1 Thessalonians 5:1

¶ But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

But {G1161} of {G4012} the times {G5550} and {G2532} the seasons {G2540}, brethren {G80}, ye have {G2192} no {G3756} need {G5532} that I write {G1125} unto you {G5213}.

But you have no need to have anything written to you, brothers, about the times and dates when this will happen;

Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you.

But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you.

Commentary

1 Thessalonians 5:1 begins a new section in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, shifting focus from the certainty of Christ's return and the resurrection of believers (discussed in chapter 4) to the practical implications of its timing.

Context

Following his detailed explanation of the Lord's descent and the resurrection in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Paul addresses the Thessalonians' understanding regarding the "times and the seasons" of these eschatological events. The early church, including the Thessalonians, keenly anticipated the Second Coming of Christ. Paul's statement, "ye have no need that I write unto you," indicates that he had already provided sufficient oral instruction on this matter during his initial ministry among them, or that the principles for understanding were already clear from general Christian teaching and the teachings of Jesus Himself.

Key Themes

  • Uncertainty of Timing: The primary message is that the exact timing of Christ's return (often referred to as the "end times" or "day of the Lord") is not for believers to know or predict. This echoes Jesus' own words about the unknown day and hour of His return.
  • Emphasis on Readiness: Since the precise "times and seasons" are unknown, the focus shifts from speculative curiosity to a call for constant spiritual preparedness and vigilance. This sets the stage for the subsequent verses (1 Thessalonians 5:2-11) which elaborate on being "children of light" rather than "children of darkness."
  • Pastoral Reassurance: Paul reassures his audience that they are adequately informed about what truly matters regarding the Lord's return, removing any anxiety about lacking specific dates. Their knowledge should lead to proper conduct, not futile speculation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "times and seasons" translates two distinct Greek words:

  • Chronos (times): Refers to chronological time, a duration, or a specific point in time.
  • Kairos (seasons): Denotes an appointed time, an opportune moment, or a significant epoch. It emphasizes the quality or nature of the time, often implying a divinely appointed period or crisis.

Together, they encompass the full range of possibilities concerning the timing and specific periods associated with the Lord's return, reinforcing that both the general duration and the specific opportune moment are not revealed to humanity.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Thessalonians 5:1 serves as a timeless reminder to avoid engaging in date-setting or obsessive speculation about the end times. Instead, the Christian life should be characterized by an earnest expectation of Christ's return, leading to a lifestyle of holiness, watchfulness, and faithful service. Our readiness is not about knowing "when," but about living "as if He could come at any moment," fulfilling the call to be sober and watchful in our daily lives.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 1:7 (12 votes)

    And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:9 (8 votes)

    ¶ But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

  • Matthew 24:36 (6 votes)

    But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

  • Mark 13:30 (3 votes)

    Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done.

  • Mark 13:32 (3 votes)

    But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

  • Matthew 24:3 (3 votes)

    And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?

  • 2 Corinthians 9:1 (1 votes)

    ¶ For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: