz e hijos del día; no somos de la noche ni de las tinieblas.
6Por tanto, no durmamos como los demás, sino velemos y seamos sobrios.
7Pues los que duermen, de noche duermen, y los que se embriagan, de noche se embriagan.
8Pero nosotros, que somos del día, seamos sobrios, habiéndonos vestido con la coraza de fe y de amor, y con la esperanza de salvación como yelmo.
9Porque no nos ha puesto Dios para ira, sino para alcanzar salvación por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo,
10quien murió por nosotros para que ya sea que velemos, o que durmamos, vivamos juntamente con él.
11Por lo cual, animaos unos a otros, y edificaos unos a otros, así como lo hacéis.
12Os rogamos, hermanos, que reconozcáis a los que trabajan entre vosotros, y os presiden en el Señor, y os amonestan;
13y que los tengáis en mucha estima y amor por causa de su obra. Tened paz entre vosotros.
14También os rogamos, hermanos, que amonestéis a los ociosos, que alentéis a los de poco ánimo, que sostengáis a los débiles, que seáis pacientes para con todos.
15Mirad que ninguno pague a otro mal por mal; antes seguid siempre lo bueno unos para con otros, y para con todos.
16Estad siempre gozosos.
17Orad sin cesar.
18Dad gracias en todo, porque esta es la voluntad de Dios para con vosotros en Cristo Jesús.
19No apaguéis al Espíritu.
20No menospreciéis las profecías.
21Examinadlo todo; retened lo bueno.
22Absteneos de toda especie de mal.
23Y el mismo Dios de paz os santifique por completo; y todo vuestro ser, espíritu, alma y cuerpo, sea guardado irreprensible para la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
24Fiel es el que os llama, el cual también lo hará.
25Hermanos, orad por nosotros.
26Saludad a todos los hermanos con ósculo santo.
27Os conjuro por el Señor, que esta carta se lea a todos los santos hermanos.
28La gracia de nuestro Señor Jesucristo sea con vosotros. Amén.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
I
Versículo 1
I. 5:1 Questions such as how and when all this will happen occupied the thoughts of both Jewish and …
5:1 Questions such as how and when all this will happen occupied the thoughts of both Jewish and Christian people (Dan 12:6; Matt 24:3; Luke 17:20; Acts 1:6; 1 Pet 1:10-11).
II
Versículo 2
II. 5:2 For you know quite well: Paul reminds them of the teaching they had already received (3:3-4).…
5:2 For you know quite well: Paul reminds them of the teaching they had already received (3:3-4). • The day of the Lord’s return is the time when God will come to judge humanity (Isa 13:6, 9; Ezek 30:3) and save his people (Joel 2:21-32; 3:18; Zech 14). • like a thief in the night: Cp. Matt 24:43-44; Luke 12:39-40; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 3:3; 16:15.
III
Versículo 3
III. 5:3 “Everything is peaceful and secure”: The expression “peace and safety” was common during the …
5:3 “Everything is peaceful and secure”: The expression “peace and safety” was common during the era of the pax Romana (Roman peace). Amid such presumed security, God’s ultimate judgment comes without warning and is inescapable.
IV
Versículo 4
IV. 5:4 The day of the Lord will not surprise believers—not because they know the date of his coming,…
5:4 The day of the Lord will not surprise believers—not because they know the date of his coming, but because they are spiritually prepared.
V
Versículo 5
V. 5:5 As children of the light, the Thessalonian believers were saved from darkness (John 12:36; Ac…
5:5 As children of the light, the Thessalonian believers were saved from darkness (John 12:36; Acts 26:18; Eph 5:8; 1 Pet 2:9). • of the day: They belong to God’s new order (Rom 13:12). • darkness and night: These refer to an immoral life (see 1 Thes 5:6-8).
VI
Versículo 6
VI. 5:6 Stay alert and be clearheaded echoes Jesus’ call to be morally prepared because the disciples…
5:6 Stay alert and be clearheaded echoes Jesus’ call to be morally prepared because the disciples will not know the day of his return (Matt 24:42, 44; 25:13; cp. 1 Pet 1:13).
VII
Versículo 7
VII. 5:7 Sleep refers to moral indifference (5:6), and drunk is a metaphor for those who do not exerci…
5:7 Sleep refers to moral indifference (5:6), and drunk is a metaphor for those who do not exercise self-control; they will be surprised by the day of the Lord (5:4; Matt 24:48-51).
VIII
Versículo 8
VIII. 5:8 Armor . . . helmet (Isa 59:17; Eph 6:11-17): The armament is the moral life (Rom 13:12; 2 Cor…
5:8 Armor . . . helmet (Isa 59:17; Eph 6:11-17): The armament is the moral life (Rom 13:12; 2 Cor 6:7; 10:3-5; 2 Tim 2:3-4). The Christian soldier is equipped with the virtues of faith, love, and confidence (see 1 Thes 1:3; 3:6; 1 Cor 13:13; 2 Thes 1:3-4).
IX
Versículo 9
IX. 5:9 God’s anger (1:10; 2:16; Rom 5:9; cp. 2 Thes 1:6-10; 2:8) represents the carrying out of his …
5:9 God’s anger (1:10; 2:16; Rom 5:9; cp. 2 Thes 1:6-10; 2:8) represents the carrying out of his judgment against evil. However, God destined believers for salvation, not wrath (2 Thes 2:13-14), and they will escape the terrors of the day of the Lord (1 Thes 5:1-3).
X
Versículo 10
X. 5:10 The promise that believers will live with him forever is based on Christ’s resurrection (4:1…
5:10 The promise that believers will live with him forever is based on Christ’s resurrection (4:14). • dead or alive: A reference to living and deceased believers (4:13-15) rather than people’s moral condition (as in 5:6-7).
XI
Versículo 11
XI. 5:11 Paul wants the Thessalonians to use the instruction about the end to encourage and build eac…
5:11 Paul wants the Thessalonians to use the instruction about the end to encourage and build each other up (see 4:18), not to fuel speculation about the timing of the Lord’s return.
XII
Versículo 12
XII. 5:12 honor (or know): This may be a call either to honor church leaders or to recognize the emerg…
5:12 honor (or know): This may be a call either to honor church leaders or to recognize the emerging leaders in the church (1 Cor 16:15-16). True leaders . . . work hard (1 Tim 4:10; 5:17) and govern to serve (Matt 20:25-28). They preside over, as well as help and protect, the church (Rom 16:1-2; 1 Tim 3:4-5, 12). • give you spiritual guidance: Leaders correct both moral and doctrinal errors (Acts 20:31; 1 Cor 4:14; Col 1:28).
XIII
Versículo 13
XIII. 5:13 Leaders were to receive honor and love not because of their high position but because of the…
5:13 Leaders were to receive honor and love not because of their high position but because of their work. • live peacefully: Teaching about community peace and harmony was a standard topic in ancient moral instruction. Harmony between believers and leaders was especially important because of the persecution the church suffered (2:14).
XIV
Versículo 14
XIV. 5:14 The responsibility for the moral progress of the congregation does not rest solely with the …
5:14 The responsibility for the moral progress of the congregation does not rest solely with the leaders (4:18; 5:11). Paul urged the church to warn those who are lazy, that is, those who were “disorderly,” and who did not live by the apostles’ instructions (see 2 Thes 3:6-15). • Take tender care of those who are weak, or those who have no economic or social power. Greek society denigrated the weak. • Instead of being irritable, believers should be patient in their relationships (Gal 5:23; Eph 4:2).
XV
Versículo 15
XV. 5:15 Jesus and the apostles warned against retaliation (Matt 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36; Rom 12:17-21;…
5:15 Jesus and the apostles warned against retaliation (Matt 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36; Rom 12:17-21; 1 Pet 3:9). The Roman author Seneca, by contrast, considered revenge legitimate and necessary as a way of restoring social honor lost because of ill treatment from others. Paul calls Christians to do good—both to members of the church (each other) and to those outside the Christian community (to all people), including their persecutors (1 Thes 2:14; see 3:12; Gal 6:10).
16
Versículo 17
16. 5:17 Never stop praying means not giving up (1:2; Luke 18:1; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18); it does not me…
5:17 Never stop praying means not giving up (1:2; Luke 18:1; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18); it does not mean praying at every moment.
17
Versículo 18
17. 5:18 Be thankful: God is sovereign and can redeem any situation (Rom 8:28).
5:18 Be thankful: God is sovereign and can redeem any situation (Rom 8:28).
18
Versículo 19
18. 5:19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit: Paul exhorts the Thessalonian believers not to put out the Sp…
5:19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit: Paul exhorts the Thessalonian believers not to put out the Spirit’s fire (Matt 3:11; Acts 2:3; 2 Tim 1:6) by prohibiting prophecy in the church (Jer 20:9; 1 Jn 4:1-2).
19
Versículo 20
19. 5:20-21 Prophecy, meant to build up the church (1 Cor 14:1-4), should not be rejected. Instead, t…
5:20-21 Prophecy, meant to build up the church (1 Cor 14:1-4), should not be rejected. Instead, the Thessalonians should test the prophecies (1 Cor 12:10; 14:29) to discern their origin, to check their agreement with the teaching of the apostles (2 Thes 2:2; 1 Jn 4:1-3), and to gauge the character of those who utter them (Matt 7:15-20). Early Christian teaching said, “Not everyone who speaks about spiritual things is a prophet, but only if the person’s conduct is like the Lord” (Didache 11:8). They should hold on to what is good—namely, prophecies that have been tested and found to be genuine.
20
Versículo 22
20. 5:22 They should reject every kind of evil, especially false prophecies (5:19-21).
5:22 They should reject every kind of evil, especially false prophecies (5:19-21).
21
Versículo 23
21. 5:23-28 Greek and Roman letters ended with a wish for the good health of the recipient. Jewish le…
5:23-28 Greek and Roman letters ended with a wish for the good health of the recipient. Jewish letters concluded with a peace blessing. Paul closes with a Christian variation on these practices.
5:23 God enables Christians to live a holy life (3:11-13). His sanctifying work extends to the spirit and soul and body, the totality of human life (cp. Matt 10:28; Mark 12:30; 1 Cor 7:34).
22
Versículo 24
22. 5:24 God will make this happen: Paul bases his confidence on the faithful character of God (1 Cor…
5:24 God will make this happen: Paul bases his confidence on the faithful character of God (1 Cor 1:9; 2 Thes 3:3; 2 Tim 2:13; 1 Jn 1:9).
23
Versículo 26
23. 5:26 a sacred kiss (see also Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Pet 5:14): Kissing on the che…
5:26 a sacred kiss (see also Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Pet 5:14): Kissing on the cheek or forehead was a common form of greeting that reflected such sentiments as honor, friendship, and love among family members (Mark 14:44-45; Luke 7:36-47; 15:20; Acts 20:37).
24
Versículo 27
24. 5:27 read this letter: Public reading of Scripture was practiced in both the synagogue (Luke 4:16…
5:27 read this letter: Public reading of Scripture was practiced in both the synagogue (Luke 4:16; Acts 13:15) and the church (1 Tim 4:13). Similarly, Paul’s letters were to be read aloud to the whole congregation (Col 4:16).
25
Versículo 28
25. 5:28 Paul improves the customary greeting by adding a blessing of grace at the end of his corresp…
5:28 Paul improves the customary greeting by adding a blessing of grace at the end of his correspondence (Rom 16:20; 1 Cor 16:23; Gal 6:18; Eph 6:24; 2 Thes 3:18).
Nuevo Testamento
1 Thessalonians — Capítulo 5
As recent converts to Christianity, the Thessalonian church lacked a full understanding of the faith and suffered severe persecution. Could the fledgling believers withstand the antagonistic social climate? First Thessalonians reminds us that faithful leaders, good teaching, and obedience help believers remain firm in their faith. The letter presents a clear vision of God as powerfully active i…
Texto — Reina-Valera 1960
1Pero acerca de los tiempos y de las ocasiones, no tenéis necesidad, hermanos, de que yo os escriba.
2Porque vosotros sabéis perfectamente que el día del Señor vendrá así como ladrón en la noche;
3que cuando digan: Paz y seguridad, entonces vendrá sobre ellos destrucción repentina, como los dolores a la mujer encinta, y no escaparán.
4Mas vosotros, hermanos, no estáis en tinieblas, para que aquel día os sorprenda como ladrón.
5Porque todos vosotros sois hijos de luz e hijos del día; no somos de la noche ni de las tinieblas.
6Por tanto, no durmamos como los demás, sino velemos y seamos sobrios.
7Pues los que duermen, de noche duermen, y los que se embriagan, de noche se embriagan.
8Pero nosotros, que somos del día, seamos sobrios, habiéndonos vestido con la coraza de fe y de amor, y con la esperanza de salvación como yelmo.
9Porque no nos ha puesto Dios para ira, sino para alcanzar salvación por medio de nuestro Señor Jesucristo,
10quien murió por nosotros para que ya sea que velemos, o que durmamos, vivamos juntamente con él.
11Por lo cual, animaos unos a otros, y edificaos unos a otros, así como lo hacéis.
12Os rogamos, hermanos, que reconozcáis a los que trabajan entre vosotros, y os presiden en el Señor, y os amonestan;
13y que los tengáis en mucha estima y amor por causa de su obra. Tened paz entre vosotros.
14También os rogamos, hermanos, que amonestéis a los ociosos, que alentéis a los de poco ánimo, que sostengáis a los débiles, que seáis pacientes para con todos.
15Mirad que ninguno pague a otro mal por mal; antes seguid siempre lo bueno unos para con otros, y para con todos.
16Estad siempre gozosos.
17Orad sin cesar.
18Dad gracias en todo, porque esta es la voluntad de Dios para con vosotros en Cristo Jesús.
19No apaguéis al Espíritu.
20No menospreciéis las profecías.
21Examinadlo todo; retened lo bueno.
22Absteneos de toda especie de mal.
23Y el mismo Dios de paz os santifique por completo; y todo vuestro ser, espíritu, alma y cuerpo, sea guardado irreprensible para la venida de nuestro Señor Jesucristo.
24Fiel es el que os llama, el cual también lo hará.
25Hermanos, orad por nosotros.
26Saludad a todos los hermanos con ósculo santo.
27Os conjuro por el Señor, que esta carta se lea a todos los santos hermanos.
28La gracia de nuestro Señor Jesucristo sea con vosotros. Amén.
TYNDALE OPEN STUDY NOTES
Versículo 1
I. 5:1 Questions such as how and when all this will happen occupied the thoughts of both Jewish and …
Versículo 2
II. 5:2 For you know quite well: Paul reminds them of the teaching they had already received (3:3-4).…
Versículo 3
III. 5:3 “Everything is peaceful and secure”: The expression “peace and safety” was common during the …
Versículo 4
IV. 5:4 The day of the Lord will not surprise believers—not because they know the date of his coming,…
Versículo 5
V. 5:5 As children of the light, the Thessalonian believers were saved from darkness (John 12:36; Ac…
Versículo 6
VI. 5:6 Stay alert and be clearheaded echoes Jesus’ call to be morally prepared because the disciples…
Versículo 7
VII. 5:7 Sleep refers to moral indifference (5:6), and drunk is a metaphor for those who do not exerci…
Versículo 8
VIII. 5:8 Armor . . . helmet (Isa 59:17; Eph 6:11-17): The armament is the moral life (Rom 13:12; 2 Cor…
Versículo 9
IX. 5:9 God’s anger (1:10; 2:16; Rom 5:9; cp. 2 Thes 1:6-10; 2:8) represents the carrying out of his …
Versículo 10
X. 5:10 The promise that believers will live with him forever is based on Christ’s resurrection (4:1…
Versículo 11
XI. 5:11 Paul wants the Thessalonians to use the instruction about the end to encourage and build eac…
Versículo 12
XII. 5:12 honor (or know): This may be a call either to honor church leaders or to recognize the emerg…
Versículo 13
XIII. 5:13 Leaders were to receive honor and love not because of their high position but because of the…
Versículo 14
XIV. 5:14 The responsibility for the moral progress of the congregation does not rest solely with the …
Versículo 15
XV. 5:15 Jesus and the apostles warned against retaliation (Matt 5:38-48; Luke 6:27-36; Rom 12:17-21;…
Versículo 17
16. 5:17 Never stop praying means not giving up (1:2; Luke 18:1; Rom 12:12; Eph 6:18); it does not me…
Versículo 18
17. 5:18 Be thankful: God is sovereign and can redeem any situation (Rom 8:28).
Versículo 19
18. 5:19 Do not stifle the Holy Spirit: Paul exhorts the Thessalonian believers not to put out the Sp…
Versículo 20
19. 5:20-21 Prophecy, meant to build up the church (1 Cor 14:1-4), should not be rejected. Instead, t…
Versículo 22
20. 5:22 They should reject every kind of evil, especially false prophecies (5:19-21).
Versículo 23
21. 5:23-28 Greek and Roman letters ended with a wish for the good health of the recipient. Jewish le…
Versículo 24
22. 5:24 God will make this happen: Paul bases his confidence on the faithful character of God (1 Cor…
Versículo 26
23. 5:26 a sacred kiss (see also Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Pet 5:14): Kissing on the che…
Versículo 27
24. 5:27 read this letter: Public reading of Scripture was practiced in both the synagogue (Luke 4:16…
Versículo 28
25. 5:28 Paul improves the customary greeting by adding a blessing of grace at the end of his corresp…