16 “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16 (ESV)
I Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 addresses the doctrine of eschatology; the doctrine of the last things. The word eschatology comes from a combination of Greek words meaning “the study of last things.” This doctrine includes physical death, the intermediate state, the afterlife, judgment, the millennium, heaven, and hell.
Eschatology also refers to the time of Jesus’ second coming. The Apostle Paul continued to affirm the orderliness of the return of Christ, and the homegoing of believers in Christ, which he began in I Thessalonians 4:15.
“The Greek word translated “coming” in “the coming of the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:15) is parousia, a term often used in secular literature to refer to the visit of the emperor or another dignitary to a city,” explains Dr. R. C. Sproul.
“During the parousia of an official, great festivities would be held, and the residents of the city would go out to meet him. Sometimes new coins would be minted or it would begin a new era for the people. One wanted to be present at the parousia of an earthly official, so how much more will one want to be at the parousia of Christ? Thus, Paul makes it clear that those who have died in faith before the return of Jesus will be the first to meet Him. They will rise from the dead and precede those who are alive when it comes time for believers to meet their Lord at the last day.”
The apostle wrote, “And the dead in Christ will rise first.” The dead (νεκροὶ; nekroi) in this context referred to believers who had physically died. Paul affirmed their justification by stating these dead were “in Christ.” They were in union with Christ comprising all who participate in the salvation of Christ (I Cor. 15:22-23). This event would include Old Testament believers who lived prior to Jesus Christ’s incarnation and those who trusted Christ after His incarnation.
All believers in Christ who have physically died the Lord will resurrect first. This resurrection at the Lord’s return is a resurrection of all believers God the Father declared justified by grace alone, through faith alone in the person and work of Jesus Christ alone. This is not merely the resurrection of New Testament saints (I Cor. 15:20-23; John 5:28-29).
What immediately precedes this resurrection of the dead in Christ is the return of the Lord to earth from heaven. The text says “For the Lord himself will descend from heaven.” This personal descent (καταβήσεται; katabesetai) by Christ was future then, and remains so today.
“With a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God.” The Lord’s descent will be with a cry of command (κελεύσματι; keleusmati). It is an “order” given with specific content. This cry of command is given with the voice of an archangel. Voice (φωνῇ; phone) refers to a loud cry or sound solely belonging to an archangel (ἀρχαγγέλου; archangelou). Along with this will be sound of the trumpet of God.
“The sounds mentioned in this verse—a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God—are difficult to interpret. Who will voice the loud shout? Will it be Jesus Himself (cf. John 11:43), or the archangel Michael (Dan. 10:13; Jude 9), or another angel? Is this a literal trumpet call, or was Paul speaking figuratively in describing the call of God by which He will announce the Advent of His Son? (cf. 1 Cor. 15:52) These three phenomena may all refer to the same thing, but probably they are three separate almost simultaneous announcements heralding Christ’s return. Christ’s return for His saints will be announced from heaven forcefully and dramatically,” states one biblical scholar.
“Christians of every generation are called to be vigilant in their watch for the Parousia in order that His coming will not be a surprise to us, like an unexpected thief in the night. We’re also urged to remind ourselves of this marvelous future manifestation as an encouragement in our present labors,” concludes Dr. Sproul.
Are you looking forward to the coming of the Lord, to the Parousia of Christ? It is easy for believers in Christ to be distracted by everyday activities. We tend to forget Jesus is coming and that He could come at any moment. Therefore, we should not only consider His coming and all the joys it will bring, but also remember the Lord is coming soon (Rev. 22:12, 20). May this encourage us to be busy with the work of His kingdom.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
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