1Th 4:15-17 | RWP | e4.org | By the word of the Lord ( εν λογω Κυριου ). We do not know to what word of the Lord Jesus Paul refers, probably Paul meaning only the point in the teaching of Christ rather than a quotation. He may be claiming a direct revelation on this important matter as about the Lord's Supper in . Jesus may have spoken on this subject though it has not been preserved to us (cf. ). Ye that are alive ( ημεις ο ζωντες ). Paul here includes himself, but this by no means shows that Paul knew that he would be alive at the Parousia of Christ. He was alive, not dead, when he wrote. Shall in no wise precede ( ου μη φθασωμεν ). Second aorist active subjunctive of φθανω , to come before, to anticipate. This strong negative with ου μη (double negative) and the subjunctive is the regular idiom (Robertson, Grammar , p. 929). Hence there was no ground for uneasiness about the dead in Christ.

‏ 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

By the word of the Lord ( εν λογω Κυριου ). We do not know to what word of the Lord Jesus Paul refers, probably Paul meaning only the point in the teaching of Christ rather than a quotation. He may be claiming a direct revelation on this important matter as about the Lord's Supper in 1Co 11:23. Jesus may have spoken on this subject though it has not been preserved to us (cf. Mr 9:1).

Ye that are alive ( ημεις ο ζωντες ). Paul here includes himself, but this by no means shows that Paul knew that he would be alive at the Parousia of Christ. He was alive, not dead, when he wrote.

Shall in no wise precede ( ου μη φθασωμεν ). Second aorist active subjunctive of φθανω, to come before, to anticipate. This strong negative with ου μη (double negative) and the subjunctive is the regular idiom (Robertson, Grammar, p. 929). Hence there was no ground for uneasiness about the dead in Christ.

With a shout ( εν κελευσματ ). Note this so-called instrumental use of εν. Old word, here only in N.T., from κελευω, to order, command (military command). Christ will come as Conqueror.

With the voice of the archangel ( εν φωνη αρχαγγελου ). Further explanation of κελευσματ (command). The only archangel mentioned in N.T. is Michael in Jude 1:9. But note absence of article with both φωνη and αρχαγγελου. The reference may be thus indefinite.

With the trump of God ( εν σαλπιγγ θεου ). Trumpet. See same figure in 1Co 15:52.

The dead in Christ shall rise first ( ο νεκρο εν Χριστω αναστησοντα πρωτον ).

First here refers plainly to the fact that, so far from the dead in Christ having no share in the Parousia, they will rise before those still alive are changed.

Then ( επειτα ). The next step, not the identical time ( τοτε ), but immediately afterwards.

Together with them ( αμα συν αυτοις ). Note both αμα (at the same time) and συν (together with) with the associative instrumental case αυτοις (the risen saints).

Shall be caught up ( αρπαγησομεθα ). Second future passive indicative of αρπαζω, old verb to seize, to carry off like Latin rapio.

To meet the Lord in the air ( εις απαντησιν του Κυριου εις αερα ). This special Greek idiom is common in the LXX like the Hebrew, but Polybius has it also and it occurs in the papyri (Moulton, Proleg., p. 14, n. 3). This rapture of the saints (both risen and changed) is a glorious climax to Paul's argument of consolation.

And so ( κα ουτως ). This is the outcome, to be forever with the Lord, whether with a return to earth or with an immediate departure for heaven Paul does not say. To be with Christ is the chief hope of Paul's life (1Th 5:10; Php 1:23; Col 3:4; 2Co 5:8).