A couple of years ago we studied the phrase “addicted to delusion” and we noted how people can become addicted to ideas, religions, and superstitions which are a delusion. Paul tells the Thessalonians that he did not teach about the harpazo, the parousia, and the apocalypse in order delude, trick or bait anyone; but that he taught these things because he loved them and wanted to nurture them. However, we see that Paul has to write another letter to re-explain some of these future events because someone had confused the Church at Thessalonica with misinformation. Today, the Church, the called out body of Christ, is just as confused. People have a hard time getting events and their timing correct, and many preach a false gospel of bondage. There will be a group of people who reject Jesus, no matter what is said, and for those people Paul tells us that they will be under an “energized delusion”. We will look at Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians and see what he says regarding harpazo, parousia, the apocalypse and the wrath to come.
Before we look at Paul’s letters we should note what Peter explains to us regarding those who intentionally reject Jesus as Lord. Peter tells us that Jesus would become a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence. This is in reference to people who refuse to believe Jesus is Lord. Therefore, besides putting our events in order, we also have to put the people who partake in the events in order as well.
1 Peter 2:8G2532and G3037a stone G4348of stumbling, G2532and G4073a rock G4625causing offence, G3739which G4350they stumble against G3588the G3056word, G544being disobedient; G1519to G3739which G2532also G5087they were appointed.
4625 LSJ Gloss: σκάνδαλον a trap
Dodson: σκάνδαλον a snare, stumbling-block a snare, stumbling-block, cause for error.
Strong’s: σκάνδαλον a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e. snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin) Derivation: ("scandal"); probably from a derivative of G2578; KJV Usage: occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumblingblock.
Thayer:
1) the movable stick or trigger of a trap, a trap stick
1a) a trap, snare
1b) any impediment placed in the way and causing one to stumble or fall, (a stumbling block, occasion of stumbling) i.e. a rock which is a cause of stumbling
1c) fig. applied to Jesus Christ, whose person and career were so contrary to the expectations of the Jews concerning the Messiah, that they rejected him and by their obstinacy made shipwreck of their salvation
2) any person or thing by which one is (entrapped) drawn into error or sin
σκάνδαλον
skandalon skan'-dal-on A “scandal”; probably from a derivative of G2578; a trap stick (bent sapling), that is, snare (figuratively cause of displeasure or sin) KJV Usage: occasion to fall (of stumbling), offence, thing that offends, stumbling-block.
They became apathetic to the logos, which they were appointed to and fell off a cliff (petra) into a snare. Or we could say that they tripped, being offended by Jesus. We will see that Paul tells us, when Jesus comes on the Day of the Lord he will take vengeance on those who do not know him and have refused to obey him. This rock of offence is more than just a “tripping over”, it will actually be like falling off a ledge. Paul reminds them that the gospel came in power and in the Holy Spirit.
1 Thessalonians 1:5 (KJV)
5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
They received the good news, the gospel, in dunamis, miraculous power. This is the difference between those who receive Jesus and those who don’t. The good news is preached with miraculous power and in the Holy Spirit; and those who receive the good news do not stumble, trip, or fall off a ledge. If we believe on Jesus, the we are waiting for him and he delivers us from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 1:10 (KJV)
10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.
This is good news, we won’t be falling off a rock ledge, we also won’t be going through any wrath that is to come. Who will be falling and stumbling over Jesus and going through wrath? The Jesus rejecters. Clearly there are two groups, those delivered from wrath and those who are not. Keeping this in mind, we see Paul reminding the Thessalonian Church that he did not come to trick them but to help them.
1 Thessalonians 2:1 (KJV)
1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
1Thess 2:3G3588 G1063For G3874our exhortation G1473 G3756was not G1537from out of G4106delusion, G3761nor G1537from out of G167uncleanness, G3777nor G1722in G1388deceit.
4106LSJ Gloss: πλάνη a wandering, roaming
Dodson: πλάνη a wandering, error a wandering; fig: deceit, delusion, error, sin.
Strong's: πλάνη objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety Derivation: feminine of G4108 (as abstractly); KJV Usage: deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.
Thayer:
1) a wandering, a straying about
1a) one led astray from the right way, roams hither and thither
2) metaph.
2a) mental straying
2a1) error, wrong opinion relative to morals or religion
2b) error which shows itself in action, a wrong mode of acting
2c) error, that which leads into error, deceit or fraud
1a) one led astray from the right way, roams hither and thither
2) metaph.
2a) mental straying
2a1) error, wrong opinion relative to morals or religion
2b) error which shows itself in action, a wrong mode of acting
2c) error, that which leads into error, deceit or fraud
πλάνη
planē plan'-ay Feminine of G4108 (as abstraction); objectively fraudulence; subjectively a straying from orthodoxy or piety
KJV Usage: deceit, to deceive, delusion, error.
167LSJ Gloss: ἀκαθαρσία uncleanness, impurity
Dodson: ἀκαθαρσία uncleanness, impurity.
Strong’s: ἀκαθαρσία impurity (the quality), physically or morally
Derivation: from G169; KJV Usage: uncleanness.
Thayer:
1) uncleanness
1a) physical
1b) in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living
1b1) of impure motives
ἀκαθαρσία
akatharsia ak-ath-ar-see'-ah From G169; impurity (the quality), physically or morally KJV Usage: uncleanness.
1388LSJ Gloss: δόλος a bait
Dodson: δόλος deceit, guile, treachery.
Strong’s: δόλος compare G1185); a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile
Derivation: from an obsolete primary verb, δέλλω (probably meaning to decoy; KJV Usage: craft, deceit, guile, subtilty.
Thayer:
1) craft, deceit, guile
δόλος
dolos dol'-os From δέλλω dellō (an obsolete primary probably meaning to decoy; compare G1185); a trick (bait), that is, (figuratively) wile KJV Usage: craft, deceit, guile, subtilty.
Paul was not being fraudulent, impure, or deceitful; he was not going to earn any money or a make fortune from teaching them the truth. Oh boy, that is a hot one. Many people make money from teaching “their”version of the truth. But Paul is not looking for money, or payment, or to elevate his portfolio.
1 Thessalonians 2:4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
5G3777For neither G1063 G4218at any time G1722with G3056word G2850of flattery G1096did we exist, G2531as G1492you know, G3777nor G1722with G4392an excuse G4124for a desire for wealth, G2316(God G3144is witness),
We are trying to assess why Paul is telling this church about the harpazo, the parousia, the apocalypse and the wrath to come. He is not making money by doing this. These are the subjects that we confuse the most today. But Paul is only informing them of these things to comfort them, giving them this “good news”. It turns out that when we mix these things up, we turn all of this into bad news, while the wily spin fear into people and proclaim their own special secret knowledge. This is what Paul was correcting. The events that will happen are respective of who is a believer on Jesus as Christ and who is not. Since Paul is writing to the called out, he is speaking to those who believe on Christ.
1 Thessalonians 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
The purpose of sharing the good news in power and in the Holy Spirit is so that they walk worthy of their calling.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 (KJV)
12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
God is calling people into the kingdom. Some hear and receive the kingdom, some reject the kingdom. It is the choice of each person. The plan of salvation was predestined, the people however must choose.
Paul is talking about those who hinder the speaking of the gospel. He compares both the situation in Thessalonica to the one he experienced in Judah. This is an interesting point that Paul makes. He says the wrath is going to come on those who restrain them from speaking. When? Paul says in the end. There is a slight mistranslation here as we can see.
1 Thessalonians 2:16 (KJV)
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
I Thess 2:16G2967(ones restraining G1473us G3588[to the G14843nations G2980to speak], G2443that G4982they should be delivered,) G1519so as G3588 G378to fill up G1473their G3588 G266sins G3842at all times; G5348but came G1161 G1909upon G1473them G3588the G3709wrath G1519to G5056the end.
5348LSJ Gloss: φθάνω to come
Dodson: φθάνω I anticipate, precede, arrive (a) I anticipate, precede, (b) I come, arrive.
Strong’s: φθάνω to be beforehand, i.e. anticipate or precede; by extension, to have arrived at Derivation: apparently a primary verb;
KJV Usage: (already) attain, come, prevent.
Thayer:
1) to come before, precede, anticipate
2) to come to, arrive at
3) to reach, attain to
Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
φθάνω
phthanō fthan'-o Apparently a primary verb; to be beforehand, that is, anticipate or precede; by extension to have arrived at KJV Usage: (already) attain, come, prevent.
3709LSJ Gloss: ὀργή natural impulse
Dodson: ὀργή anger, wrath, passion anger, wrath, passion; punishment, vengeance.
Strong’s: ὀργή properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e. (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implication punishment Derivation: from G3713; KJV Usage: anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.
Thayer:
1) anger, the natural disposition, temper, character
2) movement or agitation of the soul, impulse, desire, any violent emotion, but esp. anger
3) anger, wrath, indignation
4) anger exhibited in punishment, hence used for punishment itself
4a) of punishments inflicted by magistrates
ὀργή
orgē or-gay' From G3713; properly desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), that is, (by analogy) violent passion (ire, or [justifiable] abhorrence); by implication punishment KJV Usage: anger, indignation, vengeance, wrath.
1519LSJ Gloss: εἰς into, to c. acc.
Dodson: εἰσ into, in, among, till, for into, in, unto, to, upon, towards, for, among.
Thayer:
1) into, unto, to, towards, for, among
Wigram's frequency count is 1770 not 1773.
εἰς
eis ice A primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases. KJV Usage: [abundant-] ly, against, among, as, at, [back-] ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for [intent, purpose], fore, + forth, in (among, at unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-) on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore (-unto), throughout, till, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-) until (-to), . . . ward, [where-] fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literallyor figuratively.
50565LSJ Gloss: τέλος the fulfilment
Dodson: τέλος an end, purpose, tax (a) an end, (b) event or issue, (c) the principal end, aim, purpose, (d) a tax.
Thayer:
1) end
1a) termination, the limit at which a thing ceases to be (always of the end of some act or state, but not of the end of a period of time)
1b) the end
1b1) the last in any succession or series
1b2) eternal
1c) that by which a thing is finished, its close, issue
1d) the end to which all things relate, the aim, purpose
2) toll, custom (i.e. indirect tax on goods)
τέλος
telos tel'-os From a primary word τέλλω tellō (to set out for a definite point or goal); properly the point aimed at as a limit, that is, (by implication) the conclusion of an act or state (termination [literally, figuratively or indefinitely], result [immediate, ultimate or prophetic], purpose); specifically an impost or levy (as paid) KJV Usage: + continual, custom, end (-ing), finally, uttermost.
This last phrase of verse 16 should read “but will come upon them the wrath in the end”. The word came is past tense which is incorrect. This word is future tense, will come or comes on is correct. The wrath will come on those who hinder the gospel message in the end. In the last days, or in the end of their existence. What does this mean? When people die, they either go to hades or to paradise. Hades is a place of wrath. Also after the white throne judgement, people will be judged according to their works and either be cast into the lake of fire or allowed into the new earth. In the tribulation there will be people who hinder the gospel and will murder those who stand for Jesus as Lord. Those who hinder the gospel in the tribulation will receive wrath as well. In any event, the end of those who hinder the gospel will be the coming wrath. Wrath is coming for those who fall off the ledge, when they tripped over Jesus as Lord and Savior. Wrath will come to some on the earth and to some in Hades. We can choose deliverance from wrath or we can choose wrath.
Paul tells the Thessalonians that they, the church, are his crown of rejoicing when they stand in front of Jesus at his parousia.
1 Thessalonians 2:18-19 (KJV)
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1 Thess 2:19G5100For what is G1063 G1473our G1680hope, G2228or G5479joy, G2228or G4735crown G2746of boasting? G2228or G3780is it not G2532also G1473you G1715in front of G3588 G2962our Lord G1473 G*Jesus G5547Christ G1722at G3588 G1473his G3952arrival?
3952LSJ Gloss: παρουσία a being present, presence
Dodson: παρουσία presence, a coming, arrival, advent (a) presence, (b) a coming, an arrival, advent, especially of the second coming of Christ.
Strong’s: παρουσία a being near, i.e. advent (often, return; specially, of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physically, aspect Derivation: from the present participle of G3918;
KJV Usage: coming, presence.
Thayer:
1) presence
2) the coming, arrival, advent
2a) the future visible return from heaven of Jesus, to raise the dead, hold the last judgment, and set up formally and gloriously the kingdom of God
παρουσία
parousia par-oo-see'-ah From the present participle of G3918; a being near, that is, advent (often, return; specifically of Christ to punish Jerusalem, or finally the wicked); (by implication) physical aspect KJV Usage: coming, presence.
Parousia in context can mean “coming or arrival” as a normal happening, or it can mean when “Jesus comes to punish Jerusalem”, the apocalypse. Our context, including the questions being asked, is what gives us greater understanding.
Keep in mind that Jesus did not tell the disciples about the harpazo; that was a secret, a mystery that Paul revealed to us. So when Jesus speaks of his coming as is recorded in the gospels, he is not speaking of his coming at the harpazo, but his coming at the Day of the Lord. This is important to bookmark in our mind. Paul revealed the harpazo, not Jesus. Jesus never told the disciples about the snatching or gathering; if he had, the devil would never have crucified him. Jesus had to die to bring the dead and living in Christ together in heaven to return as the redeemed heavenly army.
We will stand in front of Jesus a couple of times; when we meet Him in the air, when he is presented before the Father as the Lamb who was slain, and when we stand before him to receive rewards at His coronation. Paul’s “crown of boasting” gives us the idea that this parousia is the time we receive crowns and can stand in front of Him blameless. That would be Revelation 11. We will also stand before the Father.
1 Thessalonians 3:12-13 (KJV)
12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
1 Thessalonians 3:13G1519so as G3588 G4741to support G1473your G3588 G2588hearts G273blameless G1722in G42holiness G1715before G3588the G2316God G2532and G3962our father, G1473 G1722at G3588the G3952arrival G3588 G2962of our Lord G1473 G*Jesus G5547Christ G3326with G3956all G3588 G39his holy ones. G1473
Paul is hoping for blameless and holy hearts before God the Father at the parousia of our Lord Jesus with his holy ones. Jesus comes with his holy ones on the Day of the Lord, the apocalypse. Jesus also meets us in the clouds with his angels who blow trumpets and shout, which is the harpazo. Which event is this? Well we have a clue, the word translated “holy ones”, is really “holy things”. The translators made this word “people” instead of “things”. As we studied in the past, translators used this word interchangeably at times according to their own opinions.
39 Strong’s: ἅγιον a sacred thing (i.e. spot) Derivation: neuter of G40; KJV Usage: holiest (of all), holy place, sanctuary.
Thayer:
1) reverend, worthy of veneration
1a) of things which on account of some connection with God possess a certain distinction and claim to reverence, as places sacred to God which are not to be profaned
1b) of persons whose services God employs, for example, apostles
2) set apart for God, to be as it were, exclusively his
3) services and offerings
3a) prepared for God with solemn rite, pure, clean
4) in a moral sense, pure sinless upright holy
ἅγιον
hagion hag'-ee-on Neuter of G40; a sacred thing (that is, spot) KJV Usage: holiest (of all), holy place, sanctuary.
40 LSJ Gloss: ἅγιος devoted to the gods, sacred, holy
Dodson: ἅγιος set apart, holy, sacred set apart by (or for) God, holy, sacred.
Strong’s: ἅγιος sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) Derivation: from ἅγος (an awful thing) (compare G53, G2282); KJV Usage: (most) holy (one, thing), saint.
Thayer:
1) most holy thing, a saint
Berry's New Testament Synonyms
Trench's New Testament Synonyms
Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
ἅγιος
hagios hag'-ee-os From ἅγος hagos (an awful thing) compare G53, [H2282]; sacred (physically pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially consecrated) KJV Usage: (most) holy (one, thing), saint.
Jesus establishes his kingdom on the earth and he brings an army. If our hearts are established as blameless and holy, we will stand with Jesus before the Father. The army will stand blameless before the Father with Jesus on the fearful and terrible Day of the Lord. If we also look at the word hagion, we realize that he could be bringing the holy place and the holy of holies. We know that will also happen at that time.
Paul tries to comfort the hearts of the Church by explaining that they are not to be ignorant regarding the dead and the harpazo.
1 Thess 4:13G3756[2I do not G23093want G11611But] G1473you G50to be ignorant, G80brethren, G4012concerning G3588the ones G2837having gone to sleep, G2443that G3361you do not G3076fret G2531as G2532even G3588the G3062rest, G3588the ones G3361not G2192having G1680hope
2837LSJ Gloss: κοιμάω to lull
Dodson: κοιμάομαι I fall asleep, am asleep I fall asleep, am asleep, sometimes of the sleep of death.
Strong's: κοιμάω to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease Derivation: from G2749; KJV Usage: (be a-, fall a-, fall on) sleep, be dead.
Thayer:
1) to cause to sleep, put to sleep
2) metaph.
2a) to still, calm, quiet
2b) to fall asleep, to sleep
2c) to die
2) metaph.
2a) to still, calm, quiet
2b) to fall asleep, to sleep
2c) to die
κοιμάω
koimaō koy-mah'-o From G2749; to put to sleep, that is, (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively to decease KJV Usage: (be a-, fall a-, fall on) sleep, be dead.
2749LSJ Gloss: κεῖμαι to be laid
Dodson: κεῖμαι I lie, recline, am laid I lie, recline, am placed, am laid, set, specially appointed, destined.
Strong's: κεῖμαι to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively) Derivation: middle voice of a primary verb; KJV Usage: be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie.
Thayer:
1) to lie
1a) of an infant
1b) of one buried
1c) of things that quietly cover some spot
1c1) of a city situated on a hill
1d) of things put or set in any place, in ref. to which we often use "to stand"
1d1) of vessels, of a throne, of the site of a city, of grain and other things laid up together, of a foundation
2) metaph.
2a) to be (by God's intent) set, i.e. destined, appointed
2b) of laws, to be made, laid down
2c) lies in the power of the evil one, i.e. is held in subjection by the devil
1a) of an infant
1b) of one buried
1c) of things that quietly cover some spot
1c1) of a city situated on a hill
1d) of things put or set in any place, in ref. to which we often use "to stand"
1d1) of vessels, of a throne, of the site of a city, of grain and other things laid up together, of a foundation
2) metaph.
2a) to be (by God's intent) set, i.e. destined, appointed
2b) of laws, to be made, laid down
2c) lies in the power of the evil one, i.e. is held in subjection by the devil
κεῖμαι
keimai ki'-mahee Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively) KJV Usage: be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie.
If we look at the words used here for sleep, we understand that sleep communicates “dead”. This does not mean that the person is literally sleeping and their body will one day wake up, it means that when we lay the body out it looks like the person is asleep. The body then decays in the ground. The spirit and soul are not asleep. Paul then explains that the dead rise first and the living are caught up with them at the time of the harpazo. The corrupted body will now put on incorruption and the mortal body will put on immortality.
In an attempt to not repeat this teaching on the harpazo I am including the various times we have studied this before.
Paul says that they don’t need to know the times and seasons because they know that the Day of the Lord comes unexpectedly for those on earth, but the believers in Christ will not be on the earth.
1 Thessalonians 5:1-3 (KJV)
1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
Remember, the Day of the Lord is the apocalypse, the day that Jesus is revealed as King of kings and Lord of lords, and the very same day that brings destruction to the devil’s kingdom on the earth. This is the day Jesus comes with his armies. During this time, the earth will be told that they are in a time of peace and safety. The beast has killed Babylon and now everyone will be forced to worship the beast. One world government, one world religion. If everyone worships the beast, there will be peace and safety. But then comes sudden ruin, and no one can escape. This is the time period of the Jesus rejecters. The day of wrath that comes on the whole world. Where are the saints who made Jesus Lord before the harpazo? They are in the heavens preparing to come back with Jesus as a holy army. Where are the martyred saints from the tribulation? Resting in heaven and waiting for the number of martyrs to be fulfilled.
Now, if we remember, in 1 Thessalonians 1:10 Paul says we are waiting for Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. Paul reminds everyone again that we are not appointed to wrath. This tells us that in whatever venue Jesus is coming, the parousia, the harpazo, or the apocalypse, we are not appointed to and we are delivered from the wrath to come.
1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 (KJV)
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
Paul sheds some light on the idea that in whatever instance we are speaking about Jesus returning, we are not to be fearful as if we were appointed to wrath. Who is appointed to wrath? Those who have rejected Jesus as Lord. Whether we are dead or alive, we who believe on Jesus as Lord and Messiah will live together with Him. Now the children of the Living God can and should comfort each other with these words. How can we comfort one another with these words and then allow false teachers to tell us that we have to go through the wrath and cause us to fear? Either Paul is correct or the false teacher is correct. It may seem like the person standing in front of you is more real than the Apostle Paul, but I guarantee, the Holy Spirit did not preserve the Living and Active logos of God because Paul was wrong. The Holy Spirit is giving us the truth, not fairytales.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 (KJV)
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:23G1473And he, G1161 G3588the G2316God G3588 G1515of peace, G37may he sanctify G1473you G3651perfectly complete; G2532and G3648may your entire G1473 G3588 G4151spirit, G2532and G3588 G5590soul, G2532and G3588 G4983body, G274[2blamelessly G17223in G35884the G39525arrival G3588 G29626of our Lord G1473 G*7Jesus G55478Christ G50831be kept].
Sanctify is to “make holy”. Paul’s prayer is that God would perfectly sanctify us. Paul prays our spirit, soul, and body will be blameless in the parousia of the Lord Jesus Christ. Which coming? This sounds like harpazo. The day we are all changed in the twinkling of an eye. Paul revealed the event of the harpazo, but he did not know the time of the harpazo. He knew it could happen any time after the number of Gentiles/nations was fulfilled, but what that number is and how long that would take he did not know. Could it be in their lifetime? Maybe, that is why he wrote as if it could be in their life time.
There is a great key here. As long as the believers in Christ are on the earth, the wrath will not occur. As long as people who have made Jesus Lord are still alive on earth then the apocalypse cannot occur. If believers in Christ are living on the earth, the Day of the Lord has not come to pass. There will be people that come to believe on Jesus during the tribulation, but they will overwhelmingly die for their faith in Him. They go through the wrath to come because they did not make Jesus Lord and Christ of their lives before the harpazo. If the harpazo has not happened, then the wrath is not happening. If the harpazo has not occurred, then the dead have not risen. If the harpazo has not happened, then there is still time to make Jesus the Lord of one’s life. If the harpazo has not happened, then we are not in the tribulation.
So far, we know that Paul is telling the Church that they are not going through wrath and they are not appointed to wrath, but they are delivered from wrath. This group that does not go through the wrath are the “called out”, the church. He then tells them that he is not teaching special secret knowledge to make money or to deceive them. He is not spreading superstitious delusions. He is simply telling them about the events to take place.
Now remember that he had been there in person, but someone came preaching to them and changed the doctrines that Paul originally taught. That person or those people were probably asking for money to preach, they were not concerned with truth as much as their own compensation. The Church at Thessalonica thought the resurrection of the dead had already occurred. They may also have been told that the harpazo had already taken place. They were told by these false teachers that the Day of the Lord was right around the corner and they would have to go through the wrath. What we see Paul doing is attempting to straighten out their concerns.
The dead have not risen yet. Paul is pointing out that the harpazo is when this will happen. The harpazo hasn’t occurred yet if they, the Church at Thessalonica, haven’t been caught up with the dead. In other words Paul is saying ‘stop worrying, you are not going through the wrath and you are not appointed to wrath, so the Day of the Lord is not upon you’.
Paul is reminding them that he came to nurture them and he prays that they will be counted blameless when Jesus comes at the harpazo and when Jesus comes with his army. The army will be presented before the Father before the Day of the Lord and Paul hopes that they will be worthy of that calling.
Paul is tender towards the Thessalonian Church. He points out all their love and kindness and he wants them to be encouraged. Paul doesn’t want them to be in fear of the tribulation or the wrath. Paul, in his later letters, writes about these subjects with further detail. But for now, Paul is the one explaining the Mystery. Paul is the one revealing the Mystery, and he didn’t want others to come to the churches that he established and teach false doctrines.
Paul handles this subject in the same way that he handles the people teaching “the law” in Galatia. He wants people to stop believing the false teachers. He also wants people to understand the importance of this good news. It is good news to know the Lord and be delivered from the wrath to come. Next week we will explore the second letter to the Thessalonians to learn what their questions might have been regarding the Day of the Lord and the tribulation time.
