The Comfort of His Coming
This Week's Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Hope Beyond Grief
The Apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonian believers with a pastoral heart, addressing their confusion and grief regarding those who had died before Christ’s return. His desire is clear: “...that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope” (v. 13). Paul doesn’t dismiss grief, for loss is real, but he reframes it in the context of Christ’s death, resurrection, and return. The gospel transforms our sorrow into hope - a hope grounded in the victory of Jesus over sin and death.
In this passage, Paul provides reassurance that all believers, whether alive or deceased, will be united with Christ at his second coming. This teaching is as relevant now as it was then, offering comfort to grieving hearts and correcting misconceptions about life after death. As John Wesley wrote, “The best of all is, God is with us,” and this divine presence extends into eternity for those in Christ.
A Grief Transformed by the Resurrection
Paul begins by acknowledging the Thessalonians’ concern about those who have “fallen asleep” (v. 13). This term for death reflects the temporary nature of physical death for believers, echoing Jesus’ words about Lazarus: “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I go to awaken him” (John 11:11). For Christians, death is not an end but a transition to eternal life with Christ.
The foundation of this hope lies in the resurrection: “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (v. 14). The resurrection of Jesus guarantees the resurrection of his followers. As Paul teaches elsewhere, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile... But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead” (1 Corinthians 15:17, 20). This assurance anchors our hope in life and death, enabling us to face loss with confidence in God’s promises.
The Sequence of Christ’s Return
Paul transitions to the specifics of Christ’s return, drawing on “a word from the Lord” (v. 15). This likely refers to the teaching of Jesus, particularly in Matthew 24:30-31, where he describes the gathering of his elect at the sound of the trumpet. Paul emphasizes that those who have died in Christ will not be forgotten or excluded. Instead, they will rise first when Christ descends “with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God” (v. 16).
This imagery reflects the grandeur of the event and the authority of Christ as the risen King. The “trumpet” symbolizes both a call to resurrection and the heralding of Christ’s victory. The living believers will then be “caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” (v. 17). This term, often referred to as the “rapture,” depicts a joyous reunion between Christ and his people, not an escape from the world but the beginning of eternal communion.
Eternal Union with the Lord
The heart of Paul’s message lies in this truth: “...so we will always be with the Lord” (v. 17). The ultimate hope of the Christian isn’t merely avoiding death or judgment but being with Christ forever. This echoes Jesus’ prayer in John 17:24: “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory.”
Paul’s imagery of meeting the Lord in the air reflects the practice of citizens going out to welcome a dignitary and escorting him back to their city. This points to Christ’s return to reign, as foretold in Zechariah 14:5 and Revelation 21:3-4. While the details of these events remain mysterious, the certainty of eternal fellowship with Christ is unshakable.
Comforting One Another
Paul concludes with a pastoral exhortation: “Therefore encourage one another with these words” (v. 18). The doctrine of Christ’s return isn’t intended to provoke fear or speculation but to bring comfort and hope. It reminds us that death is not the final word and that God’s redemptive plan encompasses all who belong to him.
This passage challenges us to live in light of eternity, cultivating faith, hope, and love (1 Thessalonians 1:3). As Charles Wesley wrote, “Finish, then, thy new creation; pure and spotless let us be,” we’re called to holy living as we await the day when we’ll see Christ face to face.
Key Principles
Christ’s death and resurrection ensure the resurrection of all who trust in him. Death is not the end but a passage into eternal life with Christ (v. 14).
The Lord’s second coming will unite all believers, both living and deceased, in eternal fellowship with him. This promise encourages us to persevere in faith (vv. 16-17).
The knowledge that we’ll always be with the Lord transforms our grief and enables us to comfort one another with the truth of God’s Word (v. 18).
Bible Study Questions
What does Paul mean by referring to death as “falling asleep” (v. 13)? How does this reflect a Christian understanding of death?
How does the resurrection of Jesus guarantee the resurrection of believers (v. 14)? See 1 Corinthians 15:20-23.
In verse 15, Paul speaks of “a word from the Lord.” What teachings of Jesus might he be referring to? See Matthew 24:30-31 and John 5:25-29.
How does the imagery of Christ’s return in verse 16 (cry of command, voice of an archangel, trumpet) convey the authority and majesty of the event?
What does it mean to be “caught up together” with Christ and other believers (v. 17)? How does this differ from cultural depictions of the “rapture”?
How does Paul’s assurance that “we will always be with the Lord” (v. 17) shape our understanding of eternal life? See Revelation 21:3-4.
Why does Paul emphasize comforting one another with these words (v. 18)? How should this teaching shape our approach to grief and loss?
How does Paul’s teaching challenge the fear of missing out on Christ’s return?
What role does the hope of Christ’s return play in motivating holy living (1 Thessalonians 5:23)?
How does this passage deepen your understanding of God’s redemptive plan for humanity?
Questions for Discussion and Personal Reflection
How does the promise of resurrection affect the way you face the loss of loved ones?
In what ways does the hope of Christ’s return bring comfort during trials and uncertainties?
How can you better encourage others with the truth of God’s promises, as Paul instructs in verse 18?
What areas of your life need to align more closely with the hope and holiness associated with Christ’s return?
How do you balance anticipation of Christ’s return with faithfulness in your daily responsibilities?
What practical steps can you take to live with an eternal perspective?
How does the certainty of eternal union with Christ inspire worship and gratitude in your life?
How can you use this passage to share the hope of the gospel with someone struggling with fear or loss?
What role does community play in comforting and encouraging one another with these truths?
How does this passage deepen your understanding of the resurrection’s importance to the Christian faith?
Action Steps
1. Write a note or have a conversation with someone who is grieving, sharing the hope of resurrection and eternal life found in this passage.
2. Spend time meditating on verse 17, considering the joy and peace of being with the Lord forever. Let this hope shape your prayers and priorities this week.
3. Gather with fellow believers to study this passage and discuss how it strengthens your faith. Pray together for God’s comfort and hope to be evident in your lives and shared with others.
Thank you for joining me for This Week’s Bible study on 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. If it has encouraged you, please share it with others who need the comfort and hope of Christ’s return. Don’t forget to visit Walking Points for more resources to support your walk with Christ. Let’s eagerly await his coming, strengthened by his promises!