1 Thessalonians 5:9

For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,

For {G3754} God {G2316} hath {G5087} not {G3756} appointed {G5087} us {G2248} to {G1519} wrath {G3709}, but {G235} to {G1519} obtain {G4047} salvation {G4991} by {G1223} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547},

For God has not intended that we should experience his fury, but that we should gain deliverance through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah,

For God has not appointed us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,

Commentary

1 Thessalonians 5:9 is a profound verse that offers immense comfort and assurance to believers. It succinctly declares God's gracious intent for His people, distinguishing them from those who will face divine judgment.

Context

This verse is nestled within Paul’s exhortations regarding the Day of the Lord. In the preceding verses (1 Thessalonians 5:1-8), Paul warns that this day will come "as a thief in the night" for unbelievers, bringing sudden destruction. However, he contrasts this with believers, who are "children of light, and the children of the day," not appointed to darkness or wrath. Verse 9 serves as a foundational theological statement reinforcing this distinction and providing the basis for the hope and vigilance Paul encourages.

Key Themes

  • Deliverance from Wrath: The core message is God's clear intention not to subject His faithful to His righteous indignation. This "wrath" refers to the eschatological judgment that will fall upon ungodliness and unrighteousness, as seen in Romans 1:18. For believers, there is an assured exemption from this ultimate condemnation.
  • Obtaining Salvation: In stark contrast to wrath, God's purpose for believers is "to obtain salvation." This salvation is comprehensive, encompassing deliverance from sin's penalty and power, and granting eternal life. It is not merely an escape from judgment but a positive reception into God's eternal presence and blessing.
  • Christ's Central Role: The phrase "by our Lord Jesus Christ" is crucial. It underscores that this salvation and deliverance from wrath are not earned by human merit or effort, but are entirely dependent on the redemptive work of Jesus. His death and resurrection are the sole basis for God's gracious appointment. This echoes the message of Romans 5:9, which states that "being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him."
  • Assurance and Hope: For the Thessalonian believers, who were facing persecution and anxieties about the end times, this verse provided immense assurance. It cemented their hope in God's faithfulness and Christ's finished work, affirming their secure standing before God.

Linguistic Insights

The term "appointed" (Greek: tithΔ“mi) means to set, place, or establish. It conveys a divine decree or purpose. God has not "set us aside" for wrath, but rather for salvation. This highlights God's sovereign plan and deliberate choice concerning the destiny of His people.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Thessalonians 5:9 remains a powerful source of comfort and motivation. It reminds us:

  • Of God's Love and Grace: Our salvation is a testament to God's profound love, not His anger towards those who trust in Him.
  • Our Secure Standing in Christ: We are not destined for judgment but for eternal life. This truth should alleviate fear and provide peace, knowing our future is secure "in Christ."
  • To Live in Light of Our Hope: Since we are children of light and not appointed to wrath, we are called to live watchful, sober, and holy lives, reflecting the salvation we have received. This aligns with Paul's call to put on the breastplate of faith and love, and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

This verse serves as an anchor for Christian hope, affirming that God's ultimate plan for those who believe in Jesus is not destruction, but eternal life and peace.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
An Introduction to 1 Thessalonians: Hope in the Lord's Return The Rapture: Views and Interpretations The Day of the Lord The Great Tribulation The Soul and Spirit: What's the Difference?

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:10

    And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

  • 1 Peter 2:10

    Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

  • 2 Timothy 2:10

    Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

  • Acts 13:48

    And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

  • Romans 9:11

    (For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

  • Romans 9:23

    And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:3

    That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
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