What does 1 Thessalonians 5:7 mean?

Explanation

1 Thessalonians 5:7 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible and forms part of a larger section in which the Apostle Paul instructs the Thessalonian Christians on how to live in anticipation of the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

On a literal level, this verse contrasts the behavior of two groups of people: those who sleep at night and those who get drunk at night.

Sleep and drunkenness here are metaphors for spiritual lethargy and moral recklessness.

People who "sleep" are oblivious to spiritual realities and not ready for the return of Christ.

In contrast, those who are "awake" and "sober" (mentioned in the preceding verse, 1 Thessalonians 5:6) are prepared and living righteously.

The deeper meaning suggests a call to moral vigilance and spiritual awareness, drawing a line between the actions befitting the day (symbolizing light, goodness, and Christ's presence) versus those befitting the night (symbolizing darkness, evil, and ignorance).

Historical Context

1 Thessalonians is one of the earliest letters of the New Testament, written by Paul around AD 50-51 to the church in Thessalonica.

This was a period when early Christians anticipated the imminent return of Jesus, often referred to as the "Parousia." The text exhorts the believers to live righteously in anticipation of this event.

At the time, Thessalonica was a bustling port city with a diverse population, and it was common for people to engage in nocturnal activities such as feasting and drinking.

Paul uses these familiar concepts to teach a spiritual lesson.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse can be viewed through several lenses:

• Eschatological: It speaks to the doctrine of the end times, urging Christians to be ready for judgment.
• Ethical: It emphasizes the importance of moral living as a demonstration of faith.
• Ecclesiological: It speaks to the identity of the church as a community called to live differently from those not part of the Christian community.

Different theological traditions might place more emphasis on one aspect over the others.

For example, a Reformed perspective might focus on the sovereignty of God in salvation and the ensuing call to a holy life, whereas a Wesleyan perspective might emphasize the ability of believers to respond to God’s grace through righteous living.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse challenges individuals to:

• Stay vigilant against spiritual complacency.
• Encourage sober-mindedness in their attitudes and behaviors.
• Live in a way that is in stark contrast to those who are not aware of, or prepared for, Christ's return.

It serves as a reminder that actions and attitudes should reflect the day of Christ's return, regardless of societal norms that may encourage indulgence or apathy.

Cross-References

• Romans 13:12-13: "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."
• Ephesians 5:14: "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light."
• 1 Peter 5:8: "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words include:

• "Sleep" (καθεύδοντες, katheudontes): This often means physical sleep but metaphorically signifies a state of spiritual insensitivity.
• "Night" (νυκτός, nyktos): Symbolizes the realm of darkness, ignorance, and sin.
• "Drunken" (μεθύσκονται, methyskontai): Literally means to be intoxicated with alcohol, but here suggests spiritual debauchery and lack of self-control.

Paul's use of these terms employs common social activities to communicate spiritual truths.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In many ancient cultures, the dichotomy of night and day was often used to symbolize moral or spiritual conditions.

For example, in Egyptian mythology, the battle between the sun god Ra (symbolizing order and light) and the serpent Apophis (symbolizing chaos and darkness) is reflective of this contrast.

Similarly, in Zoroastrianism, the constant struggle between truth and lie, or light and darkness, is central to its teachings.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, sleep and altered states of consciousness through substances like alcohol have been extensively studied, highlighting their impact on cognitive function and decision-making.

The distinction between night and day, as understood through circadian rhythms, informs modern understanding of human behavior.

However, the use of these concepts in 1 Thessalonians 5:7 is metaphorical, relating more to spiritual states than biological processes.

Commentaries

Various experts and Biblical scholars provide commentary on this verse:

• John Stott, a noted Christian leader and theologian, suggests that this verse shows the inappropriateness of night behavior for those who belong to the day, urging Christians to be morally distinct.
• The Matthew Henry Commentary views this as a call to Christians to be unlike those of the world, who are spiritually asleep and given over to their passions and pleasures.
• The Expositor's Bible Commentary points out the ethical urgency in Paul's message, emphasizing that the anticipation of the Lord's coming should have a direct impact on Christian conduct.