1 Thessalonians 5:2

5:2 For you know quite well that the day of the Lord ¹  will come in the same way as a thief in the night. ² 

1 Thessalonians 2:1

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, ³  about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless. ⁴ 

1 Thessalonians 3:3

3:3 so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

1 Thessalonians 4:9

4:9 Now on the topic of brotherly love ⁵  you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.

1 Thessalonians 1:9

1:9 For people everywhere ⁶  report how you welcomed us ⁷  and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

1 Thessalonians 2:14

2:14 For you became imitators, brothers and sisters, ⁸  of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, because you too suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they in fact did from the Jews,

¹ sn The day of the Lord is the period of time in the future when the Lord will intervene in the events of this earth to consummate his redemption and his judgment (Isa 2:11-12; 13:6-13; Ezek 30:3; Joel 1:15; 2:32; 3:18; Amos 5:18-20; Obad 15-17; Zeph 1:7-18; 2:2-3; Zech 14:1, 13, 20-21; Mal 4:1, 5; 1 Cor 1:8; 5:5; 2 Cor 1:14; 2 Thess 2:2; 2 Pet 3:10). It includes both blessings and curses, though the latter is emphasized here.

² sn 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 is repeated in various ways in v. 4; 2 Pet 3:10; Rev 3:3; 16:15.

³ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

⁴ tn Grk “has not become empty.” Paul is defending himself against the charge that he lacked earnestness and personal concern for them, but appeared in their city out of greed or egotism. In his defense he appeals to what they recall of his ministry and what has become of it since he left, all of which demonstrates his God-given earnestness and effectiveness.

⁵ tn Grk “concerning brotherly love.”

⁷ tn Grk “they themselves,” referring to people in the places just mentioned.

⁸ tn Grk “what sort of entrance we had to you” (an idiom for how someone is received).

⁹ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.