1 Thessalonians 5:24

KJV

Faithful [is] he that calleth you, who also will do [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

Faithful {G4103} is he that calleth {G2564} you {G5209}, who {G3739} also {G2532} will do {G4160} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

The one calling you is faithful, and he will do it.

Berean Standard Bible

The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

American Standard Version

Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Thessalonians 5:24 stands as a profound declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness, serving as a divine guarantee that He who initiates the call to salvation will also bring to completion the work of sanctification and preservation in believers. This verse provides immense comfort and assurance, anchoring the Christian's hope not in personal strength or fleeting circumstances, but in the immutable character and sovereign power of God to fulfill His promises and perfect His people until the return of Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration concludes Paul's extensive exhortations and prayers for the Thessalonian believers, immediately following his comprehensive prayer for their complete sanctification and blameless preservation until Christ's coming in [1 Thessalonians 5:23](/1_thessalonians/5-23 "1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Paul's Prayer for Sanctification"). The preceding verses in [1 Thessalonians 5:12-22](/1_thessalonians/5-12-22 "1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 - Practical Exhortations") contain a series of practical commands regarding community life, spiritual discernment, and ethical conduct. Paul's prayer in verse 23 encapsulates the ultimate goal of these exhortations – a holy and blameless life. Verse 24 then acts as the divine "amen" to that prayer, shifting the focus from human responsibility and prayer to God's absolute capability and commitment to accomplish what has been prayed for. It is a firm theological anchor, ensuring that the high standard set for believers is not left to their own devices but is guaranteed by God Himself.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Thessalonica was relatively young, founded during Paul's second missionary journey, as recounted in [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Acts 17:1-9 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica"). The believers faced significant opposition and persecution from both Jewish and Gentile communities, which is a recurring theme throughout the letter (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 1:6](/1_thessalonians/1-6 "1 Thessalonians 1:6 - Imitators of the Lord and of Us"), [1 Thessalonians 2:14](/1_thessalonians/2-14 "1 Thessalonians 2:14 - Suffering Like the Churches in Judea")). They also grappled with questions concerning the return of Christ, particularly regarding those who had died before His coming (addressed in [1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Comfort of Christ's Return")). In this context of external pressure and internal theological queries, Paul's affirmation of God's faithfulness served as a crucial source of stability, comfort, and assurance. It reminded them that despite their struggles and uncertainties, God was actively at work in their lives, ensuring their ultimate salvation and sanctification.
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Thessalonians and Pauline theology. Foremost is the **sovereignty and faithfulness of God**, which undergirds all Christian hope and effort. It emphasizes that salvation, sanctification, and ultimate preservation are not human achievements but divine works initiated and completed by God. This aligns with the theme of **divine election and calling**, as God is the one "who calleth you." The "it" in the verse directly refers to the **sanctification and blameless preservation** mentioned in [1 Thessalonians 5:23](/1_thessalonians/5-23 "1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Paul's Prayer for Sanctification"), highlighting God's commitment to perfecting His people. Finally, the verse implicitly connects to the theme of **eschatological hope**, as this divine work is guaranteed "unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ," providing assurance for the believer's future and ultimate glorification.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Faithful (Greek, _pistós'_):** This word, derived from the verb "to persuade," describes God's inherent trustworthiness and reliability. When applied to God, it signifies His unchanging character and His steadfast commitment to His promises and covenants. It means He can be depended upon; He is true to His word and His nature. This attribute is foundational to the believer's confidence.
* **calleth (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This term refers to God's divine and effectual summons. It is not merely an invitation that may or may not be accepted, but a powerful, sovereign act of grace that brings individuals into a saving relationship with Him. This "calling" signifies God's initiative in salvation, highlighting His sovereign choice and purpose for believers.
* **will do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** This verb signifies to make, to do, to perform, or to accomplish. In this context, it emphasizes God's active power and determination to bring about the complete sanctification and preservation He has promised. It underscores that God is not just a passive observer but an active agent who will infallibly bring His purposes to fruition.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Faithful is he that calleth you":** This initial clause establishes the bedrock of the entire assurance: God's faithfulness. The one who initiated the relationship with the Thessalonians through His divine call is inherently trustworthy. His character guarantees His commitment to those He has called. This emphasizes that the certainty of their salvation and sanctification rests entirely on God's nature, not on human merit or consistency.
* **"who also will do it.":** This concluding clause provides the divine guarantee. The "who" refers back to "he that calleth you" (God), reinforcing that it is God Himself who will act. The word "also" (G2532, _kaí'_) adds emphasis, meaning "even He will do it." The "it" refers directly to the comprehensive sanctification and preservation mentioned in the preceding verse ([1 Thessalonians 5:23](/1_thessalonians/5-23 "1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Paul's Prayer for Sanctification")). This clause assures believers that God will not only begin a good work in them but will infallibly bring it to completion, ensuring their spiritual maturity and blamelessness until the day of Christ's return.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is achieved through the direct and declarative statement of God's faithfulness, placing it at the forefront of the assurance. The use of the **third-person singular pronoun "he"** (referring to God) creates a sense of divine agency and power, highlighting that the work is God's alone. There is a clear **cause and effect** relationship implied: because God is faithful, He *will* accomplish His work. The phrase "who also will do it" functions as a powerful **affirmation** and **guarantee**, providing a definitive closure to Paul's preceding prayer and exhortations. The entire verse serves as a concise **credo** or statement of faith in God's reliability, designed to instill confidence and hope in the recipients.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Thessalonians 5:24 is a profound theological statement on the nature of God and the security of the believer. It underscores the monergistic nature of salvation and sanctification, asserting that God is the sole initiator and perfecter of the work He begins in His people. His faithfulness is not merely a passive attribute but an active force that guarantees the fulfillment of His divine purposes. This verse provides immense comfort, assuring believers that their ultimate preservation and conformity to Christ's image are secured by God's unchanging character and omnipotent power, rather than by their own fluctuating efforts or merits. It transforms the Christian life from a striving for perfection into a trusting reliance on the One who is able to complete what He started.

* [1 Corinthians 1:9](/1_corinthians/1-9 "1 Corinthians 1:9 - God Is Faithful")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")
* [Hebrews 10:23](/hebrews/10-23 "He Who Promised Is Faithful")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Thessalonians 5:24 offers a bedrock of assurance for every believer, reminding us that our spiritual journey, from initial calling to ultimate glorification, is firmly held in the faithful hands of God. In a world fraught with uncertainty and personal failings, this verse provides an unshakeable anchor for our souls. It frees us from the burden of striving to earn our salvation or to perfect ourselves through sheer willpower, instead inviting us to rest in God's unfailing commitment. This truth should inspire not complacency, but a deeper trust and joyful obedience, knowing that the One who called us is perfectly capable and determined to complete the work of sanctification within us. It encourages us to persevere through trials, to confess our weaknesses, and to press on in faith, confident that God's faithfulness will see us through to the end, preserving us blameless until the glorious return of our Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's faithfulness in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 impact your daily walk with Him, especially when you face personal shortcomings or doubts?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to surrender control and trust more fully in God's ability to "do it" – to complete His work in you?**
* **How does this verse provide comfort and hope concerning your ultimate salvation and preservation, particularly in light of future uncertainties or the challenges of living a holy life?**

### FAQ

**What does "it" refer to in 1 Thessalonians 5:24?**

Answer: The "it" in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 refers directly to the comprehensive work of sanctification and preservation that Paul prayed for in the preceding verse, [1 Thessalonians 5:23](/1_thessalonians/5-23 "1 Thessalonians 5:23 - Paul's Prayer for Sanctification"). In that verse, Paul prays that God would "sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." Therefore, "it" encompasses God's commitment to setting believers apart for His purposes (sanctification) and keeping them pure and blameless (preservation) until the return of Jesus Christ.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "once saved, always saved"?**

Answer: While 1 Thessalonians 5:24 doesn't explicitly use the phrase "once saved, always saved," it strongly supports the theological concept of the perseverance and security of the saints. By declaring that God, who called us, "will do it" (i.e., complete our sanctification and preservation), the verse emphasizes God's active role in maintaining a believer's salvation. It grounds the assurance of salvation not in human ability to persevere, but in God's unwavering faithfulness and power to keep His people. This aligns with other New Testament passages that speak of God's preserving power, such as [John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand") and [Jude 1:24](/jude/1-24 "Jude 1:24 - Able to Keep You from Stumbling"). It assures believers that the work God began in them, He will surely finish.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Thessalonians 5:24 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "faithful One who calleth you" is the Father, whose faithfulness is perfectly embodied and demonstrated in His Son, Jesus. It is through Christ that God's effectual call goes forth, drawing humanity to Himself, as Jesus declared, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him" ([John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - Drawn by the Father")). Furthermore, the "it" that God "will do" – the complete sanctification and blameless preservation of believers – is accomplished solely through Christ's redemptive work. He is our sanctification ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption")), and it is His perfect sacrifice that makes us blameless before God ([Colossians 1:22](/colossians/1-22 "Colossians 1:22 - Reconciled in Christ's Body of Flesh")). Our preservation until His coming is secured by His intercession at the right hand of the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")) and His promise to keep those the Father has given Him ([John 17:11-12](/john/17-11-12 "John 17:11-12 - Jesus Prays for His Disciples")). Thus, 1 Thessalonians 5:24 is not merely a general statement about God's character, but a Christ-centered assurance that God's faithfulness guarantees the completion of His saving and sanctifying work in us, all through the finished work and ongoing ministry of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Thessalonians 3:3

But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep [you] from evil.

Numbers 23:19

God [is] not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

1 Corinthians 1:9

God [is] faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Deuteronomy 7:9

Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he [is] God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations;

1 Peter 5:10

¶ But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle [you].

2 Timothy 2:13

If we believe not, [yet] he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

Isaiah 25:1

¶ O LORD, thou [art] my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful [things; thy] counsels of old [are] faithfulness [and] truth.