1 Thessalonians 4:16
Verse
Context
The Return of the Lord
15By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep.16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise.17After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.
Sermons
Leonard Ravenhill
Edward Watson
C.H. Spurgeon
Paul Washer
W.J. MencarowC.H. SpurgeonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord himself - That is: Jesus Christ shall descend from heaven; shall descend in like manner as he was seen by his disciples to ascend, i.e. in his human form, but now infinitely more glorious; for thousands of thousands shall minister unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand shall stand before him; for the Son of man shall come on the throne of his glory: but who may abide the day of his coming, or stand when he appeareth? With a shout - Or order, εν κελευσματι· and probably in these words: Arise, ye dead, and come to judgment; which order shall be repeated by the archangel, who shall accompany it with the sound of the trump of God, whose great and terrible blasts, like those on mount Sinai, sounding louder and louder, shall shake both the heavens and the earth! Observe the order of this terribly glorious day: 1. Jesus, in all the dignity and splendor of his eternal majesty, shall descend from heaven to the mid region, what the apostle calls the air, somewhere within the earth's atmosphere. 2. Then the κελευσμα, shout or order, shall be given for the dead to arise. 3. Next the archangel, as the herald of Christ, shall repeat the order, Arise, ye dead, and come to judgment! 4. When all the dead in Christ are raised, then the trumpet shall sound, as the signal for them all to flock together to the throne of Christ. It was by the sound of the trumpet that the solemn assemblies, under the law, were convoked; and to such convocations there appears to be here an allusion. 5. When the dead in Christ are raised, their vile bodies being made like unto his glorious body, then, 6. Those who are alive shall be changed, and made immortal. 7. These shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. 8. We may suppose that the judgment will now be set, and the books opened, and the dead judged out of the things written in those books. 9. The eternal states of quick and dead being thus determined, then all who shall be found to have made a covenant with him by sacrifice, and to have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, shall be taken to his eternal glory, and be for ever with the Lord. What an inexpressibly terrific glory will then be exhibited! I forbear to call in here the descriptions which men of a poetic turn have made of this terrible scene, because I cannot trust to their correctness; and it is a subject which we should speak of and contemplate as nearly as possible in the words of Scripture.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
himself--in all the Majesty of His presence in person, not by deputy. descend--even as He ascended (Act 1:11). with--Greek, "in," implying one concomitant circumstance attending His appearing. shout--Greek, "signal shout," "war shout." Jesus is represented as a victorious King, giving the word of command to the hosts of heaven in His train for the last onslaught, at His final triumph over sin, death, and Satan (Rev 19:11-21). the voice of . . . archangel--distinct from the "signal shout." Michael is perhaps meant (Jde 1:9; Rev 12:7), to whom especially is committed the guardianship of the people of God (Dan 10:13). trump of God--the trumpet blast which usually accompanies God's manifestation in glory (Exo 19:16; Psa 47:5); here the last of the three accompaniments of His appearing: as the trumpet was used to convene God's people to their solemn convocations (Num 10:2, Num 10:10; Num 31:6), so here to summon God's elect together, preparatory to their glorification with Christ (Psa 50:1-5; Mat 24:31; Co1 15:52). shall rise first--previously to the living being "caught up." The "first" here has no reference to the first resurrection, as contrasted with that of "the rest of the dead." That reference occurs elsewhere (Mat 13:41-42, Mat 13:50; Joh 5:29; Co1 15:23-24; Rev 20:5-6); it simply stands in opposition to "then," Th1 4:17. FIRST, "the dead in Christ" shall rise, THEN the living shall be caught up. The Lord's people alone are spoken of here.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven,.... Not by proxy, or by representatives; not by the ministry of angels, as on Mount Sinai; nor by the ministers of the word, as under the Gospel dispensation; nor by his spirit, and the discovery of his love and grace, in which sense he descends in a spiritual manner, and visits his people; but in person, in his human nature, in soul and body; in like manner as he went up to heaven will he descend from thence, so as to be visible, to be seen and heard of all: he will come down from the third heaven, whither he was carried up, into which he was received, and where he is retained until the time of the restitution of all things, and from whence the saints expect him: and this descent will be with a shout; the word here used is observed by many to signify such a noise or shout as is made either by mariners, when they pull and row together; and shout to direct and encourage one another; or to an army with the general at the head of it, when about to undertake some considerable action, to enter on a battle, and make the onset; Christ will now appear as the King of kings, and Lord of lords, as the Judge of the whole earth, attended with the host, or armies of heaven, and the shout of a king will be among them: perhaps the same is intended, as by the voice of a great multitude, as the voice of many waters, and of mighty thunderings upon the coming of Christ, the destruction of antichrist, and the marriage of the Lamb, in Rev 19:1. The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions render it, "in", or "with command"; and the Arabic version, "with his own government", or "authority"; that is, he shall descend, either by the command of his Father, as man and Mediator, having authority from him, as the son of man, to execute judgment; or with his commanding power and authority over the mighty angels, that shall descend with him: it follows, with the voice of the archangel; so Michael is called, in Jde 1:9 with which compare Rev 12:7 and who perhaps is no other than Christ himself, who is the head of all principality and power; and the sense be, that Christ shall descend from heaven with a voice, or shall then utter such a voice, as will show him to be the archangel; or as the Syriac version renders it, "the head", or "prince of angels"; and which whether, it will be an articulate voice, such as was expressed at the grave of Lazarus; or a violent clap of thunder, which is the voice of God; or the exertion of the power of Christ, is not certain: it is added, and with the trump of God; called "the last trump", Co1 15:52 because none will be blown after it, and may be the same with the seventh trumpet, Rev 11:15 and here the trump of God, because blown by his order; or by Christ himself, who is God, and so be the same with the voice of the archangel; and these figurative expressions are used, to set forth the grandeur and magnificence in which Christ will come; not in that low, mean, and humble form in which he first came, but with great glory, and marks of honour and respect; with angels shouting, trumpets blowing, and saints rejoicing. This is said in allusion to the trumpet which was heard on Mount Sinai at the giving of the law, and of which the Jews say (d), that it "quickened the dead"; for they have a notion, that, when the Israelites first heard the voice of the Lord, they died; but upon hearing it the second time, they returned to life (e): and they suppose also in the time, to come, at the resurrection of the dead, a trumpet will be blown, which will quicken the dead (f), and the day of judgment (g); and this is reckoned by them as one of the signs of the Messiah's coming (h): "Michael shall shout with a great shout, and the graves of the dead shall be opened at Jerusalem, and the holy blessed God will restore the dead to life, and Messiah the son of David shall come,'' &c. And the dead in Christ shall rise first; the same with those that are asleep in Jesus, Th1 4:14 not only the martyrs that died for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; nor merely those who die in the lively exercise of faith in Christ; but all that die interested in him, and in union with him: and these shall "rise", in consequence of their being his; being given to him, made his care and charge, and engaged for by him, and in virtue of their union to him; and shall rise to an entire conformity to his glorious body, and in order to enjoy eternal life and glory with him: and these will rise "first", before the wicked, which is the first resurrection, Rev 20:5 even a thousand years before them; the righteous will rise in the morning of the resurrection, and so will have the dominion in the morning, Psa 49:14 even at the beginning of the thousand years, as soon as Christ will come; but the wicked will not rise till the evening of that day, or till the close of the thousand years: and this agrees with the notions of the Jews, who thought that some will rise before others; "Wheresoever thou findest the dead, take them and bury them, and I will give thee the first place in my resurrection.'' (2 Esdras 2:23) Having mentioned those words in Psa 116:9 "I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living", it is asked (i), "is there no land of the living but Tyre and its neighbours, and Caesarea, and its neighbours, where is cheapness and fulness? says R. Simeon ben Lekish, in the name of Bar Kaphra, the land in which the dead live, "first", in the days of the Messiah:'' and on the same place elsewhere (k) they observe, that "our Rabbins say two things, or give two reasons, why the fathers loved to be buried in the land of Israel, because the dead in the land of Israel , "live", or "rise first", in the days of the Messiah, and shall enjoy the years of the Messiah:'' and in another place (l) they take notice of what is written in Isa 26:19 "and the earth shall cast out the dead": says R. Jochanan, "the dead which are in the land (i.e. of Israel), they shall "live first"; as it is said, "thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise": these are they that are without the land; "awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust", these are they that die in the wilderness:'' and again (m), "as it is said, Isa 40:26 "that bringeth out their host by numbers", come see, it is said, all that die in the land of Israel , "shall rise first", because the holy blessed God shall awake them, and raise them, according to Isa 26:19.'' Once more they say (n), "they that study in the law as they ought, these are they that shall "rise first" to everlasting life, as it is said Dan 12:2, "and many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life", &c. and these are for everlasting life, because they study in everlasting life, which is the law:'' to which may be added the following passage (o), "they that are worthy to be buried in the land of Israel, shall "be raised first"--and they shall be raised and quickened before the rest of the children of the world, who draw the waters of the law; and they draw, because they study to draw out of the waters of the law; and they are strengthened by the tree of life, and they shall go out "first", because the tree of life is the cause why they shall "rise first":'' they sometimes endeavour to fix the time, how long they will rise before the rest (p); ""many of those that sleep", &c. these are the righteous that shall "go before" others in life, and how many years shall they go before them? R. Judah says, two hundred and ten years; R. Isaac says, two hundred and fourteen; according to others, the righteous shall go (or be raised) a year before the rest of men; says R. Nachman, it will be according to the computation (of time) that the carcass has been in the dust; R. Jose replies, if so, there will be many resurrections.'' These instances may suffice to show, that the Jews had a notion of some persons rising before others, to which the apostle may have some reference; though his sense is not only this, but also that the dead in Christ shall rise before the living saints are changed, and taken up to be with Christ, and so shall not go before to him; which illustrates and proves what he had before asserted. (d) Targum Jon. in Exod. xx. 18. (e) Kettoreth Hassamamim in ib. (f) Mechilta in ib. & Abarbinel, Mashmia Jeshua, fol. 11. 4. (g) Zohar in Lev. fol. 42. 2. 4. (h) Abkath Rocel, p. 138. Ed. Huls. (i) T. Hieros. Kilaim, fol. 32. 3. & Cetubot, fol. 35. 2. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 74. fol. 65. 1. (k) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 96. fol. 83. 4. & 84. 1. & Shemot Rabba, sect. 32. fol. 135. 2. (l) Zohar in Gen. fol. 68. 4. (m) Zohar in Gen. fol. 79. 3. (n) lb. fol. 100. 3. (o) Ib. fol. 103. 1. (p) Ib. fol. 83. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:16 with the trumpet call of God: God’s trumpet will herald the resurrection, just as it previously announced the rescue of Israel (Zeph 1:16; Zech 9:14). In the future it will announce the gathering of God’s chosen people from the “farthest ends of the earth and heaven” (Matt 24:31; cp. 1 Cor 15:52).
1 Thessalonians 4:16
The Return of the Lord
15By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep.16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise.17After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
I Will Come Again
By Leonard Ravenhill7.0K1:06:20Second ComingMAT 28:6JHN 14:3JHN 19:30ACT 1:111TH 4:162TI 3:1REV 22:17REV 22:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the promise given by Jesus Christ that he will come again. He highlights the significance of Jesus' words, "I will come again and receive you unto myself." The preacher emphasizes the fear and panic that exists in the world, but reminds the audience that Jesus' promise brings hope and assurance. He also references a scripture from Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, which describes the Lord descending from heaven with a shout and the voice of the archangel. The preacher concludes by highlighting the darkness and brokenness of the world, but encourages the audience to trust in Jesus' promise of his return.
Shocking Truths About the Rapture You Did Not Know
By Edward Watson5.7K1:11:48RaptureAMO 8:111TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses from 1 Thessalonians 4:16 and Revelation 11:15, which provide a picture of the rapture, resurrection, judgment, and rewarding of the saints. The preacher emphasizes the importance of studying these verses and being aware of the enemy's attempts to blind our understanding. The sermon also references Matthew 24, where Jesus speaks about the events of the last days, including the darkening of the sun, the falling of stars, and the coming of the Son of Man in the clouds. The sermon concludes by highlighting the connection between the last trumpet, the first resurrection, and the events described in these verses.
His Name -- Wonderful!
By C.H. Spurgeon3.0K42:18EXO 14:22PSA 55:22PSA 89:7PSA 126:3ISA 9:6MAT 11:281TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher describes a time when the world as we know it will come to an end. He speaks of the earth's bowels moving and the dead rising from their graves. The preacher also mentions the sea giving up those it has swallowed, creating an army of men standing before God. He emphasizes the surpassing wonder of Christ and how all the wonders we have seen in the world pale in comparison. The preacher then shares a personal experience of being condemned by the law and the intense suffering he endured. However, he finds hope in the message of God's mercy and salvation. The sermon concludes with a reference to a bright spot in the future where peace, prosperity, and blessedness will prevail.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-18
By Paul Washer2.2K1:00:25Second Coming Of ChristComfort in FaithTeaching1TH 4:16Paul Washer emphasizes the significance of the second coming of Christ as described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, highlighting the joy and hope it brings to believers while also warning of the seriousness of being unprepared. He explains that Christ will descend with authority, and the dead in Christ will rise first, followed by those who are alive, all to meet the Lord in the air. Washer encourages believers to comfort one another with these words, reminding them of the eternal joy of being with the Lord forever. He stresses the importance of living in anticipation of this event and the need for believers to support one another in faith. Ultimately, he calls for a deep, personal relationship with Christ, urging listeners to collapse on Him in faith.
What Christ Says About the Rapture
By W.J. Mencarow1.9K23:27RaptureMAT 13:24MAT 24:361TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events described in the last chapters of the book of Revelation and the promise of a new earth and heaven. He emphasizes the glorious day that believers have to look forward to, whether they are still alive on earth or in their graves. The preacher highlights the importance of being watchful and ready for the return of the Lord, as stated in Matthew 24. He also addresses the misconception that there won't be Christians on earth when the Lord returns, using the parable of the wheat and tares in Matthew 13 to explain that believers will indeed be present. The sermon concludes with a prayer for believers to live their lives in a way that pleases God, so that they may hear the words "well done, thou good and faithful servant" when they enter into the joy of the Lord.
The Tomb of Jesus
By C.H. Spurgeon1.6K41:22PSA 22:16ISA 53:5MAT 28:6LUK 23:33JHN 20:7ROM 6:231TH 4:16The sermon transcript discusses the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the significance it holds for Christians. It emphasizes that Jesus conquered death and rose from the grave, bringing hope and joy to believers. The speaker also reminds the audience of their own mortality and the inevitability of death, urging them to reflect on the temporary nature of life. The sermon concludes by highlighting the doctrine of the resurrection, stating that just as Jesus rose from the dead, all believers will also experience resurrection.
(Revelation) the Seals in Heaven the Sorrows on Earth
By Willie Mullan1.6K58:11Seals1TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the opening of the seven seals in the book of Revelation. He emphasizes that these seals represent God's sending of delusion, desperation, starvation, and destruction to the world. The preacher urges the audience to take these warnings seriously and to wake up to the reality of the coming events. He shares a personal story about a man named John Carson who had a life-changing encounter with God, highlighting the importance of personal transformation in light of the impending events described in the book of Revelation.
Christians Must Perform the Truth - Part 3
By Stephen Olford1.3K54:08TruthMAT 6:331TH 4:162TI 3:162TI 4:22TI 4:52JN 1:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the truth of the gospel. He highlights the method of communication chosen by God, which includes both written (paper and ink) and spoken (face to face) forms. The speaker encourages Christians to proclaim the truth with a standard of commitment and a service of involvement. He also shares examples of the impact that spreading the written word (such as through tracks) and sharing the spoken word can have in leading people to righteousness. The sermon emphasizes the need for Christians to actively engage in proclaiming the truth of the gospel.
Philippians
By Norman Grubb1.3K47:43PhilippiansROM 5:121CO 15:452CO 4:10PHP 1:21COL 1:271TH 4:161TI 2:5In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of intercession and the role it plays in the body of Christ. He emphasizes that intercession is not just a spiritual gift, but a responsibility for all believers. The speaker also highlights the concept of union life, which involves being united with Christ and operating on a higher level of faith. He references biblical figures like Paul, James, and John to illustrate the different levels of understanding and maturity in the Christian journey. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to embrace intercession and strive for a deeper union with Christ.
Middle East Crisis: What Christians Need to Know
By Jack Hibbs1.1K1:06:411TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being alert and on guard, drawing parallels to the surprise attacks that America has experienced in the past. He encourages the church to increase their faith by immersing themselves in the Word of God and prayer. The preacher also highlights the significance of hope and love in the lives of believers, pointing to the shining examples of believers in Israel. He emphasizes the need for Christians to be aware of the events unfolding in the world and to fulfill their responsibilities, such as providing for their families and protecting them from harm. The sermon concludes with a call to read the Bible and a reminder of the upcoming critical update on the Middle East crisis.
The Secret Rapture: Is It Scriptural?
By Stephen Hamilton1.0K37:56Secret RaptureISA 8:20MAT 24:37MAT 24:40LUK 17:341TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the topic of the second coming of Jesus and the various views and opinions surrounding it. He emphasizes the importance of not being deceived by false teachings and urges listeners to examine teachings to ensure they align with biblical principles. The preacher also mentions the different gospels mentioned in the Schofield reference Bible and criticizes the idea of a divided second coming into two stages. He concludes by stating that such a concept can only be known if taught by man, not by clear scripture.
Being Ready for Christ's Coming
By Zac Poonen86341:25Second ComingGEN 6:9MAT 3:11MAT 6:33ACT 24:16EPH 5:31TH 4:161JN 1:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a righteous life as a Christian. He encourages believers to involve Jesus in every aspect of their lives, whether it be watching TV or listening to music. The speaker also highlights the significance of preserving and saving our families, drawing examples from the stories of Job and Noah. He urges parents to pray for their children's salvation and to strive for a blameless conscience before God and men. The sermon concludes with a reminder that Jesus is always ready to save and help those who call upon Him in times of temptation and struggle.
First Things First
By Frank Knox83420:40MAT 5:221TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of prioritizing the kingdom of God above all else. He emphasizes the need to seek the kingdom of God first, before seeking worldly possessions or pleasures. The preacher shares a personal story of a man who realized the significance of prioritizing the kingdom of God and made a change in his life. He also highlights the teachings of Jesus regarding anger and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness and love towards others. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to prioritize the kingdom of God and live according to its principles.
You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet
By Greg Locke79355:211TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of encountering a young girl who had been attending the church services consistently. The preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on the word of God rather than worldly distractions. He warns against being deceived by false prophets and encourages believers to stay rooted in the Bible. The preacher also expresses his disagreement with the portrayal of people who reject the gospel being saved in the "Left Behind" series.
The Lord's Coming 1 Thes 4;
By Svend Christensen66034:23The Second Coming of ChristLiving in Expectation1TH 4:16Svend Christensen emphasizes the imminent return of the Lord as described in 1 Thessalonians, encouraging believers to live in anticipation of His coming. He reflects on the profound truths Paul shared with the Thessalonians in a short time, highlighting their conversion, the joy of witnessing, and the importance of love among believers. Christensen reminds the congregation that the second coming of Christ is a source of hope and comfort, urging them to be diligent in their faith and to share the gospel with others. He stresses the significance of living a life that reflects holiness and love, as they await the return of Jesus. Ultimately, he calls for a focus on the eternal rewards of faithfulness and the joy of bringing souls to Christ.
The Coming of the Day of the Lord
By Ian Affleck47649:22Second Coming1TH 4:16In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the gospel and its impact on believers. He refers to the apostle Paul's dedication to the gospel and his desire for believers to attain the glory of Jesus Christ. The preacher also mentions Jesus' prayer in John 17, where he prays for believers to be with him and share in his glory. The sermon highlights the challenge for believers to stand firm in the word of God and trust in his plan, even in the face of difficulties and tribulations. The preacher also mentions the future judgment of God and the need for believers to be prepared for that day.
Sunday Night Meditations 24 Message and Song - 1950's
By Welcome Detweiler38815:49GEN 7:23MAT 24:37LUK 17:26JHN 3:161CO 15:521TH 4:16REV 21:1In this sermon, the preacher begins by singing a song called "And This I Know" which speaks about the belief in God's reign and the promise of transformation. The sermon then focuses on the topic of what lies ahead for the world, drawing parallels to the days of Noah mentioned by Jesus. The preacher emphasizes the impending judgment and the need for salvation, highlighting the price Christ paid on the cross. The sermon concludes by stating that those who neglect God's salvation will face judgment, while those who accept it will be received into heaven. The preacher references 1 Thessalonians 4:16 to support the belief in the resurrection of the dead in Christ.
Jesus' Procession Across the Sky to Rapture the Church
By Mike Bickle251:09:05RaptureSecond Coming1TH 4:16Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of Jesus' procession across the sky to rapture the church, distinguishing between the rapture and the second coming. He explains that the rapture is a moment of transformation for believers, while the second coming involves Jesus returning to establish His kingdom on earth. Bickle highlights the dramatic and powerful nature of these events, including the role of angels and the military aspect of Jesus' return. He encourages believers to live in anticipation of this blessed hope, which serves as an anchor for their souls. The sermon calls for a deeper understanding and appreciation of these prophetic events as they are integral to the Christian faith.
The Coming of the Lord and Spiritual Readiness
By Peter Brandon545:55Second Coming Of ChristSpiritual Readiness1TH 4:16Peter Brandon emphasizes the supernatural nature of Christ's second coming, drawing parallels to His first coming, which was also foretold and fulfilled in detail. He highlights the importance of spiritual readiness, urging believers to turn from idols and serve the living God while eagerly awaiting Christ's return. Brandon explains that the second coming should impact every aspect of a Christian's life, as evidenced by the early church's fervent faith and evangelism. He encourages believers to live in holiness and to be examples to others, as they await the fulfillment of God's promises. Ultimately, he reassures that just as Christ fulfilled His first coming, He will also return as promised.
The Redemption of the Purchased Possession
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein2EPH 1:71TH 4:16REV 12:5Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches on the truth revealed in Ephesians about the future redemption of the purchased possession, emphasizing believers being sealed with the Holy Spirit as an earnest of their inheritance. The chapter reveals God's highest revelation concerning sinners saved by Grace, including election, predestination, adoption, redemption, and the sealing with the Holy Spirit. The sermon delves into the steps leading to the verse, highlighting the importance of understanding the inheritance shared with Christ and the purchased possession acquired through His blood.
Edition 6 - Pentecost Both Sides Ocean
By William Seymour1MAT 24:40MRK 16:17LUK 10:19ACT 2:41TH 4:16REV 12:11Reports from various locations across the United States show the powerful manifestation of God's Pentecostal work, with people receiving the baptism of the Holy Ghost, speaking in tongues, being healed, and experiencing deliverance from demons. The testimonies include ministers, missionaries, and ordinary believers encountering the Holy Spirit in a profound way, leading to conversions, sanctification, and the demonstration of spiritual gifts. The outpouring of the Holy Ghost is breaking barriers, transforming lives, and drawing people closer to God in anticipation of His imminent return.
The Olivet Discourse Part 2b – Christendom: the Ten Virgins
By C.H. Mackintosh0PSA 49:7MAT 25:1ROM 6:231CO 1:8EPH 5:141TH 4:16TIT 2:132PE 3:91JN 2:27REV 22:20C.H. Mackintosh delves into the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13, emphasizing the importance of true Christian profession and readiness for the return of the Bridegroom. The parable highlights the distinction between wise and foolish virgins, representing genuine believers with the oil of the Holy Spirit and mere professors lacking spiritual life. Mackintosh urges believers to examine their hearts and ensure they have a genuine, personal relationship with Christ, warning against a false sense of security in religious activities without true faith.
Sonidos Extranos Del Campamento Pretribulacional
By Eli Brayley0MAT 24:291CO 14:81CO 15:511TH 4:162TI 2:15HEB 9:282PE 3:10REV 1:7REV 20:4Eli Brayley preaches about the discrepancies and errors of the pretribulational doctrine, highlighting the misinterpretations of key biblical passages and the inconsistency with the teachings of the New Testament. He addresses the concept of a 'Second Coming before the Second Coming,' emphasizing the unison among the apostles regarding Christ's return and refuting the need for multiple comings of Jesus. Additionally, he discusses the fallacy of a 'First Resurrection before the First Resurrection,' pointing out the scriptural evidence that supports a single resurrection event for all believers. Brayley challenges the audience to discern between truth and conjecture, urging them to align their beliefs with the unadulterated Word of God.
Christ Will Rule
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual PreparednessSecond Coming Of Christ1TH 4:16A.W. Tozer emphasizes the certainty of Christ's return, addressing skepticism from those who misinterpret Scripture. He confidently stands by Paul's teachings, asserting that the Bible's message is clear and should not be distorted by personal interpretations. Tozer challenges believers to reflect on their spiritual readiness for Christ's return and warns against tolerating sin that could lead to embarrassment at His coming. He encourages a steadfast faith in God's revelations and a commitment to living righteously in anticipation of Jesus' return.
On the Approach of Death
By Thomas Reade0DEU 31:14PSA 116:15ROM 8:162CO 5:17PHP 1:211TH 4:16HEB 9:27HEB 12:291JN 5:13REV 22:20Thomas Reade preaches on the approaching reality of death, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to meet God. He highlights the brevity of life, the certainty of death, and the necessity of faith in Jesus for salvation. Reade urges believers to examine their hearts, seek reconciliation with God, and live in anticipation of eternity. He underscores the significance of faith in Christ, the purification of the soul through trials, and the joy of meeting God in heaven.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord himself - That is: Jesus Christ shall descend from heaven; shall descend in like manner as he was seen by his disciples to ascend, i.e. in his human form, but now infinitely more glorious; for thousands of thousands shall minister unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand shall stand before him; for the Son of man shall come on the throne of his glory: but who may abide the day of his coming, or stand when he appeareth? With a shout - Or order, εν κελευσματι· and probably in these words: Arise, ye dead, and come to judgment; which order shall be repeated by the archangel, who shall accompany it with the sound of the trump of God, whose great and terrible blasts, like those on mount Sinai, sounding louder and louder, shall shake both the heavens and the earth! Observe the order of this terribly glorious day: 1. Jesus, in all the dignity and splendor of his eternal majesty, shall descend from heaven to the mid region, what the apostle calls the air, somewhere within the earth's atmosphere. 2. Then the κελευσμα, shout or order, shall be given for the dead to arise. 3. Next the archangel, as the herald of Christ, shall repeat the order, Arise, ye dead, and come to judgment! 4. When all the dead in Christ are raised, then the trumpet shall sound, as the signal for them all to flock together to the throne of Christ. It was by the sound of the trumpet that the solemn assemblies, under the law, were convoked; and to such convocations there appears to be here an allusion. 5. When the dead in Christ are raised, their vile bodies being made like unto his glorious body, then, 6. Those who are alive shall be changed, and made immortal. 7. These shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air. 8. We may suppose that the judgment will now be set, and the books opened, and the dead judged out of the things written in those books. 9. The eternal states of quick and dead being thus determined, then all who shall be found to have made a covenant with him by sacrifice, and to have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb, shall be taken to his eternal glory, and be for ever with the Lord. What an inexpressibly terrific glory will then be exhibited! I forbear to call in here the descriptions which men of a poetic turn have made of this terrible scene, because I cannot trust to their correctness; and it is a subject which we should speak of and contemplate as nearly as possible in the words of Scripture.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
himself--in all the Majesty of His presence in person, not by deputy. descend--even as He ascended (Act 1:11). with--Greek, "in," implying one concomitant circumstance attending His appearing. shout--Greek, "signal shout," "war shout." Jesus is represented as a victorious King, giving the word of command to the hosts of heaven in His train for the last onslaught, at His final triumph over sin, death, and Satan (Rev 19:11-21). the voice of . . . archangel--distinct from the "signal shout." Michael is perhaps meant (Jde 1:9; Rev 12:7), to whom especially is committed the guardianship of the people of God (Dan 10:13). trump of God--the trumpet blast which usually accompanies God's manifestation in glory (Exo 19:16; Psa 47:5); here the last of the three accompaniments of His appearing: as the trumpet was used to convene God's people to their solemn convocations (Num 10:2, Num 10:10; Num 31:6), so here to summon God's elect together, preparatory to their glorification with Christ (Psa 50:1-5; Mat 24:31; Co1 15:52). shall rise first--previously to the living being "caught up." The "first" here has no reference to the first resurrection, as contrasted with that of "the rest of the dead." That reference occurs elsewhere (Mat 13:41-42, Mat 13:50; Joh 5:29; Co1 15:23-24; Rev 20:5-6); it simply stands in opposition to "then," Th1 4:17. FIRST, "the dead in Christ" shall rise, THEN the living shall be caught up. The Lord's people alone are spoken of here.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven,.... Not by proxy, or by representatives; not by the ministry of angels, as on Mount Sinai; nor by the ministers of the word, as under the Gospel dispensation; nor by his spirit, and the discovery of his love and grace, in which sense he descends in a spiritual manner, and visits his people; but in person, in his human nature, in soul and body; in like manner as he went up to heaven will he descend from thence, so as to be visible, to be seen and heard of all: he will come down from the third heaven, whither he was carried up, into which he was received, and where he is retained until the time of the restitution of all things, and from whence the saints expect him: and this descent will be with a shout; the word here used is observed by many to signify such a noise or shout as is made either by mariners, when they pull and row together; and shout to direct and encourage one another; or to an army with the general at the head of it, when about to undertake some considerable action, to enter on a battle, and make the onset; Christ will now appear as the King of kings, and Lord of lords, as the Judge of the whole earth, attended with the host, or armies of heaven, and the shout of a king will be among them: perhaps the same is intended, as by the voice of a great multitude, as the voice of many waters, and of mighty thunderings upon the coming of Christ, the destruction of antichrist, and the marriage of the Lamb, in Rev 19:1. The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions render it, "in", or "with command"; and the Arabic version, "with his own government", or "authority"; that is, he shall descend, either by the command of his Father, as man and Mediator, having authority from him, as the son of man, to execute judgment; or with his commanding power and authority over the mighty angels, that shall descend with him: it follows, with the voice of the archangel; so Michael is called, in Jde 1:9 with which compare Rev 12:7 and who perhaps is no other than Christ himself, who is the head of all principality and power; and the sense be, that Christ shall descend from heaven with a voice, or shall then utter such a voice, as will show him to be the archangel; or as the Syriac version renders it, "the head", or "prince of angels"; and which whether, it will be an articulate voice, such as was expressed at the grave of Lazarus; or a violent clap of thunder, which is the voice of God; or the exertion of the power of Christ, is not certain: it is added, and with the trump of God; called "the last trump", Co1 15:52 because none will be blown after it, and may be the same with the seventh trumpet, Rev 11:15 and here the trump of God, because blown by his order; or by Christ himself, who is God, and so be the same with the voice of the archangel; and these figurative expressions are used, to set forth the grandeur and magnificence in which Christ will come; not in that low, mean, and humble form in which he first came, but with great glory, and marks of honour and respect; with angels shouting, trumpets blowing, and saints rejoicing. This is said in allusion to the trumpet which was heard on Mount Sinai at the giving of the law, and of which the Jews say (d), that it "quickened the dead"; for they have a notion, that, when the Israelites first heard the voice of the Lord, they died; but upon hearing it the second time, they returned to life (e): and they suppose also in the time, to come, at the resurrection of the dead, a trumpet will be blown, which will quicken the dead (f), and the day of judgment (g); and this is reckoned by them as one of the signs of the Messiah's coming (h): "Michael shall shout with a great shout, and the graves of the dead shall be opened at Jerusalem, and the holy blessed God will restore the dead to life, and Messiah the son of David shall come,'' &c. And the dead in Christ shall rise first; the same with those that are asleep in Jesus, Th1 4:14 not only the martyrs that died for the sake of Christ, and his Gospel; nor merely those who die in the lively exercise of faith in Christ; but all that die interested in him, and in union with him: and these shall "rise", in consequence of their being his; being given to him, made his care and charge, and engaged for by him, and in virtue of their union to him; and shall rise to an entire conformity to his glorious body, and in order to enjoy eternal life and glory with him: and these will rise "first", before the wicked, which is the first resurrection, Rev 20:5 even a thousand years before them; the righteous will rise in the morning of the resurrection, and so will have the dominion in the morning, Psa 49:14 even at the beginning of the thousand years, as soon as Christ will come; but the wicked will not rise till the evening of that day, or till the close of the thousand years: and this agrees with the notions of the Jews, who thought that some will rise before others; "Wheresoever thou findest the dead, take them and bury them, and I will give thee the first place in my resurrection.'' (2 Esdras 2:23) Having mentioned those words in Psa 116:9 "I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living", it is asked (i), "is there no land of the living but Tyre and its neighbours, and Caesarea, and its neighbours, where is cheapness and fulness? says R. Simeon ben Lekish, in the name of Bar Kaphra, the land in which the dead live, "first", in the days of the Messiah:'' and on the same place elsewhere (k) they observe, that "our Rabbins say two things, or give two reasons, why the fathers loved to be buried in the land of Israel, because the dead in the land of Israel , "live", or "rise first", in the days of the Messiah, and shall enjoy the years of the Messiah:'' and in another place (l) they take notice of what is written in Isa 26:19 "and the earth shall cast out the dead": says R. Jochanan, "the dead which are in the land (i.e. of Israel), they shall "live first"; as it is said, "thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise": these are they that are without the land; "awake and sing ye that dwell in the dust", these are they that die in the wilderness:'' and again (m), "as it is said, Isa 40:26 "that bringeth out their host by numbers", come see, it is said, all that die in the land of Israel , "shall rise first", because the holy blessed God shall awake them, and raise them, according to Isa 26:19.'' Once more they say (n), "they that study in the law as they ought, these are they that shall "rise first" to everlasting life, as it is said Dan 12:2, "and many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life", &c. and these are for everlasting life, because they study in everlasting life, which is the law:'' to which may be added the following passage (o), "they that are worthy to be buried in the land of Israel, shall "be raised first"--and they shall be raised and quickened before the rest of the children of the world, who draw the waters of the law; and they draw, because they study to draw out of the waters of the law; and they are strengthened by the tree of life, and they shall go out "first", because the tree of life is the cause why they shall "rise first":'' they sometimes endeavour to fix the time, how long they will rise before the rest (p); ""many of those that sleep", &c. these are the righteous that shall "go before" others in life, and how many years shall they go before them? R. Judah says, two hundred and ten years; R. Isaac says, two hundred and fourteen; according to others, the righteous shall go (or be raised) a year before the rest of men; says R. Nachman, it will be according to the computation (of time) that the carcass has been in the dust; R. Jose replies, if so, there will be many resurrections.'' These instances may suffice to show, that the Jews had a notion of some persons rising before others, to which the apostle may have some reference; though his sense is not only this, but also that the dead in Christ shall rise before the living saints are changed, and taken up to be with Christ, and so shall not go before to him; which illustrates and proves what he had before asserted. (d) Targum Jon. in Exod. xx. 18. (e) Kettoreth Hassamamim in ib. (f) Mechilta in ib. & Abarbinel, Mashmia Jeshua, fol. 11. 4. (g) Zohar in Lev. fol. 42. 2. 4. (h) Abkath Rocel, p. 138. Ed. Huls. (i) T. Hieros. Kilaim, fol. 32. 3. & Cetubot, fol. 35. 2. Bereshit Rabba, sect. 74. fol. 65. 1. (k) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 96. fol. 83. 4. & 84. 1. & Shemot Rabba, sect. 32. fol. 135. 2. (l) Zohar in Gen. fol. 68. 4. (m) Zohar in Gen. fol. 79. 3. (n) lb. fol. 100. 3. (o) Ib. fol. 103. 1. (p) Ib. fol. 83. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:16 with the trumpet call of God: God’s trumpet will herald the resurrection, just as it previously announced the rescue of Israel (Zeph 1:16; Zech 9:14). In the future it will announce the gathering of God’s chosen people from the “farthest ends of the earth and heaven” (Matt 24:31; cp. 1 Cor 15:52).