1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
“For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night... But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day... Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober.”
King James Version
Paul teaches that the Day of the Lord comes unexpectedly like a thief, but believers, as children of light, are to watch and be sober.
Fulfillment References
2 Peter 3:10 Matthew 24:43 Revelation 16:15 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalApostolics, as Spirit-filled children of light (Acts 2:38), watch soberly for the sudden Day of the one Lord Jesus.
JewishThe 'Day of the LORD' (Yom YHWH) is a major prophetic theme of judgment and salvation; Judaism awaits its decisive arrival.
CatholicThe unknown timing calls for perseverance and readiness; no date can be set for the Lord's Day.
ProtestantA keynote for watchful, sober Christian living in light of Christ's sudden return.
OrthodoxSobriety (nepsis) and watchfulness mark the children of light awaiting the Lord's Day.
DispensationalBelievers are 'not appointed to wrath' (v.9), often cited for the Church's exemption from the tribulation.
AcademicScholars note Paul reworking dominical 'thief' tradition (cf. Matt. 24:43) for the Thessalonian community.
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.