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collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)
Robertson: 1Th 5:1 - -- But concerning the times and the seasons ( peri de tōn chronōn kai tōn kairōn ).
See both words used also in Tit 1:2. Chronos is rather an ...
But concerning the times and the seasons (
See both words used also in Tit 1:2.

Robertson: 1Th 5:2 - -- Know perfectly ( akribōs oidate ).
Accurately know, not "the times and the seasons,"but their own ignorance.
Know perfectly (
Accurately know, not "the times and the seasons,"but their own ignorance.

Robertson: 1Th 5:2 - -- As a thief in the night ( hōs kleptēs en nukti ).
As a thief at night, suddenly and unexpectedly. Reminiscence of the word of Jesus (Mat 24:43; L...

Cometh (
Prophetic or futuristic present tense.
Vincent: 1Th 5:1 - -- Times - seasons ( χρόνων - καιρῶν )
See on Act 1:7. With special reference to the Lord's coming. The plural is used because Paul...
Times - seasons (
See on Act 1:7. With special reference to the Lord's coming. The plural is used because Paul is thinking of a number of incidents attending the preparation and accomplishment of the second advent, and occurring at different times. The collocation times and seasons only here and Act 1:7.

Vincent: 1Th 5:2 - -- The day of the Lord ( ἡμέρα κυρίου )
The day of Christ's second coming. In Paul's Epistles this is expressed by ἡ ἡμέ...
The day of the Lord (
The day of Christ's second coming. In Paul's Epistles this is expressed by

Vincent: 1Th 5:2 - -- As a thief ( ὡς κλέπτης )
Comp. Mat 24:43; Luk 12:39; 2Pe 3:10; Rev 16:15, and see on Rev 3:3.

Vincent: 1Th 5:2 - -- In the night ( ἐν νυκιτί )
The ancient church held that the advent was to be expected at night, on an Easter eve. This gave rise to t...
In the night (
The ancient church held that the advent was to be expected at night, on an Easter eve. This gave rise to the custom of vigils. Jerome, on Mat 25:6, says: " It is a tradition of the Jews that Messiah will come at midnight, after the likeness of that season in Egypt when the Passover was celebrated, and the Destroyer came, and the Lord passed over the dwellings. I think that this idea was perpetuated in the apostolic custom, that, on the day of vigils, at the Pascha, it was not allowed to dismiss the people before midnight, since they expected the advent of Christ." It is noteworthy how many of the gospel lessons on watchfulness are associated with the night and a visit by night. See Mat 24:43; Mat 25:1-13; Mar 13:35; Luk 12:35, Luk 12:38; Luk 17:34; Luk 12:20.
But of the precise times when this shall be.

For this in general ye do know; and ye can and need know no more.
The general and indefinite term for chronological periods.

JFB: 1Th 5:1 - -- The opportune times (Dan 7:12; Act 1:7). Time denotes quantity; season, quality. Seasons are parts of times.

JFB: 1Th 5:1 - -- Those who watch do not need to be told when the hour will come, for they are always ready [BENGEL].
Those who watch do not need to be told when the hour will come, for they are always ready [BENGEL].

Present: expressing its speedy and awful certainty.

JFB: 1Th 5:2 - -- The apostles in this image follow the parable of their Lord, expressing how the Lord's coming shall take men by surprise (Mat 24:43; 2Pe 3:10). "The n...
The apostles in this image follow the parable of their Lord, expressing how the Lord's coming shall take men by surprise (Mat 24:43; 2Pe 3:10). "The night is wherever there is quiet unconcern" [BENGEL]. "At midnight" (perhaps figurative: to some parts of the earth it will be literal night), Mat 25:6. The thief not only gives no notice of his approach but takes all precaution to prevent the household knowing of it. So the Lord (Rev 16:15). Signs will precede the coming, to confirm the patient hope of the watchful believer; but the coming itself shall be sudden at last (Mat 24:32-36; Luk 21:25-32, Luk 21:35).
Clarke -> 1Th 5:1
Clarke: 1Th 5:1 - -- But of the times and the seasons - It is natural to suppose, after what he had said in the conclusion of the preceding chapter concerning the coming...
But of the times and the seasons - It is natural to suppose, after what he had said in the conclusion of the preceding chapter concerning the coming of Christ, the raising of the dead, and rendering those immortal who should then be found alive, without obliging them to pass through the empire of death, that the Thessalonians would feel an innocent curiosity to know, as the disciples did concerning the destruction of Jerusalem, when those things should take place, and what should be the signs of those times, and of the coming of the Son of man. And it is remarkable that the apostle answers, here, to these anticipated questions as our Lord did, in the above case, to the direct question of his disciples; and he seems to refer in these words, Of the times and the seasons ye have no need that I write unto you, for yourselves know that the day of the Lord cometh as a thief in the night, to what our Lord said, Mat 24:44; Mat 25:13; and the apostle takes it for granted that they were acquainted with our Lord’ s prediction on the subject: For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. It is very likely therefore, that the apostle, like our Lord, couples these two grand events-the destruction of Jerusalem and the final judgment. And it appears most probable that it is of the former event chiefly that he speaks here, as it was certainly of the latter that he treated in the conclusion of the preceding chapter. In the notes on Act 1:6, Act 1:7, it has already been shown that the
Calvin: 1Th 5:1 - -- 1.But as to times. He now, in the third place, calls them back from a curious and unprofitable inquiry as to times, but in the mean time admonishes ...
1.But as to times. He now, in the third place, calls them back from a curious and unprofitable inquiry as to times, but in the mean time admonishes them to be constantly in a state of preparation for receiving Christ. 589 He speaks, however, by way of anticipation, saying, that they have no need that he should write as to those things which the curious desire to know. For it is an evidence of excessive incredulity not to believe what the Lord foretells, unless he marks out the day by certain circumstances, and as it were points it out with the finger. As, therefore, those waver between doubtful opinions who require that moments of time should be marked out for them, as if they would draw a conjecture 590 from some plausible demonstration, he accordingly says that discussions of this nature are not necessary for the pious. There is also another reason — that believers do not desire to know more than they are permitted to learn in God’s school. Now Christ designed that the day of his coming should be hid from us, that, being in suspense, we might be as it were upon watch.

Calvin: 1Th 5:2 - -- 2.Ye know perfectly. He places exact knowledge in contrast with an anxious desire of investigation. But what is it that he says the Thessalonians kno...
2.Ye know perfectly. He places exact knowledge in contrast with an anxious desire of investigation. But what is it that he says the Thessalonians know accurately? 591 It is, that the day of Christ will come suddenly and unexpectedly, so as to take unbelievers by surprise, as a thief does those that are asleep. This, however, is opposed to evident tokens, which might portend afar off his coming to the world. Hence it were foolish to wish to determine the time precisely from presages or prodigies.
Defender: 1Th 5:1 - -- The phrase "times and the seasons" occurs elsewhere only in Act 1:7. The "times" have to do with the chronology of future periods, the "seasons," with...
The phrase "times and the seasons" occurs elsewhere only in Act 1:7. The "times" have to do with the chronology of future periods, the "seasons," with the characteristics of those periods.

Defender: 1Th 5:1 - -- There was no need for Paul to write of these matters, for he had already conveyed all this information concerning the future to them: the teachings of...
There was no need for Paul to write of these matters, for he had already conveyed all this information concerning the future to them: the teachings of Christ, those of the apostles, and also what he, himself, had received by revelation."

Defender: 1Th 5:2 - -- This is the first written mention of "the day of the Lord" in the New Testament, although Peter had quoted the phrase from the Old Testament (Joe 2:31...
This is the first written mention of "the day of the Lord" in the New Testament, although Peter had quoted the phrase from the Old Testament (Joe 2:31) in his sermon on the day of Pentecost (Act 2:20). This phrase is used over thirty times in the Old Testament. In context here, it refers to the coming of the final period of God's judgment on the earth.

Defender: 1Th 5:2 - -- Although the day of the Lord would be a period of great judgment on God's enemies, it would begin unexpectedly and quietly. The Lord Jesus had also us...
Although the day of the Lord would be a period of great judgment on God's enemies, it would begin unexpectedly and quietly. The Lord Jesus had also used the figure of the thief coming secretly, and the Thessalonians already knew this from Paul's teachings (Mat 24:42-44; 2Pe 3:10; Rev 3:3; Rev 16:15). Therefore, we should be constantly watchful for the Lord, not just for various signs preceding His coming. Paul was watching throughout his life (2Ti 4:8), and here he urges, "let us watch and be sober" (1Th 5:6)."
TSK: 1Th 5:1 - -- the times : Mat 24:3, Mat 24:36; Mar 13:30-32; Act 1:7
ye : 1Th 4:9; 2Co 9:1; Jud 1:3

collapse allCommentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)
Barnes: 1Th 5:1 - -- But of the times and the seasons - See the notes, Act 1:7. The reference here is to the coming of the Lord Jesus, and to the various events con...
But of the times and the seasons - See the notes, Act 1:7. The reference here is to the coming of the Lord Jesus, and to the various events connected with his advent; see the close of 1 Thes. 4.
Ye have no need that I write unto you - That is, they had received all the information on the particular point to which he refers, which it was necessary they should have. He seems to refer particularly to the suddenness of his coming. It is evident from this, as well as from other parts of this Epistle, that this had been, from some cause, a prominent topic which he had dwelt on when he was with them; see the notes on 1Th 1:10.

Barnes: 1Th 5:2 - -- For yourselves know perfectly - That is, they had been fully taught this. There could be no doubt in their minds respecting it. The day of...
For yourselves know perfectly - That is, they had been fully taught this. There could be no doubt in their minds respecting it.
The day of the Lord so cometh - Of the Lord Jesus - for so the word "Lord"in the New Testament commonly means; see the notes, Act 1:24. The "day of the Lord"means that day in which he will be manifested, or in which he will be the prominent object in view of the assembled universe.
As a thief in the night - Suddenly and unexpectedly, as a robber breaks into a dwelling. A thief comes without giving any warning, or any indications of his approach. He not only gives none, but he is careful that none shall be given. It is a point with him that, if possible, the man whose house he is about to rob shall have no means of ascertaining his approach until he comes suddenly upon him; compare Mat 24:37-43 notes; Luk 12:39-40 notes. In this way the Lord Jesus will return to judgment; and this proves that all the attempts to determine the day, the year, or the century when he will come, must be fallacious. He intends that his coming to this world shall be sudden and unexpected, "like that of a thief in the night;"that there shall be no such indications of his approach that it shall not be sudden and unexpected; and that no warning of it shall be given so that people may know the time of his appearing. If this be not the point of the comparison in expressions like this, what is it? Is there anything else in which his coming will resemble that of a thief? And if this be the true point of comparison, how can it be true that people can ascertain when that is to occur? Assuredly, if they can, his coming will not be like that of a thief; comp. notes on Act 1:7.
Poole: 1Th 5:1 - -- 1Th 5:1-11 The apostle proceedeth to show that Christ’ s coming
will be sudden, exhorting Christians to watch and be
sober, so as not to be tak...
1Th 5:1-11 The apostle proceedeth to show that Christ’ s coming
will be sudden, exhorting Christians to watch and be
sober, so as not to be taken by surprise.
1Th 5:12,13 He beseecheth them to respect their spiritual guides,
1Th 5:14-22 and giveth, divers other precepts,
1Th 5:23-28 concluding with a prayer and salutations.
But when shall these things be? Might some say, as the disciples asked Christ, Mat 24:3,36 Ac 1:6 . He tells them:
It is not for you to know the times or the seasons not that they knew them in particular already, but there was no need they should know them. It may be some among them were too curious to inquire. He doth not say they could not be known, as being put into God’ s own power, as Act 1:7 ; but,
ye have no need that I write of them. The apostle, as in his preaching, so in his writing, had respect to what was most needful and profitable for the people: as when the disciples asked: Are there few that be saved? Christ answered them in that which was most needful to them, Luk 13:24 : and so doth the apostle here; instead of acquainting them with the times and seasons, he puts them upon watchfulness, that they might not be surprised, as in the following verses; and to improve the knowledge they had already, which was this, that Christ’ s coming would be sudden.

Poole: 1Th 5:2 - -- By times and seasons then, before mentioned, he meant the time: of the Lord’ s coming, or he applies what he spoke in general to this particul...
By times and seasons then, before mentioned, he meant the time: of the Lord’ s coming, or he applies what he spoke in general to this particular, which he here calls
the day of the Lord And though they knew not the particular time, yet they did know this, it would be sudden and unexpected, coming
as a thief in the night Rev 16:15 : the comparison is to be restrained only to the suddenness of it; for his coming will be welcome, and so not as a thief, to all that believe. And it is called
the day of the Lord here and elsewhere, 1Co 3:13 Phi 1:6,10 , and that day, 2Ti 1:18 , not to be taken for a natural day, but a certain period of time. Any eminent manifestation of God, either in works of mercy or judgment, is called his day in Scripture, Isa 2:12 Jer 46:10 . And so because Christ will be more eminently manifested now than ever before, therefore his coming is called his day; and that it would be sudden they did not only know, but
know perfectly or accurately; Eph 5:15 , circumspectly: there could be only conjectures about the particular time: the influence hereof was powerful upon their hearts, and so they may be said to know it perfectly. In religion, knowledge is not perfect which is not operative.
Haydock -> 1Th 5:1
Haydock: 1Th 5:1 - -- Of the times and moments. That is, of the day of judgment, of the end of the world, of the destruction of Jerusalem. It is enough to know the time ...
Of the times and moments. That is, of the day of judgment, of the end of the world, of the destruction of Jerusalem. It is enough to know the time is uncertain, and that death cometh as a thief in the night. (Witham) ---
When the judgment shall take place the Angels themselves do not know. Perhaps St. Paul, when wrapt up to the third heaven, may have learnt something on this subject; for he was told many things which he could not announce to man; therefore, he says, I need not write to you: it is unnecessary for us to know it. (Calmet)
Gill: 1Th 5:1 - -- But of the times and the seasons, brethren,.... Of the coming of Christ, his "appointed time" and "his day", as the Ethiopic version renders it; of th...
But of the times and the seasons, brethren,.... Of the coming of Christ, his "appointed time" and "his day", as the Ethiopic version renders it; of the resurrection of the dead in Christ first, and of the rapture of all the saints in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, things treated of in the preceding chapter: and which might excite a curiosity to know the times and seasons of them; as in what year they would come to pass; in what season of the year, whether winter or summer; in what month, and on what day of the month; and whether in the night season, or in the daytime; and in what hour, whether at midnight, cockcrowing, morning, or noonday: to repress which the apostle observes,
ye have no need that I write unto you; to write to them concerning the things themselves was necessary and useful, to stir up and encourage their faith, hope, and expectation of them; to allay their grief for departed friends, and to comfort one another under the various trials and exercises of life; but to write to them about the time of these things would be trifling and unnecessary, would be an idle speculation, and an indulging a vain curiosity; and, besides, was impracticable: for of that day and hour knows no man; the times and seasons the Father hath put in his own power; for these things are equally true of Christ's second coming, as of the kingdom of Christ coming with power and glory, and of the destruction of Jerusalem, Mat 24:36. The Vulgate Latin and Arabic versions read, "ye have no need that we write unto you"; the reason follows;

Gill: 1Th 5:2 - -- For yourselves know perfectly,.... With great exactness and accuracy, with great clearness and perspicuity, as a certain truth, which was made plain a...
For yourselves know perfectly,.... With great exactness and accuracy, with great clearness and perspicuity, as a certain truth, which was made plain and evident to them, and about which there could be no question; and which perfect knowledge they had, either from the words of Christ, Mat 24:42, or from the ministration of the apostle and his fellow labourers, when among them:
that the day of the Lord; of the Lord Jesus, when he will show himself to be King of kings, and Lord of lords, and the Judge of the whole earth; and which is sometimes styled the day of the Son of man, and the day of God, for Christ will appear then most gloriously, both in his divine and human nature; the day of redemption, that is, of the body from the grave, and from corruption and mortality; and the last day in which will be the resurrection of the dead, and the day of judgment, in which Christ will come to judge the quick and dead: and which
so cometh as a thief in the night; at an unawares, and the Lord himself in that day will so come, Rev 3:3 respect is had not to the character of the thief, nor to the end of his coming; but to the manner of it, in the dark, indiscernibly, suddenly, and when not thought of and looked for; and such will be the coming of Christ, it will be sudden, and unknown before hand, and when least thought of and expected: and since the Thessalonians knew this full well, it was needless for the apostle to write about the time and season of it; which they were sensible of, could no more be known and fixed, than the coming of a thief into anyone of their houses.

expand allCommentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: 1Th 5:2 Jesus used a thief coming at night as an illustration of the unexpected and hostile nature of the coming of God’s judgment in the future. This i...
Geneva Bible -> 1Th 5:1
Geneva Bible: 1Th 5:1 But ( 1 ) of the times and the ( a ) seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
( 1 ) The day that God has appointed for this judgment...

expand allCommentary -- Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis -> 1Th 5:1-28
TSK Synopsis: 1Th 5:1-28 - --1 He proceeds in the former description of Christ's coming to judgment;16 and gives divers precepts;23 and so concludes the epistle.
MHCC -> 1Th 5:1-5
MHCC: 1Th 5:1-5 - --It is needless or useless to ask about the particular time of Christ's coming. Christ did not reveal this to the apostles. There are times and seasons...
Matthew Henry -> 1Th 5:1-5
Matthew Henry: 1Th 5:1-5 - -- In these words observe, I. The apostle tells the Thessalonians it was needless or useless to enquire about the particular time of Christ's coming: ...
Barclay -> 1Th 5:1-11
Barclay: 1Th 5:1-11 - --We shall not fully understand the New Testament pictures of the Second Coming unless we remember that they have an Old Testament background. In the O...
Constable -> 1Th 5:1-11
Constable: 1Th 5:1-11 - --C. Personal watchfulness 5:1-11
In view of the imminency of Christ's return Paul exhorted the Thessalonians to be ready to prepare them to meet the Lo...
College -> 1Th 5:1-28
College: 1Th 5:1-28 - --1 THESSALONIANS 5
2. The Suddenness of the Lord's Return (5:1-11)
1 Now, brothers, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you k...
McGarvey: 1Th 5:1 - --But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you . [When Christian hopes are thus vividly pictured f...
