1 Thessalonians 4:14
Verse
Context
The Return of the Lord
13Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope.14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again - Ει γαρ· Seeing that we believe; knowing that the resurrection of Christ is as fully authenticated as his death. Even so them - It necessarily follows that them who sleep - die, in him - in the faith of the Gospel, will God bring with him - he will raise them up as Jesus was raised from the dead, in the same manner, i.e. by his own eternal power and energy; and he will bring them with him - with Christ, for he is the head of the Church, which is his body.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For if--confirmation of his statement, Th1 4:13, that the removal of ignorance as to the sleeping believers would remove undue grief respecting them. See Th1 4:13, "hope." Hence it appears our hope rests on our faith ("if we believe"). "As surely as we all believe that Christ died and rose again (the very doctrine specified as taught at Thessalonica, Act 17:3), so also will God bring those laid to sleep by Jesus with Him (Jesus)." (So the order and balance of the members of the Greek sentence require us to translate). Believers are laid in sleep by Jesus, and so will be brought back from sleep with Jesus in His train when He comes. The disembodied souls are not here spoken of; the reference is to the sleeping bodies. The facts of Christ's experience are repeated in the believer's. He died and then rose: so believers shall die and then rise with Him. But in His case death is the term used, Co1 15:3, Co1 15:6, &c.; in theirs, sleep; because His death has taken for them the sting from death. The same Hand that shall raise them is that which laid them to sleep. "Laid to sleep by Jesus," answers to "dead in Christ" (Th1 4:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again,.... As every Christian does, for both the death and resurrection of Christ are fundamental articles of faith; nothing is more certain or more comfortable, and more firmly to be believed, than that Christ died for the sins of his people, and rose again for their justification; on these depend the present peace, joy, and comfort of the saints, and their everlasting salvation and happiness: and no less certain and comfortable, and as surely to be believed, is what follows, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. The saints that are dead are not only represented as asleep, as before, but as "asleep in Jesus"; to distinguish them from the other dead, the wicked; for the phrase of sleeping in death is promiscuously used of good and bad, though most commonly applied to good men: and so say the Jews (c), "we used to speak of just men, not as dead, but as sleeping; saying, afterwards such an one fell asleep, signifying that the death of the righteous is nothing else than a sleep.'' To represent death as a sleep makes it very easy and familiar; but it is more so, when it is considered as sleeping in Jesus, in the arms of Jesus; and such as are asleep in him must needs be at rest, and in safety: some join the phrase "in", or "by Jesus", with the word bring, and read the passage thus, "them that are asleep, by Jesus will God bring with him"; intimating, that God will raise up the dead bodies of the saints by Christ, as God-man and Mediator; and through him will bring them to eternal glory, and save them by him, as he has determined: others render the words, "them which sleep through", or "by Jesus"; or die for his sake, and so restrain them to the martyrs; who they suppose only will have part in the first resurrection, and whom God will bring with Jesus at his second coming; but the coming of Christ will be "with all his saints"; see Th1 3:13 wherefore they are best rendered, "them that sleep in Jesus"; that is, "in the faith of Jesus", as the Arabic version renders it: not in the lively exercise of faith on Christ, for this is not the case of all the saints at death; some of them are in the dark, and go from hence under a cloud, and yet go safe, and may be said to die, or sleep, in Jesus, and will be brought with him; but who have the principle, and hold the doctrine of faith, are, and live and die, true believers; who die interested in Christ, in union with him, being chosen and blessed, and preserved in him from everlasting, and effectually called by his grace in time, and brought to believe in him; these, both their souls and bodies, are united to Christ, and are his care and charge; and which union remains in death, and by virtue of it the bodies of the saints will be raised at the last day: so that there may be the strongest assurance, that such will God bring with him; either God the Father will bring them with his Son, or Jehovah the Son will bring them with himself; he will raise them from the dead, and unite them to their souls, or spirits, he will bring with him; the consideration of which may serve greatly to mitigate and abate sorrow for deceased friends. (c) Shebet Juda, p. 294. Ed. Gent.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:14 The central Christian creed, that Jesus died and was raised to life again, is the foundation for hope in the face of death, guaranteed by the resurrection of Christ (1 Cor 15). • God will bring back refers to the resurrection of believers (1 Thes 4:16).
1 Thessalonians 4:14
The Return of the Lord
13Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope.14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Communion of Saints
By A.W. Tozer3.4K32:07CommunionJHN 1:29JHN 14:8ACT 2:1ACT 13:21CO 11:29EPH 2:81TH 4:14In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of God's judgment and how it is different from condemnation. He uses the analogy of two boys playing in a backyard, where one boy is disciplined by his father while the other boy is sent home to his own father. The preacher then refers to the book of Revelation, specifically chapters 1, 2, and 3, where he highlights the decline in love, morality, and doctrine among the believers. He emphasizes the importance of discerning the presence of the Lord in communion and warns against partaking in a unworthy manner, as it can lead to damnation. The preacher also mentions the universal longing for God and how humanity is caught between the desire for God and the fear of Him. He references the Apostle's preaching to the Greeks and the hunger for God that exists in people. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the ministry to the Lord and the need to cultivate an awareness of God's presence.
Hope for the Godly in Death
By John Murray1.7K25:33DeathPSA 119:89ISA 61:3MAT 18:12ROM 8:392CO 12:9EPH 4:131TH 4:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing our thoughts and hearts on the glorious event of Christ's manifestation in his matchless glory. He encourages the audience to measure the depth of their love, hope, and outreach by how much they gravitate towards this future event. The preacher assures the congregation that their departed loved ones, including husbands, fathers, and pastors, will be glorified with Christ at his glorious appearance. He addresses the concern of the Thessalonians about whether those who have died will experience the rapture and assures them that the last enemy to be destroyed is death. The final truth the preacher highlights is that the godly will always be with the Lord, being snatched up into the air to meet him.
Memento Mori
By C.H. Spurgeon1.6K00:00DeathEternal LifeDEU 32:29PSA 90:12ECC 3:2MAT 24:44JHN 11:25ROM 6:232CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 9:27C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Memento Mori,' urging listeners to reflect on the inevitability of death and the importance of considering their eternal destiny. He emphasizes that while society often avoids the topic of death, true wisdom lies in acknowledging its certainty and preparing for it. Spurgeon warns that our earthly possessions and pleasures are fleeting, and that thoughts of death can lead to a deeper understanding of sin and a greater appreciation for salvation through Christ. He encourages believers to view death as a transition to eternal life, while imploring the unconverted to recognize the urgency of their spiritual state. Ultimately, Spurgeon calls for a heartfelt response to the gospel, reminding all that the way to salvation is simple and accessible.
The Mystery of Incarnation (5 of 9)
By Art Katz1.3K1:04:14IncarnationISA 54:5MAT 6:33JHN 11:35EPH 1:23COL 2:91TH 4:142TI 2:15In this sermon, the speaker shares his experience of arriving late to a meeting and feeling out of place. He expresses his observation that the people in the meeting lack a tragic sense of life. The speaker then reflects on the value of life and the importance of not dismissing or forgetting significant experiences. He emphasizes the need for Christians to have a depth of character and a variety of experiences, rather than being one-dimensional and reliant on entertainment.
Children of the Day
By Michael Koulianos4044:46Christian LifeSecond Coming Of ChristLiving as Children of Light1TH 4:14Michael Koulianos emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus Christ, urging believers to deepen their relationship with Him in preparation for His second coming. He explains the order of resurrection as outlined in 1 Thessalonians, highlighting the honor given to those who have died in faith and the joy of being reunited with them. Koulianos reassures the congregation that as children of the light, they are called to remain alert and steadfast in their faith, especially in a world filled with distractions and uncertainty. He encourages believers to comfort one another with the hope of eternal life and the promise of Jesus' return, reminding them that they are positioned for love, not judgment. The sermon concludes with a call to live victoriously, embracing faith and love as essential armor in these last days.
Death and Judgment
By Rolfe Barnard3153:25SalvationDeathJudgmentECC 12:7MRK 9:43JHN 3:16JHN 14:6ACT 4:12ROM 3:232CO 5:101TH 4:14HEB 9:27REV 20:14Rolfe Barnard's sermon 'Death and Judgment' emphasizes the inevitability of death and the subsequent judgment that every person must face. He reflects on how recent televised funerals have momentarily captured the world's attention to this reality, yet people quickly return to their daily lives, ignoring the truth that 'it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.' Barnard passionately urges listeners to recognize their need for Christ, as He is the only hope against the finality of death and the terror of judgment. He recounts personal experiences with death and the urgency of repentance, imploring the congregation to seek salvation before it's too late.
A Desire to Depart
By David Wilkerson0Overcoming Fear of DeathEternal LifePSA 116:15JHN 14:2ROM 8:181CO 15:542CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:142TI 4:7HEB 11:16REV 21:4David Wilkerson emphasizes that our mortal bodies are merely temporary shells that house the eternal life given to us by God. He explains that this eternal life grows within us, and when it reaches maturity, our physical bodies must be shed to embrace a new, glorious existence. Wilkerson encourages Christians to overcome the fear of death, as Paul did, recognizing that to die is to gain a greater life with the Lord. He urges believers to shift their focus from earthly ties to the anticipation of the heavenly city prepared for those who die in faith. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper desire to depart and be with the Lord, celebrating the victory of those who have passed on in Christ.
The Resurrection of Christ
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0MAT 12:38MRK 8:31LUK 9:22JHN 2:19ACT 1:22ROM 1:41CO 15:31TH 4:141PE 1:3W.H. Griffith Thomas preaches on the vital importance of the Resurrection in Christianity, likening it to a strategic point on the battlefield of Waterloo that determined the final outcome. He emphasizes the centrality of the Resurrection in the Gospels and the New Testament, highlighting the converging lines of evidence supporting it, including the life and character of Jesus Christ, the empty tomb, the transformation of the disciples, the existence of the primitive Church, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus, and the record of the appearances of the risen Christ in the Gospels. Thomas challenges the skepticism towards miracles, arguing that the Resurrection is a pivotal historical fact that cannot be dismissed.
Littleproud , J. Bio
By John Bjorlie0NEH 2:10PSA 116:15PRO 27:17ECC 12:10MAT 25:21JHN 3:16JHN 14:21TH 4:142TI 4:7REV 14:13Roy Littleproud, born in Forest, Ontario, in 1889, was raised in a Christian home where Christ was recognized as Lord. He became a teacher and later married Hilda Vance, who played a significant role in leading him to Christ. Littleproud's ministry extended to teaching the Word, organizing Bible classes, and editing materials for Sunday School teachers, impacting many lives with his dedication and love for God's people. Despite a tragic accident in 1941, he continued to serve faithfully until his sudden passing, leaving a legacy of devotion to God and service to others.
Letters: Rev. Malcolm White, Blairgowrie (1)
By Andrew Bonar0Hope of ResurrectionComfort in GriefJOB 1:21MAT 19:14ROM 8:181TH 4:14REV 21:4Andrew Bonar writes to Rev. Malcolm White, offering comfort in the face of sorrow over the loss of a child. He reminds the Whites that while the Lord gives and takes away, there is hope in the promise of resurrection when the little ones will return transformed in glory. Bonar draws a parallel between the sorrow of Joseph's parents and the joy that will come when they are reunited with their child in Christ. He encourages them to find solace in the presence of the Comforter, affirming their faith in God's plan. The letter serves as a heartfelt reminder of the hope and beauty that awaits believers.
The Bridge Which Leads to the Paradise of God
By Thomas Brooks0DeathEternal LifePSA 16:11JHN 11:25JHN 14:2ROM 8:181CO 15:542CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 2:14REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for believers, God is their ultimate portion, making death a welcome transition rather than a source of fear. He argues that those who have only worldly possessions should fear death, but saints should invite it as it leads to paradise and eternal joy in God's presence. Death is portrayed as a bridge to heavenly delights, immortality, and a deeper relationship with God. Brooks encourages believers to embrace death as a means to experience the fullness of life and glory that awaits them.
Death Brings the Soul to a State of Eternal Rest
By Thomas Brooks0Eternal RestThe Hope of DeathPSA 116:15ISA 57:2MAT 11:28JHN 14:2ROM 8:182CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 4:9REV 14:13Thomas Brooks emphasizes that a believer's last day is their best day, as death brings the soul into a state of eternal rest. He explains that death provides relief from the troubles of labor, afflictions, persecutions, temptations, sin, and sorrow. While in this world, even the godliest believers experience a lack of both temporal and spiritual mercies, but death leads to unchangeable rest and everlasting enjoyment of God. Brooks describes death as a coronation and marriage day for believers, marking their entrance into paradise and the joy of the Lord. Ultimately, he asserts that the day of a believer's death is far better than the day of their birth.
Lxviii. to a Christian Brother, on the Death of His Daughter
By Samuel Rutherford0PSA 116:15ROM 8:181CO 15:421TH 4:14HEB 12:23Samuel Rutherford delivers a comforting sermon to a grieving family, assuring them of the hope of resurrection for their departed daughter. He encourages them to find solace in the belief that those who have passed away in Jesus will be brought back by God. Rutherford reminds them that their daughter is now in the presence of God, experiencing the glory of heaven, and that it is a blessing for her to be with the Lord. He emphasizes the eternal perspective of life and the assurance that their prayers for her have been answered through her sinless glorifying of God.
Doing Today What Ought to Be Done
By A.W. Tozer0Urgency of LifeLiving with PurposePSA 90:12ECC 3:1MAT 6:341TH 4:14JAS 4:14A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgency of living each day to its fullest, recognizing the inevitability of death and the uncertainty of life. He reflects on the 'sleeping saints' and the reality that any of us could join them at any moment. Tozer urges listeners to prepare for the future by taking action today, whether it be making amends, expressing love, or fulfilling responsibilities. The sermon calls for a proactive approach to life, encouraging individuals to seize the day and not postpone what truly matters.
The Teaching of Saint Paul
By Olin Alfred Curtis0ROM 3:25ROM 5:102CO 5:21PHP 3:201TH 4:14TIT 2:13Olin Alfred Curtis delves into the comprehensive plan of biblical theology, emphasizing the importance of starting with the Old Testament and studying the New Testament through the lens of the Epistle to the Hebrews. He highlights the centrality of Saint Paul's teachings, particularly focusing on the significance of Christ's death as the core of Paul's gospel message. Curtis explores the concept of Christ being made a sinner on our behalf, emphasizing the substitutional nature of His death and how it reconciles humanity to God. He also delves into the deep theological implications of Christ's death as a propitiation, emphasizing the harmonization of God's justice and love through the sacrificial death of Jesus.
Job 14:14
By Chuck Smith0ResurrectionHope Beyond DeathJOB 14:14ISA 26:19JHN 11:25ROM 6:51CO 15:202CO 5:1PHP 3:201TH 4:14HEB 2:14REV 21:4Chuck Smith explores the profound question posed by Job, 'If a man die, shall he live again?' He emphasizes that while Job faced despair, he also glimpsed the hope of life beyond death, a hope that is fully realized in Jesus Christ, who declares Himself as 'the resurrection and the life.' Smith highlights that many live as if this life is all there is, but true understanding comes from recognizing the continuity of life beyond death. The sermon encourages believers to live in light of eternity, understanding that our current struggles and sufferings are temporary in the grand scheme of God's plan. Ultimately, the assurance of life after death should shape our lives and perspectives today.
Devour Me, Devour Me!
By Thomas Brooks0Assurance in ChristThe Nature of DeathPSA 116:15ISA 25:8JHN 11:25ROM 6:231CO 15:55PHP 1:231TH 4:142TI 4:7HEB 2:14REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes that assurance in Christ transforms the perception of death from a fearsome enemy into a welcomed friend. He illustrates how assurance sweetens the thoughts of death, making it a desirable release from sin, sorrow, and affliction, while also being a gateway to eternal joy with God. Brooks quotes Nazianzen, who boldly invites death to 'devour' him, highlighting the Christian's hope in the resurrection and the ultimate victory over sin. The assured soul looks forward to death as a day of liberation, where all that burdens them will be left behind. Thus, for the believer, death is not to be feared but embraced as a passage to eternal life with Christ.
The Rapture and the Appearing, or Sovereignty and Responsibility
By H.J. Vine01CO 15:52COL 3:41TH 1:91TH 4:142TH 1:101PE 1:7H.J. Vine preaches on the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, focusing on the Rapture and the Appearing. The Rapture involves the translation to heaven of believers when Christ comes in the air, while the Appearing will be His glorious return to establish His kingdom on earth. Believers are called to be converted, serve the Lord, and eagerly wait for His coming. The special revelation in 1 Thessalonians 4 unveils the catching up of believers to meet the Lord in the air, a moment of pure grace and love from the Lord.
"Yet Shall He Live"
By A.W. Tozer0Perspective on DeathEternal LifePSA 116:15JHN 11:25JHN 14:2ROM 14:81CO 15:542CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 2:14REV 21:4A.W. Tozer emphasizes that for a believing Christian, death is not the worst fate but rather a transition to eternal life with Christ. He recalls a conversation with Harry M. Shuman, who highlighted that death represents victory and rest, contrasting it with the struggles of life. Tozer reflects on the Apostle Paul's desire to depart and be with Christ, affirming that this longing is a source of hope and comfort for believers. The sermon encourages Christians to view death as a journey rather than an end, fostering a deeper appreciation for eternal life.
A Sermon Occasioned by the Death of Mr. Aaron Spurrier, Baptist Minister.
By John Gill0DeathEternal LifeISA 40:11JER 31:3MAT 9:38LUK 23:431CO 15:262CO 5:1PHP 1:231TH 4:14HEB 2:15JAS 4:14John Gill reflects on the life and death of Mr. Aaron Spurrier, emphasizing the apostle Paul's desire to depart and be with Christ as a profound truth for believers. He highlights the transient nature of life and the ultimate joy of being united with Christ after death, which Mr. Spurrier longed for as he completed his earthly ministry. Gill encourages the congregation to recognize the providence of God in Spurrier's passing and to find comfort in the hope of eternal life. He reminds them that while they mourn their loss, they should also celebrate the legacy of faith and service left behind by their pastor. The sermon serves as a call to remain steadfast in their faith and to seek God's guidance in the face of loss.
The Mutual Gain of Christ and Christians in Their Life and Death.
By John Gill0The Gain of DeathLife in ChristMRK 10:30JHN 11:25ROM 8:32ROM 14:81CO 15:552CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 6:191JN 1:7John Gill preaches on the profound truth that for believers, life is centered around Christ and death is a gain, emphasizing that both living and dying serve to glorify Christ. He reflects on the life of Reverend Joseph Stennett, illustrating how his ministry was dedicated to Christ and how his death is a gain, not only for him but also for the glory of God. Gill explains that in life, Christ is everything to the believer, providing wisdom, righteousness, and redemption, while in death, believers are freed from sin and enter into eternal communion with Christ. The sermon encourages the congregation to find hope in the promise of eternal life and the joy of being with Christ after death.
The Funeral
By Thomas Brooks0Victory over DeathEternal LifePSA 116:15ISA 25:8JHN 11:25ROM 8:181CO 15:552CO 5:1PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 2:14REV 21:4Thomas Brooks emphasizes that for a Christian, death signifies the end of all earthly struggles such as sins, sorrows, and afflictions, while simultaneously marking the beginning of eternal joys and the fulfillment of hopes. He highlights that death leads to a deeper and more perfect communion with God, allowing believers to triumph over the fear of death. This understanding inspires Christians to boldly proclaim the victory over death, echoing the words, 'O death! where is your sting? O grave! where is your victory?'
Psalms 116:15
By Chuck Smith0Hope in Eternal LifeThe Value of DeathPSA 116:15ISA 57:1JHN 14:2ROM 8:181CO 15:542CO 5:8PHP 1:211TH 4:14HEB 11:16REV 21:4Chuck Smith emphasizes that the death of a Christian is viewed as precious in the eyes of the Lord, highlighting that it is ordained and planned by God. He explains that while death is often feared, it signifies a release from the struggles of the physical body and an entrance into God's presence. Smith notes that God's love for His saints is evident in their trust during death, which contrasts with the divided love often experienced in life. Ultimately, the death of saints is a fulfillment of hope, ushering them into eternal life with God.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
By St. John Chrysostom0PSA 39:51CO 8:21CO 15:181CO 15:521TH 4:141TH 5:1John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of understanding the doctrine of the Resurrection to banish grief and sorrow, emphasizing that even those who have fallen asleep in Jesus will be brought by God. He addresses the disbelief in the Resurrection, highlighting the comfort and honor in glory that believers will experience. Chrysostom encourages faith in the Resurrection by pointing out the miraculous transformations in nature and the human body, urging believers to trust in God's power and wisdom beyond human understanding.
United in Christ's Resurrection
By W.H. Griffith Thomas0JHN 14:19ROM 4:24ROM 6:4ROM 6:8EPH 1:18COL 2:121TH 4:14W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the believers' spiritual resurrection with Christ, urging them to focus on heavenly things where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. This resurrection is not a mere possibility but a definite reality, establishing their spiritual identity and position in Christ. The resurrection serves as proof of their acceptance in Christ, a pattern for holy living, a source of power for Christian character and service, a promise of future physical resurrection, and a pledge of eternal life. Through their union with Christ, believers are seen by God as having shared in His resurrection and are called to live in light of this profound truth.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again - Ει γαρ· Seeing that we believe; knowing that the resurrection of Christ is as fully authenticated as his death. Even so them - It necessarily follows that them who sleep - die, in him - in the faith of the Gospel, will God bring with him - he will raise them up as Jesus was raised from the dead, in the same manner, i.e. by his own eternal power and energy; and he will bring them with him - with Christ, for he is the head of the Church, which is his body.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For if--confirmation of his statement, Th1 4:13, that the removal of ignorance as to the sleeping believers would remove undue grief respecting them. See Th1 4:13, "hope." Hence it appears our hope rests on our faith ("if we believe"). "As surely as we all believe that Christ died and rose again (the very doctrine specified as taught at Thessalonica, Act 17:3), so also will God bring those laid to sleep by Jesus with Him (Jesus)." (So the order and balance of the members of the Greek sentence require us to translate). Believers are laid in sleep by Jesus, and so will be brought back from sleep with Jesus in His train when He comes. The disembodied souls are not here spoken of; the reference is to the sleeping bodies. The facts of Christ's experience are repeated in the believer's. He died and then rose: so believers shall die and then rise with Him. But in His case death is the term used, Co1 15:3, Co1 15:6, &c.; in theirs, sleep; because His death has taken for them the sting from death. The same Hand that shall raise them is that which laid them to sleep. "Laid to sleep by Jesus," answers to "dead in Christ" (Th1 4:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again,.... As every Christian does, for both the death and resurrection of Christ are fundamental articles of faith; nothing is more certain or more comfortable, and more firmly to be believed, than that Christ died for the sins of his people, and rose again for their justification; on these depend the present peace, joy, and comfort of the saints, and their everlasting salvation and happiness: and no less certain and comfortable, and as surely to be believed, is what follows, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. The saints that are dead are not only represented as asleep, as before, but as "asleep in Jesus"; to distinguish them from the other dead, the wicked; for the phrase of sleeping in death is promiscuously used of good and bad, though most commonly applied to good men: and so say the Jews (c), "we used to speak of just men, not as dead, but as sleeping; saying, afterwards such an one fell asleep, signifying that the death of the righteous is nothing else than a sleep.'' To represent death as a sleep makes it very easy and familiar; but it is more so, when it is considered as sleeping in Jesus, in the arms of Jesus; and such as are asleep in him must needs be at rest, and in safety: some join the phrase "in", or "by Jesus", with the word bring, and read the passage thus, "them that are asleep, by Jesus will God bring with him"; intimating, that God will raise up the dead bodies of the saints by Christ, as God-man and Mediator; and through him will bring them to eternal glory, and save them by him, as he has determined: others render the words, "them which sleep through", or "by Jesus"; or die for his sake, and so restrain them to the martyrs; who they suppose only will have part in the first resurrection, and whom God will bring with Jesus at his second coming; but the coming of Christ will be "with all his saints"; see Th1 3:13 wherefore they are best rendered, "them that sleep in Jesus"; that is, "in the faith of Jesus", as the Arabic version renders it: not in the lively exercise of faith on Christ, for this is not the case of all the saints at death; some of them are in the dark, and go from hence under a cloud, and yet go safe, and may be said to die, or sleep, in Jesus, and will be brought with him; but who have the principle, and hold the doctrine of faith, are, and live and die, true believers; who die interested in Christ, in union with him, being chosen and blessed, and preserved in him from everlasting, and effectually called by his grace in time, and brought to believe in him; these, both their souls and bodies, are united to Christ, and are his care and charge; and which union remains in death, and by virtue of it the bodies of the saints will be raised at the last day: so that there may be the strongest assurance, that such will God bring with him; either God the Father will bring them with his Son, or Jehovah the Son will bring them with himself; he will raise them from the dead, and unite them to their souls, or spirits, he will bring with him; the consideration of which may serve greatly to mitigate and abate sorrow for deceased friends. (c) Shebet Juda, p. 294. Ed. Gent.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:14 The central Christian creed, that Jesus died and was raised to life again, is the foundation for hope in the face of death, guaranteed by the resurrection of Christ (1 Cor 15). • God will bring back refers to the resurrection of believers (1 Thes 4:16).