1 Thessalonians 5:3
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For when they shall say, Peace and safety - This points out, very particularly, the state of the Jewish people when the Romans came against them; and so fully persuaded were they that God would not deliver the city and temple to their enemies, that they refused every overture that was made to them. Sudden destruction - In the storming of their city and the burning of their temple, and the massacre of several hundreds of thousands of themselves; the rest being sold for slaves, and the whole of them dispersed over the face of the earth. As travail upon a woman - This figure is perfectly consistent with what the apostle had said before, viz.: that the times and seasons were not known: though the thing itself was expected, our Lord having predicted it in the most positive manner. So, a woman with child knows that, if she be spared, she will have a bearing time; but the week, the day, the hour, she cannot tell. In a great majority of cases the time is accelerated or retarded much before or beyond the time that the woman expected; so, with respect to the Jews, neither the day, week, month, nor year was known. All that was specifically known was this: their destruction was coming, and it should be sudden, and they should not escape.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
they--the men of the world. Th1 5:5-6; Th1 4:13, "others," all the rest of the world save Christians. Peace-- (Jdg 18:7, Jdg 18:9, Jdg 18:27-28; Jer 6:14; Eze 13:10). then--at the very moment when they least expect it. Compare the case of Belshazzar, Dan 5:1-6, Dan 5:9, Dan 5:26-28; Herod, Act 12:21-23. sudden--"unawares" (Luk 21:34). as travail--"As the labor pang" comes in an instant on the woman when otherwise engaged (Psa 48:6; Isa 13:8). shall not escape--Greek, "shall not at all escape." Another awful feature of their ruin: there shall be then no possibility of shunning it however they desire it (Amo 9:2-3; Rev 6:15-16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For when they shall say,.... Or men shall say, that is, wicked and ungodly men, persons in a state of unregeneracy: peace and safety; when they shall sing a requiem, to themselves, promise themselves much ease and peace for years to come, and imagine their persons and property to be very secure from enemies and oppressors, and shall flatter themselves with much and long temporal happiness: then sudden destruction cometh upon them; as on the men of the old world in the times of Noah, and on the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Lot; for as these, will be the days of the Son of man, as at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem, so at the last day; see Luk 17:26 and as was the destruction of literal Babylon, so of Babylon in a mystical sense, or antichrist and his followers: and which will be as travail upon a woman with child; whose anguish and pains are very sharp, the cause of which is within herself, and which come suddenly upon her, and are unavoidable; and so the metaphor expresses the sharpness and severity of the destruction of the wicked, thus the calamities on the Jewish nation are expressed by a word which signifies the sorrows, pangs, and birth throes of a woman in travail, Mat 24:8, and likewise that the cause of it is from themselves, their own sins and transgressions; and also the suddenness of it, which will come upon them in the midst of all their mirth, jollity, and security; and moreover, the inevitableness of it, it will certainly come at the full and appointed time, though that is not known: and they shall not escape; the righteous judgment of God, the wrath of the Lamb, or falling into his hands; to escape is impossible, rocks, hills, and mountains will not cover and hide them; before the judgment seat of Christ they must stand, and into everlasting punishment must they go.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:3 “Everything is peaceful and secure”: The expression “peace and safety” was common during the era of the pax Romana (Roman peace). Amid such presumed security, God’s ultimate judgment comes without warning and is inescapable.
1 Thessalonians 5:3
The Day of the Lord
2For you are fully aware that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.3While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 1
By Leonard Ravenhill4.1K29:00Judgment Seat Of ChristGEN 6:11MAT 6:332CO 4:172CO 6:101TH 5:3HEB 11:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the corruption and violence present in the world today. He criticizes the politicians in Washington for their involvement in financial scandals and highlights the need for justice. The preacher believes that Jesus Christ gives believers victory over sin and that they can overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil. He also discusses the concept of the judgment seat of Christ and the importance of appearing before it to receive rewards or consequences for one's actions. The sermon concludes with a warning about the consequences of not obeying God and a description of a judgment day scenario.
Death, and After This, the Judgment
By Rolfe Barnard81854:24ECC 12:7MAT 6:332CO 2:151TH 5:3HEB 9:272PE 3:10REV 20:14In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the certainty of death and the judgment that follows. He mentions significant events in recent history, such as the televised funeral services of President John F. Kennedy and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. These events serve as reminders of the inevitability of death and the need for salvation. The preacher emphasizes that Jesus died because all men must die and face judgment. He urges the audience to turn to Christ for salvation and asks those who have a reasonable hope in Christ to affirm their faith.
Signs of the Coming of Christ
By David Wilkerson1Signs of Christ's ReturnHope in Turmoil1TH 5:3David Wilkerson emphasizes the signs of Christ's imminent return amidst the world's turmoil, reminding believers that while many may cry 'peace and safety,' sudden destruction is coming. He references biblical prophecies, including Jesus' warnings about distress among nations and the need for Christians to remain vigilant and hopeful. Wilkerson encourages the faithful to look up and recognize that these troubling times signal the nearness of redemption. He reassures that, like the early Christians, we should find comfort in the promise of Christ's return, urging us to focus on Him amidst chaos.
Political Events
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0JER 6:14MAT 24:61TH 5:3REV 17:5REV 19:19Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the deceptive cry for peace in the days of Jeremiah, paralleling it to the false sense of peace and progress preached in modern times. He highlights the impending divine judgment over Jerusalem due to the people's self-deception. Gaebelein draws attention to the ominous signs of impending troubles and the popular belief in universal peace, contrasting it with the warnings of great statesmen like Balfour and Lord Rosebery about the looming threat of war in Europe. He emphasizes the need for true peace through surrender to Jesus Christ, as the world prepares for war and unrest.
Twelfth Lesson. ‘Have Faith in God;’ Or, the Secret of Believing Prayer
By Andrew Murray01TH 5:3Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'asphales,' which signifies security, safety, and certainty, describing something unshakeable and immovable. This term is used in various contexts in the Bible, emphasizing the idea of being safeguarded from danger and peril. The related noun 'asphaleia' is seen in passages like Deuteronomy 12:10, highlighting the security and rest God provides. Paul uses 'asphaleia' in 1 Thessalonians 5:3 to contrast false safety in this world with the true hope found in Christ's return. The verb form 'asphalizo' is used in instances like Matthew 27:65 to depict securing and guarding, reflecting the idea of being firmly held in place.
The Self-Hardening Sinner's Doom
By Charles Finney0Spiritual HardnessReproofPRO 29:1ISA 55:6EZK 18:30MAT 24:44ROM 2:42CO 6:21TH 5:3HEB 3:15JAS 4:17REV 3:19Charles Finney delivers a powerful sermon on the dire consequences of hardening one's heart against God's reproof. He emphasizes that God reproves sinners through His Word, providence, and Spirit, aiming to lead them to repentance and salvation. Finney warns that those who repeatedly resist these reproofs will face sudden destruction without remedy, highlighting the urgency of heeding God's warnings. The sermon serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers of spiritual insensitivity and the importance of responding to divine correction before it is too late.
John 4:28-39
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 24:37JHN 4:31JHN 4:342CO 5:10PHP 4:51TH 5:3John Chrysostom preaches about the fervor and zeal required to obtain blessings from Christ, using the example of the Samaritan woman who left her water pot to share the news of Jesus. He highlights the importance of prioritizing spiritual matters over worldly concerns and the wisdom in speaking prudently and drawing others to Christ. Chrysostom emphasizes the significance of doing God's will and finishing His work, comparing it to the nourishment of food. He encourages believers to imitate the woman's boldness in repentance and not be ashamed before men but fear God, who sees all and will judge accordingly.
Moral Blindness
By E.L. Bevir0PRO 16:18JER 18:12MAT 6:22LUK 17:271TH 5:3JAS 4:6E.L. Bevir preaches about moral blindness throughout history, highlighting how infatuation and pride have led to destruction in various civilizations, including the Jewish nation, the antediluvians, and Christendom. He warns against the dangers of ecclesiastical power asserting itself on human principles, leading to judgment and destruction. Bevir emphasizes the importance of humility, seeking true wisdom and power from the Lord, and avoiding ignorance and presumption in religious zeal.
The World War and What Followed
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0PSA 33:12PRO 14:34ISA 2:4ISA 9:6DAN 2:21MAT 24:6ROM 13:11TH 5:32TI 3:1REV 17:14Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the events leading up to and during World War I, highlighting the divine inspiration behind the pre-written history of world affairs as penned by the prophet Daniel. The sermon delves into the prediction of nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom, ultimately leading to the unleashing of the dogs of war. Gaebelein discusses the intricate timeline of events in July 1914 that sparked the European tragedy, emphasizing the unseen power behind the human hatred. The sermon also touches on the significant role of various nations, the failure of peace negotiations, the rise of Japan, the League of Nations, and the aftermath of the war, including the Prohibition amendment and its unintended consequences.
Israel's Inviolability - Truth or Myth?
By Reggie Kelly0JER 17:5MAT 24:241TH 5:32TH 2:9REV 13:7Reggie Kelly addresses the confusion surrounding the present state of Israel, highlighting the mistaken order of the modern return and the unbiblical optimism concerning Israel's future. He points out the dangerous belief in Israel's 'inviolability' held by key leaders in the Land, leading to a false sense of supernatural divine protection. Despite scriptural evidence indicating Israel will face Antichrist's fury, there is a widespread belief that obediently returning to the Land will provide safety, creating an astonishing deception fueled by emotional presuppositions and end-time complexities.
Daniel as a Type of Godly Remnant
By Reggie Kelly0ISA 66:7DAN 12:1MAT 24:15LUK 11:2ACT 14:22ROM 11:33EPH 4:131TH 5:3REV 8:4Reggie Kelly delves into the critical and timely revelations found in the book of Daniel, emphasizing the importance of understanding prophetic interpretations and the significance of key events such as the abomination of desolation. He highlights the role of Michael in evicting Satan, the necessity of corporate intercession, and the church's preparation for the last battle. Reggie stresses the need for the church to grasp the prophetic timeline, the unveiling of the mystery of iniquity, and the ultimate victory over Satan through prayer and spiritual warfare.
The Manner in Which the Salvation of the Soul Is to Be Sought
By Jonathan Edwards0GEN 6:22JOB 27:20PRO 29:1MAT 24:36MAT 25:11LUK 23:251TH 5:3HEB 11:71PE 3:202PE 3:5Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of undertaking great endeavors for our own salvation, using Noah's obedience in building the ark as an example. He emphasizes the thorough and universal obedience of Noah, who followed all of God's commands diligently for his salvation. Edwards highlights the immense undertaking Noah faced in building the ark, which required great labor, care, and expense, lasting for 120 years. He urges listeners to be willing to engage in and persevere through the great work necessary for their eternal salvation, as the deluge of God's wrath will surely come, and those who neglect this work will be swallowed up in it, facing infinitely terrible destruction.
Social Conditions
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0EZK 7:19AMO 6:4ZEP 1:171TH 5:3JAS 5:1JUD 1:7REV 6:15REV 13:16REV 17:16Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the alarming increase in the consumption of cigarettes and intoxicants, despite the efforts of reformers and prohibitionists, revealing the nation's moral decline and the ignorance of God's Word predictions. He also addresses lawlessness, violence, and murder, exemplified by the McNamara brothers' confession and the dangerous influence of Socialism in inciting class war. Gaebelein warns about the solemn lessons learned from the Titanic disaster, emphasizing God's warning to a boastful and defiant age. He discusses the rise of Socialism in Sunday schools, the spread of Socialism principles, and the hatred of the rich among the youth. Additionally, he touches on the hunger crisis in China, the socializing of Christianity, the increasing unrest in the world, the suffragettes' fire losses, the white slave traffic, the food problems, the influence of moving-picture shows on youth, and the rise of a socialistic preacher who became a mayor and faced criticism from his congregation.
Modern Day Delusions
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein0MAT 24:242CO 11:13GAL 1:61TH 5:32TH 2:101TI 4:11TI 6:202TI 4:31JN 4:1The preacher Arno Clemens Gaebelein warns against the dangers of various cults and false teachings, such as the rapid growth of the Science cult on the Pacific Coast, the spread of Christian Science, the rise of the 'New Thought Movement,' the deceptive practices of Bahaism, the expansion of Mormonism, and the influence of Abdul Baha's false teachings. These cults and movements promote anti-Christian beliefs, deny essential Christian doctrines, and lead people away from the truth of the Gospel. The preacher emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the faith, exposing false teachings, and remaining vigilant against deceptive ideologies that seek to undermine true Christianity.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For when they shall say, Peace and safety - This points out, very particularly, the state of the Jewish people when the Romans came against them; and so fully persuaded were they that God would not deliver the city and temple to their enemies, that they refused every overture that was made to them. Sudden destruction - In the storming of their city and the burning of their temple, and the massacre of several hundreds of thousands of themselves; the rest being sold for slaves, and the whole of them dispersed over the face of the earth. As travail upon a woman - This figure is perfectly consistent with what the apostle had said before, viz.: that the times and seasons were not known: though the thing itself was expected, our Lord having predicted it in the most positive manner. So, a woman with child knows that, if she be spared, she will have a bearing time; but the week, the day, the hour, she cannot tell. In a great majority of cases the time is accelerated or retarded much before or beyond the time that the woman expected; so, with respect to the Jews, neither the day, week, month, nor year was known. All that was specifically known was this: their destruction was coming, and it should be sudden, and they should not escape.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
they--the men of the world. Th1 5:5-6; Th1 4:13, "others," all the rest of the world save Christians. Peace-- (Jdg 18:7, Jdg 18:9, Jdg 18:27-28; Jer 6:14; Eze 13:10). then--at the very moment when they least expect it. Compare the case of Belshazzar, Dan 5:1-6, Dan 5:9, Dan 5:26-28; Herod, Act 12:21-23. sudden--"unawares" (Luk 21:34). as travail--"As the labor pang" comes in an instant on the woman when otherwise engaged (Psa 48:6; Isa 13:8). shall not escape--Greek, "shall not at all escape." Another awful feature of their ruin: there shall be then no possibility of shunning it however they desire it (Amo 9:2-3; Rev 6:15-16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For when they shall say,.... Or men shall say, that is, wicked and ungodly men, persons in a state of unregeneracy: peace and safety; when they shall sing a requiem, to themselves, promise themselves much ease and peace for years to come, and imagine their persons and property to be very secure from enemies and oppressors, and shall flatter themselves with much and long temporal happiness: then sudden destruction cometh upon them; as on the men of the old world in the times of Noah, and on the inhabitants of Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Lot; for as these, will be the days of the Son of man, as at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem, so at the last day; see Luk 17:26 and as was the destruction of literal Babylon, so of Babylon in a mystical sense, or antichrist and his followers: and which will be as travail upon a woman with child; whose anguish and pains are very sharp, the cause of which is within herself, and which come suddenly upon her, and are unavoidable; and so the metaphor expresses the sharpness and severity of the destruction of the wicked, thus the calamities on the Jewish nation are expressed by a word which signifies the sorrows, pangs, and birth throes of a woman in travail, Mat 24:8, and likewise that the cause of it is from themselves, their own sins and transgressions; and also the suddenness of it, which will come upon them in the midst of all their mirth, jollity, and security; and moreover, the inevitableness of it, it will certainly come at the full and appointed time, though that is not known: and they shall not escape; the righteous judgment of God, the wrath of the Lamb, or falling into his hands; to escape is impossible, rocks, hills, and mountains will not cover and hide them; before the judgment seat of Christ they must stand, and into everlasting punishment must they go.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:3 “Everything is peaceful and secure”: The expression “peace and safety” was common during the era of the pax Romana (Roman peace). Amid such presumed security, God’s ultimate judgment comes without warning and is inescapable.