I Thessalonians 4:15-16

"For this I say to you, by divine inspiration, we who are alive having survived until the Lord's arrival will absolutely not be ahead of those who go to sleep." (I Thessalonians 4:15)

Paul uses the phrase "in word of Lord" to indicate that he was speaking by inspiration. He was not quoting something that Jesus had said, but writing under the authority of Jesus. Paul describes those who are still alive at the return of Jesus as those who remain or survive. This could be taken to imply that not many Christians will remain at this time. Paul uses a double negative for emphasis. Those who are alive will not have an advantage when the rapture occurs.

"Because the Lord himself, with a loud cry, with the voice of a chief angel and with a trumpet of God, will descend from heaven and the dead in Christ will rise first." (I Thessalonians 4:16)

The Lord's appearance will be a great event. It will be announced by a cry, by an archangel and by a trumpet. The only angel called an archangel in the Bible is Michael. A common view is that there were three archangels: Lucifer, Michael and Gabriel. Those who have died in Christ will be resurrected when Jesus returns. Their soul and spirit will be united with their new bodies.

I Thessalonians 4:13, 14

"Now we desire, brothers, that you have understanding in regard to those who sleep. We do not want you thrown into sorrow like those who have no hope." (I Thessalonians 4:13)

There seems to have been some misunderstanding among these believers regarding the fate of those who die in Christ. We do not know what this misunderstanding was. In the New Testament, believers who have died are almost always said to be asleep. Death is not the end for us. We have the hope of the resurrection. Therefore we should not throw ourselves into sorrow over those who sleep.

"Since we are confident that Jesus died and arose, so God will bring with Jesus those who have gone to sleep." (I Thessalonians 4:14)

Our hope of resurrection is based upon the resurrection of Jesus. Because he arose, those who die in Him will come back to life.

I Thessalonians 4:10-12

"For indeed you all do love all the brothers in all Macedonia. But we beg you to overflow with even more." (I Thessalonians 4:10)

Paul praised these Christians for their love, but he did not want them to think that there was no room for improvement. We should never be satisfied with our spiritual progress.

"And you should be ambitious in seeking to live a quiet life, and be busy with your own affairs, and work with your hands as we commanded you." (I Thessalonians 4:11)

Paul uses a play on words in this verse. He instructs us to actively seek a quiet life. We should focus on our own affairs not the affairs of others. We are to work rather than be idle. These are commands not suggestions.

"So that you may walk properly in regard to those outside. And you will have need of nothing." (I Thessalonians 4:12)

These commands will protect and enhance our testimony. Those outside of Christianity will respect us. God will supply our needs as we obey these instructions.