Verse
Context
The Return of the Lord
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






Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
we which are alive . . . shall be caught up--after having been "changed in a moment" (Co1 15:51-52). Again he says, "we," recommending thus the expression to Christians of all ages, each generation bequeathing to the succeeding one a continually increasing obligation to look for the coming of the Lord. [EDMUNDS]. together with them--all together: the raised dead, and changed living, forming one joint body. in the clouds--Greek, "in clouds." The same honor is conferred on them as on their Lord. As He was taken in a cloud at His ascension (Act 1:9), so at His return with clouds (Rev 1:7), they shall be caught up in clouds. The clouds are His and their triumphal chariot (Psa 104:3; Dan 7:13). ELLICOTT explains the Greek, "robed round by upbearing clouds" [Aids to Faith]. in the air--rather, "into the air"; caught up into the region just above the earth, where the meeting (compare Mat 25:1, Mat 25:6) shall take place between them ascending, and their Lord descending towards the earth. Not that the air is to be the place of their lasting abode with Him. and so shall we ever be with the Lord--no more parting, and no more going out (Rev 3:12). His point being established, that the dead in Christ shall be on terms of equal advantage with those found alive at Christ's coming, he leaves undefined here the other events foretold elsewhere (as not being necessary to his discussion), Christ's reign on earth with His saints (Co1 6:2-3), the final judgment and glorification of His saints in the new heaven and earth.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then we which are alive and remain,.... See Gill on Th1 4:15. shall be caught up; suddenly, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and with force and power; by the power of Christ, and by the ministry and means of the holy angels; and to which rapture will contribute, the agility which the bodies both of the raised and changed saints will have: and this rapture of the living saints will be together with them; with the dead in Christ, that will then be raised; so that the one will not come before the other, or the one be sooner with Christ than the other; but the one being raised and the other changed, they will be joined in one company and general assembly, and be caught up together: in the clouds; the same clouds perhaps in which Christ will come, will be let down to take them up; these will be the chariots, in which they will be carried up to him; and thus, as at our Lord's ascension a cloud received him, and in it he was carried up out of the sight of men, so at this time will all the saints ride up in the clouds of heaven: to meet the Lord in the air; whither he will descend, and will then clear the regions of the air of Satan, and his posse of devils, which now rove about there, watching all opportunities, and taking all advantages to do mischief on earth; these shall then fall like lightning from heaven, and be bound and shut up in the bottomless pit, till the thousand years are ended: here Christ will stop, and will be visible to all, and as easily discerned by all, good and bad, as the body of the sun at noonday; as yet he will not descend on earth, because it is not fit to receive him; but when that and its works are burnt up, and it is purged and purified by fire, and become a new earth, he will descend upon it, and dwell with his saints in it: and this suggests another reason why he will stay in the air, and his saints shall meet him there, and whom he will take up with him into the third heaven, till the general conflagration and burning of the world is over, and to preserve them from it; and then shall all the elect of God descend from heaven as a bride adorned for her husband, and he with them, and the tabernacle of God shall be with men; see Rev 21:1. The resurrection by the Mahometans is called (q), "a meeting of God", or a going to meet God: and so shall we ever be with the Lord; now the saints are with him at times, and have communion with him, but not always; but then they shall be ever with him; wherever he is; first in the air, where they shall meet him; then in the third heaven, where they shall go up with him; then on earth, where they shall descend and reign with him a thousand years; and then in the ultimate glory to all eternity: and this will be the issue and accomplishment of the counsel and covenant of grace, of the sufferings and death of Christ, and of his preparations and prayers. (q) Alkoran, Surat. 6. v. 31. p. 113. Ed. Hinckelman.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:17 to meet: This alludes to the custom of sending an official delegation to greet a visiting dignitary and accompany him as he enters the city (Matt 25:6, 10; Acts 28:15-16).
The Return of the Lord
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
Joy in God
By C.H. Spurgeon2.5K36:12EXO 15:1PSA 16:11MAT 6:33ROM 5:2ROM 5:111TH 4:171PE 1:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remembering and acknowledging God as our creator and the keeper of His laws. He contrasts the troubled state of those who have forgotten God with the joy and peace experienced by those who have been regenerated and feel a kinship with Him. The preacher highlights the unique joys and blessings that come from knowing and being in relationship with God, which cannot be found in worldly pleasures. He encourages listeners to turn away from the temporary joys of the world and find true joy in God through Jesus Christ, emphasizing the need to approach God through the sacrifice of Jesus.
George Whitefield - His Life and Ministry
By J.C. Ryle2.3K39:51PSA 90:10ISA 40:8MAT 6:331CO 13:52CO 5:8PHP 4:71TH 4:17I apologize, but I am unable to watch videos or access specific content. However, if you provide me with a transcript or any written information from the video, I would be more than happy to help summarize it for you.
Making Much of Jesus
By Ralph Sexton1.5K34:13EXO 12:13MAT 1:18EPH 1:71TH 4:172TI 3:161PE 1:18REV 12:10In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep affection for his friends and heroes in the audience, but acknowledges that they cannot provide what he truly needs. He encourages the audience to focus on Jesus and his promises instead of being consumed by the storms of life. The speaker emphasizes the power of Jesus and his ability to give his life for sinners, conquer death, and even invade hell. He urges the audience to seek a personal encounter with Jesus and not waste the time and effort they have put into attending the conference.
Filled With the Lord of Christ
By Bill McLeod1.3K48:00Spirit Of ChristJOB 11:7ECC 3:14MAT 16:25JHN 15:16EPH 3:171TH 4:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of forgiveness and the importance of forgiving others. He uses the analogy of a drop of water in a bucket to illustrate how insignificant our sins are compared to God's forgiveness. The preacher shares a story about a woman who survived a brutal attack during the Cultural Revolution in China and later discovered that the person who led the attack was living nearby. The sermon also includes a personal anecdote about a man struggling with pornography addiction and his reluctance to address it. The preacher challenges him to confront his sin and reminds him of the impact it has on his relationship with Jesus.
Demonology & Deliverance, Part 1 - Lester Sumrall
By From the Pulpit & Classic Sermons1.2K54:21RadioZEC 12:10MAT 6:33MAT 24:27MAT 28:19JHN 8:361TH 4:172TI 2:15In this video, Lester Sumerall delivers a powerful sermon on demonology and deliverance. He emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the existence and power of demons. Sumerall shares his own experiences and the impact of his film documenting a girl in the Philippines being delivered from the power of the devil by Jesus. He encourages viewers to embrace the victory over evil and to seek freedom through faith in Jesus. Sumerall also urges listeners to obtain the lesson book, audio recordings, and video of these teachings to deepen their understanding and share with others.
Have You a Desire to Be Like Jesus?
By Roy Daniel1.2K28:29Christ LikenessROM 8:181CO 15:51PHP 3:201TH 4:171JN 3:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of Christians doing what they can for God, just like a girl who gave her two fish and loads of bread. He references the story of the feeding of the 5,000 in John 6, where the disciples felt helpless in the face of the large crowd's hunger. However, a little boy's small offering shamed them and demonstrated the power of giving what one can. The preacher encourages Christians to give their all to God, even if they are not great preachers or amazing individuals, and to prioritize their relationship with God over worldly possessions.
Kim Jong Un Is Not the Antichrist
By Bob Faulkner73606:50North KoreaMAT 24:291TH 4:17In this sermon, the speaker draws a parallel between the oppressive regime of North Korea and the concept of the Antichrist in the book of Revelation. He highlights the great authority and control that the leaders of North Korea have over their people, comparing it to the power that the Antichrist will possess. The speaker challenges the belief that Jesus will come in the sky for his followers and then return seven years later for the Second Coming, stating that there is no clear biblical evidence for this. He emphasizes that the saints of God will overcome the Antichrist and endure suffering before being taken home, rather than being given a free ticket to escape earlier.
The Truth of the Pre-Tribulation Rapture (2)
By David Guzik71744:02MAT 24:29LUK 21:281TH 4:17In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different theories surrounding the timing of the rapture, specifically focusing on the post-tribulation rapture theory as a competitor to the pre-tribulation rapture explanation. The preacher argues that passages such as Matthew 24:37-42, which describe Jesus coming to a world living normally, cannot reconcile with the idea of Jesus' return only happening at the end of a seven-year period of catastrophe and calamity. The preacher also challenges the distinction made in the pre-wrath rapture theory between the great tribulation and the day of the Lord, arguing that this distinction is not supported by scripture. The sermon references Matthew 24:29-31, which states that Jesus will gather his people after the tribulation of those days, as a scriptural reason for believing in a post-tribulation rapture.
Blessings From Bones
By Denis Lyle3NUM 23:102KI 13:21PSA 118:8JHN 14:19EPH 1:19PHP 3:211TH 4:17HEB 11:4Denis Lyle preaches on the blessings that can come from the bones of a man of God, using the story of Elisha's death and the miraculous revival of a dead man who touched Elisha's bones. The sermon emphasizes that even after a man of God dies, the sovereign God is still living, offering victory in the present and glory in the future. It also highlights how a man of God's influence can continue to abide and produce blessings long after their death, showcasing the power of God's work through His servants.
The Great Separation
By J.C. Ryle3Separation of Believers and UnbelieversThe Urgency of FaithPSA 149:4ISA 42:3NAM 1:7MAT 3:12MAT 25:46JHN 5:23JHN 10:28EPH 5:271TH 4:17REV 22:20J.C. Ryle's sermon 'The Great Separation' emphasizes the ultimate division of humanity into two classes: the 'wheat' representing true believers in Christ and the 'chaff' symbolizing those without faith. He warns that a day of reckoning is coming when Christ will separate the righteous from the unrighteous, and only those who have genuinely accepted Him will be gathered into His barn, while the rest will face eternal punishment. Ryle urges listeners to examine their own hearts and recognize the reality of their spiritual state, as neutrality is impossible. He reassures believers of Christ's unwavering care and the promise of eternal life, while also solemnly warning the unrepentant of the dire consequences of their choices. The sermon serves as a call to repentance and a reminder of the urgency of faith in Christ.
The Impotency of the Human Will
By A.W. Pink3JHN 10:28ACT 8:392CO 12:21TH 4:17JUD 1:23REV 12:5The preacher delves into the meaning of 'Harpazo,' which signifies a sudden and forceful snatching away, often with violence and speed, as seen in various biblical instances. This term is commonly associated with the 'rapture,' describing the event where believers will be caught up to be with the Lord, emphasizing the certainty and security of this future event for the true church. The concept of 'Harpazo' conveys the idea of being forcibly seized or taken away, highlighting the believer's ultimate security in Christ, as no one can snatch them out of His hand.
The Second Coming of Christ
By Billy Sunday2Second Coming Of ChristReadiness for Christ's Return1TH 4:17Billy Sunday emphasizes the significance of the Second Coming of Christ, describing it as the ultimate meeting that surpasses all historical gatherings. He draws parallels between past significant events in biblical history and the anticipated return of Jesus, urging believers to remain vigilant and prepared for His return. Sunday warns against complacency, highlighting that the Second Coming is a central doctrine of the New Testament, and encourages the church to actively participate in spreading the Gospel to hasten this event. He stresses the importance of being part of the Body of Christ, which will be united with Him at His return, and the joy of meeting loved ones and fellow believers in the air. Ultimately, he calls for a life of readiness and purity in anticipation of this glorious event.
Christian and Non-Christian
By Martyn-Lloyd Jones1MAT 25:6ACT 28:151TH 4:17Greek Word Studies for an aid_number 34441 preaches about the significance of the term 'apantesis' in Greek culture, which describes a ceremonial meeting with a person of position. The term is used in the New Testament to depict believers meeting the Lord in the air. The sermon delves into the technical meaning of 'apantesis' and its implications for believers meeting the Lord in the air, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and comforted by the hope of this meeting.
Homily 47 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom1MAT 7:13MAT 13:34MAT 13:44MAT 13:47MAT 13:52MAT 25:32LUK 22:30ACT 5:411TH 4:17John Chrysostom preaches on the parables spoken by Jesus, emphasizing the importance of understanding the hidden truths revealed through these stories. He highlights the disciples' growing wisdom and confidence as they inquire about the deeper meanings behind the parables, showing their desire to know the mysteries of the kingdom of Heaven. Chrysostom delves into the significance of the parables of the tares, the treasure, the pearl, and the net, illustrating the value of the gospel and the consequences of wickedness. He concludes by exhorting his audience to imitate the virtues of humility, almsgiving, and spiritual richness portrayed in the Scriptures and exemplified by the disciples.
Fear of Death
By Henry Law1PSA 23:4PSA 139:23ISA 43:2JHN 14:1PHP 1:211TH 4:172TI 4:6HEB 2:14HEB 9:27Henry Law preaches about the inevitability of death and the contrasting views of believers and unbelievers towards it. He emphasizes that for those who have accepted Christ, death is a welcomed friend that leads to eternal joy and freedom from earthly struggles. However, for those who reject God, death is a terrifying reality that brings eternal separation from hope and salvation. Law urges believers to find solace in the promises of God and to live a life of holiness, faith, hope, and love, so that when the time comes, they can face death fearlessly and embrace the eternal glory that awaits them.
Great Truths About the Church
By William MacDonald0Unity of the ChurchSpiritual GiftsJHN 14:16ACT 2:47ROM 8:261CO 12:12EPH 4:4COL 1:181TH 4:171PE 2:5William MacDonald emphasizes the unity and significance of the Church as the one body of believers, highlighting that Christ is the head of this body, guiding and empowering it through the Holy Spirit. He explains that all believers, regardless of background, are integral members of this body, each with unique functions that contribute to the Church's growth and holiness. The sermon also underscores the priesthood of all believers and the importance of spiritual gifts for the edification of the Church. Ultimately, MacDonald assures that the Church is destined for eternal glory with Christ, serving as a testament to God's grace and wisdom.
Behold the Happiness of Those Espoused to Christ
By Thomas Shepard0ISA 25:8LUK 12:37ROM 8:241CO 15:191TH 4:171JN 3:2Thomas Shepard preaches about the happiness of those who are espoused to the Lord Jesus, as their hopes are set on the second coming of Christ and the promises of the next life. Saints eagerly await the transformation of their bodies, the removal of sins, sorrows, shame, and the ultimate recompense for their labor of love. They anticipate being forever with the Lord, experiencing His glory and endless compassion, while the world faces judgment and despair. Shepard urges listeners to embrace Christ wholeheartedly, as the hope in Him brings certainty, glory, and unspeakable joy, contrasting the fate of those without hope.
Lxix. to a Christian Gentlewoman, on Her Death-Bed
By Samuel Rutherford0ROM 8:381CO 15:55PHP 1:211TH 4:17REV 21:4Samuel Rutherford preaches about the comforting assurance of Christ's presence in the face of death, emphasizing that for believers, death is a friendly dissolution and a passage to be with Jesus. He encourages the congregation to find joy in the thought of being with Christ in the afterlife, where they will experience His magnificence and love in ways beyond earthly comprehension. Rutherford assures them that in death, they will not lose anything of value, but gain the sweetest fellowship with Christ, free from the pains of this world.
Lxxi. to Lady Ardross
By Samuel Rutherford0PSA 16:11ISA 25:8JHN 14:21TH 4:17REV 21:4Samuel Rutherford delivers a comforting sermon to a grieving individual, assuring them of the peaceful transition of their Christian mother into heaven. He describes the joy and beauty their mother now experiences in the presence of Christ, free from all earthly sorrows and limitations. Rutherford emphasizes the eternal reward awaiting those who walk with God, highlighting the incomparable glory and singing life in heaven, where every inhabitant praises the high Prince, Jesus Christ.
Fellowship Between Christ and His Church in Testimony
By T. Austin-Sparks0The Church's CallingFellowship with ChristJHN 17:81CO 15:51EPH 1:19EPH 5:301TH 4:171TI 3:161PE 3:182PE 1:4T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound fellowship between Christ and His Church, illustrating how the Divine nature was manifested in Christ and continues through His Body, the Church. He highlights the Church's calling to be a living testimony of Christ's presence in the world, maintaining a witness of resurrection life amidst a hostile environment. Sparks warns against reducing the Church's purpose to mere religious activities, urging believers to embody the essence of Christ and reflect His love to the world. He concludes with the hope of the Church's future glory, affirming that believers are called to participate in the divine mystery of being received up in glory, just as Christ was.
The Preciousness of the Soul
By Thomas Watson0PSA 139:14PRO 23:5ISA 33:14HOS 13:9MAT 16:26LUK 12:201TH 4:17HEB 12:23Thomas Watson preaches about the preciousness of the soul, emphasizing that the soul is more valuable than the whole world. He delves into the intrinsic worth and immortality of the soul, highlighting its spirituality and its eternal nature. Watson warns against abusing the soul by degrading, selling, poisoning, or starving it, stressing the importance of safeguarding and not losing the soul, as its loss is foolish, irreparable, and results in eternal damnation.
The Ministry of Tears
By T. De Witt Talmage0PSA 30:5PSA 56:8ISA 25:8JHN 11:35ROM 8:181CO 15:542CO 1:31TH 4:17REV 7:17REV 21:4T. DeWitt Talmage preaches about the Ministry of tears, highlighting how tears keep this world from being too attractive, make us feel dependent on God, and capacitate us for the office of Sympathy. He emphasizes that God will wipe away all tears from our eyes in Heaven, where there will be no more sorrow or pain, and where we will be reunited with our departed loved ones in eternal joy and glory.
Training Below for Service Above, Part 1
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 134:11CO 15:58COL 3:231TH 4:17REV 3:4Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the eternal life believers will have with the Lord, walking in white as worthy servants in His temple. She emphasizes that the Blessed will serve God with powers and endowments developed in harmony with higher worlds, using their unique capacities and gifts in spiritual ways. Those who dedicate their talents to God's service will transition from joyous work in this world to greater capacities and opportunities in the afterlife.
The Christian Hope and the Sure Word of Prophecy.
By William Kelly0MAT 24:441CO 15:511TH 4:172PE 3:91JN 3:3William Kelly preaches about the importance of distinguishing between the Christian hope and prophecy, emphasizing that while prophecy is good and to be heeded, the Christian hope is a superior, heavenly revelation that brightens as the believer's foundation deepens in Christ. He highlights the significance of the Christian hope in the lives of believers, urging them to eagerly await the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, which should purify their hearts and lead them to live in holiness and readiness for His coming. Kelly refutes the misconception that the apostle Paul and early Christians were mistaken in expecting Christ's imminent return, asserting that the hope of Christ's coming is a vital, purifying truth that should influence every aspect of a believer's life.
The Believer in Glory
By Octavius Winslow0Hope in ChristEternal GloryPSA 16:11JHN 17:24ROM 8:302CO 4:17PHP 3:201TH 4:17HEB 12:11PE 1:4REV 7:14REV 21:4Octavius Winslow emphasizes the believer's journey from death to glory, highlighting the certainty of eternal life promised by God. He reassures that the transition from earthly suffering to heavenly joy is swift and that believers are precious to Jesus throughout their pilgrimage. Winslow paints a vivid picture of the glory awaiting the faithful, where all pain and sorrow cease, and they are united with the saints in worship. He encourages believers to look forward with faith to the glory that awaits them, as affirmed by Scripture and the words of Jesus. Ultimately, he reminds us that the believer's hope culminates in the joy of being in God's presence forever.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
we which are alive . . . shall be caught up--after having been "changed in a moment" (Co1 15:51-52). Again he says, "we," recommending thus the expression to Christians of all ages, each generation bequeathing to the succeeding one a continually increasing obligation to look for the coming of the Lord. [EDMUNDS]. together with them--all together: the raised dead, and changed living, forming one joint body. in the clouds--Greek, "in clouds." The same honor is conferred on them as on their Lord. As He was taken in a cloud at His ascension (Act 1:9), so at His return with clouds (Rev 1:7), they shall be caught up in clouds. The clouds are His and their triumphal chariot (Psa 104:3; Dan 7:13). ELLICOTT explains the Greek, "robed round by upbearing clouds" [Aids to Faith]. in the air--rather, "into the air"; caught up into the region just above the earth, where the meeting (compare Mat 25:1, Mat 25:6) shall take place between them ascending, and their Lord descending towards the earth. Not that the air is to be the place of their lasting abode with Him. and so shall we ever be with the Lord--no more parting, and no more going out (Rev 3:12). His point being established, that the dead in Christ shall be on terms of equal advantage with those found alive at Christ's coming, he leaves undefined here the other events foretold elsewhere (as not being necessary to his discussion), Christ's reign on earth with His saints (Co1 6:2-3), the final judgment and glorification of His saints in the new heaven and earth.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Then we which are alive and remain,.... See Gill on Th1 4:15. shall be caught up; suddenly, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and with force and power; by the power of Christ, and by the ministry and means of the holy angels; and to which rapture will contribute, the agility which the bodies both of the raised and changed saints will have: and this rapture of the living saints will be together with them; with the dead in Christ, that will then be raised; so that the one will not come before the other, or the one be sooner with Christ than the other; but the one being raised and the other changed, they will be joined in one company and general assembly, and be caught up together: in the clouds; the same clouds perhaps in which Christ will come, will be let down to take them up; these will be the chariots, in which they will be carried up to him; and thus, as at our Lord's ascension a cloud received him, and in it he was carried up out of the sight of men, so at this time will all the saints ride up in the clouds of heaven: to meet the Lord in the air; whither he will descend, and will then clear the regions of the air of Satan, and his posse of devils, which now rove about there, watching all opportunities, and taking all advantages to do mischief on earth; these shall then fall like lightning from heaven, and be bound and shut up in the bottomless pit, till the thousand years are ended: here Christ will stop, and will be visible to all, and as easily discerned by all, good and bad, as the body of the sun at noonday; as yet he will not descend on earth, because it is not fit to receive him; but when that and its works are burnt up, and it is purged and purified by fire, and become a new earth, he will descend upon it, and dwell with his saints in it: and this suggests another reason why he will stay in the air, and his saints shall meet him there, and whom he will take up with him into the third heaven, till the general conflagration and burning of the world is over, and to preserve them from it; and then shall all the elect of God descend from heaven as a bride adorned for her husband, and he with them, and the tabernacle of God shall be with men; see Rev 21:1. The resurrection by the Mahometans is called (q), "a meeting of God", or a going to meet God: and so shall we ever be with the Lord; now the saints are with him at times, and have communion with him, but not always; but then they shall be ever with him; wherever he is; first in the air, where they shall meet him; then in the third heaven, where they shall go up with him; then on earth, where they shall descend and reign with him a thousand years; and then in the ultimate glory to all eternity: and this will be the issue and accomplishment of the counsel and covenant of grace, of the sufferings and death of Christ, and of his preparations and prayers. (q) Alkoran, Surat. 6. v. 31. p. 113. Ed. Hinckelman.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:17 to meet: This alludes to the custom of sending an official delegation to greet a visiting dignitary and accompany him as he enters the city (Matt 25:6, 10; Acts 28:15-16).