What does 1 Thessalonians 5:24 mean?

Explanation

[Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.] - 1 Thessalonians 5:24

This verse offers reassurance to believers regarding God's steadfastness and reliability.

The phrase "Faithful is he" acknowledges God's unwavering honesty and dependability.

"That calleth you" signifies that God is the initiator of the call to believers – an invitation to faith and to participate in His divine plan.

"Who also will do it" affirms that God is not only the one who calls but also the one who ensures the fulfillment of His promises and the completion of His work in the life of the believer.

The deeper meaning here speaks to both comfort and assurance. God’s faithfulness ensures that He will accomplish His purpose in the lives of those He has called to Himself. The believers are not left to their own resources but are supported by God's own faithfulness and power.

Historical Context

1 Thessalonians is a letter written by Paul to the church in Thessalonica around A.D. 50-52.

The Christian community there was relatively young, and Paul had spent only a short time with them before being forced to leave due to opposition.

His letter addresses various aspects of Christian life and encourages the believers to remain steadfast in the face of persecution.

This particular verse occurs in a section of the letter where Paul is offering closing exhortations and benedictions to the Thessalonian church.

Theological Insights

Within Christian theology, this verse reflects several key attributes of God such as His faithfulness, sovereignty, and omnipotence.

From a Calvinist perspective, this verse supports the doctrine of perseverance of the saints, which holds that God will preserve His elect and ensure their salvation.

Arminianism, on the other hand, might underscore the cooperative nature of salvation, where God’s faithfulness ensures the fulfillment of His promises but also involves human response to His calling.

In all views, God's faithfulness is the foundation upon which believers rely for their spiritual journey and final salvation.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied in a personal and communal context.

It offers individuals courage and endurance, knowing that God is faithful to complete His work in them, which can combat feelings of doubt or inadequacy.

For Christian communities, it encourages cooperation and trust, reinforcing the idea that the strength and success of their shared mission rest not on human effort alone, but on God’s providence and faithfulness.

Cross-References

• [Philippians 1:6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:
• [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?

Language Study

The original Greek for "faithful" is "πιστὸς" (pistos), which conveys the idea of one who is trustworthy and reliable.

The term "calleth" comes from the Greek "καλοῦντι" (kalounti), which means to call or invite, often with a divine or higher purpose in view.

"Will do it" is translated from "ποιήσει" (poiēsei), suggesting the carrying out or accomplishment of an action.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader context of ancient religions, thematic parallels can be found where deities are seen as guarantors of order and fidelity to their word. In many ancient myths, gods are often portrayed as being bound by their promises.

However, the Christian concept of a personal and faithful God who is involved in the lives of individuals and fulfills His promises, stands distinctively in comparison to the sometimes capricious or distant deities of the surrounding cultures.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science largely operates independently of theological claims, dealing primarily with empirical evidence and observable phenomena.

However, notions of order, reliability, and predictability in the natural world can be viewed as reflections of the faithfulness of the Creator in a theological context.

Additionally, psychology recognizes the importance of faith and trust in relationships, including the individual's relationship with the divine, for mental and emotional well-being.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians have commented on this verse, providing diverse insights:

• John Calvin emphasized the comfort this verse provides, knowing that God will not forsake His work and will bring to completion the salvation of believers.
• Matthew Henry notes that the faithfulness of God is a reason for joy and confidence to the Christian, as it secures both their present and future state.
• The ESV Study Bible comments on the Pauline theme of God's faithfulness to His calling and ultimate sanctification of believers, which is consistent throughout his epistles.

Scholars often highlight that Paul's assurance of God's faithfulness in this verse is meant to encourage and edify Christians who face trials and uncertainties, reminding them that the call they have received comes with the guarantee of God's unwavering support.