1 Thessalonians 5:1-11

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
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St. Thomas Episcopal Parish in Denver Colorado

  • Reading the Text:
  • Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
    • "Knowing the Danger (Thief in the Night)," The Jesus Database, an online annotated inventory of the traditions concerning the life and teachings of Jesus. Dr. Gregory C. Jenks, FaithFutures Foundation.
    • V.XXX.2, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
    • II.9, Paedagogus, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
    • IV.22, Stromata, Clement of Alexandria (c 200)
    • Chapter XXIV, On the Resurrection of the Flesh,  Tertullian (c. 211)
    • Concerning Flight in Persecution (paragraph 9) Tertullian (c. 212)
    • Chapter VII, On Modesty, Tertullian (c. 217)
    • XII.37, Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew, Origen. (c.247)
    • Commentary by St John Chrysostom: Homily IX.
    • From the Geneva Notes.
      • "Returning to exhortations, he warns us who are enlightened with the knowledge of God, that it is our duty not to live securely in pleasures, lest we be suddenly taken in a dead sleep in pleasures. But contrary to this we are to have an eye to the Lord, and not allow ourselves to be oppressed with the cares of this world, for pleasures are fitting for the darkness of the night, and having an eye to the Lord is fitting for the light."
    • From Matthew Henry's Commentary. (c. 1700)
      • "Let us endeavour to awaken ourselves and each other, and guard against our spiritual enemies."
    • From Wesley's Notes. (1703-1791)
      • "Being awakened, let us have all our spiritual senses about us."
    • "Awake, Awake! 1 Thessalonians 5:6," Charles H. Spurgeon, 1857.
      • "This proud ship of our commonwealth is reeling in a storm of sin; the very mast of this great nation is creaking under the hurricane of vice that sweeps across the noble vessel; every timber is strained, and God help the good ship, or alas! none can save her."
    • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
      • "The thief not only gives no notice of his approach but takes all precaution to prevent the household knowing of it."
    • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
      • "Since Christians are of the day, they should be wide awake. Day is not the time for sleep. A sleep of the spiritual faculties, which renders one insensible to danger, is meant. Instead of sleeping, Christians should watch and be sober."
  • Contemporary Commentary, Studies and Exegesis:
    • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2017.
    • Commentary, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Jane Patterson, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2017.
    • Commentary, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Amy L.B. Peeler, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2014.
      • "Christ's guaranteed return and their status as people of the day should serve as words of encouragement for them. They have nothing to fear when the master returns to the house but should use the promise of his return to excel still more."
    • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2017.
    • "Peace and Security," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2014.
      • "...maybe, where, how, or in what we have peace and security is not the best question -- it is in whom. It is heavily invested in, and perhaps only possible, in whom."
    • "Whether Awake or Asleep," Jan Richardson, The Painted Prayerbook, 2014. Use of images.
    • Commentary, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, C. Clifton Black, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2011.
      • "Paul's reply is an excellent specimen of pastoral theology: Take the problem -- in this case, apocalyptic anxiety -- reframe it, and help the church see the picture more fully and with sharper clarity."
    • Commentary, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Karoline Lewis, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2008.
      • "Paul's letter to the Thessalonians suggests that as much as faith, love, and hope are observable characteristics of a Christian community, so is encouragement."
    • "First Thoughts on Year A Epistle Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 23, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in
      • "These days the idols have major corporate sponsorship and represent powerful vested interests, but from much of Christianity there is little about which they need to be warned. Paul believes Christians should not be so drowsy and drunk, but be asserting the radical new way of faith and love and hope. His world needed it and so does ours."
    • "Ready for the Lord's Coming," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources. Includes detailed textual notes.
    • "Surprise! He's Coming!" Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel.
      • "Are you ready for the coming of Jesus? How can you get ready for his return?"
    • The Comfort and Challenge Concerning the Day of the Lord from An Exegetical and Devotional Commentary on 1 Thessalonians, by J. Hampton Keathley III at the Biblical Studies Foundation.
      • "...the greatest purpose of the prophetic Word is the pursuit of holiness by His people."
    • Jesus Now, Proper (Ordinary) 31A, lectionary, study and worship resources from Faith Futures Jesus Then & Now.
  • Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
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  • Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
  • Study Links and Resources for the Book of 1 Thessalonians