1 Thessalonians 4:17

1 Thessalonians 2: Paul's Ministry Among Them Paul reminds them that his coming is not in vain. Though he suffers before at Philippi, he speaks boldly at Thessalonica. He says his message is not from deceit or uncleanness, and he does not seek glory from men. He is gentle among them, laboring night and day so as not to burden anyone. He exhorts and comforts them as a father does his children, urging them to walk worthy of God. He thanks God that they receive the word as it is in truth, the word of God. He says they suffer from their own countrymen as the churches in Judaea suffer from the Jews. He desires to see them but says Satan hinders him, calling them his joy at the coming of the Lord Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 3: Timothy's Visit and Paul's Prayer Paul sends Timotheus, his brother and minister of God, to establish and comfort them in their faith. He reminds them that they are appointed to afflictions. Timotheus returns with good news of their faith and charity and says they remember Paul kindly and desire to see him. Paul says he is comforted in his distress by their faith and prays night and day to see them and perfect what is lacking in their faith. He asks God to increase their love and establish their hearts blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4: Holiness and the Rapture He urges them to abound more and more in pleasing God and to abstain from fornication. He says God calls them to holiness, not uncleanness. He tells them to love one another, to live quietly, do their own business, and work with their hands. Concerning those who sleep, he says they are not to sorrow as others. He declares that the Lord descends from heaven with a shout, the dead in Christ rise first, and those alive are caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.