The intention of this article is to understand Paul’s eschatology by examining the background of 1 Thess 4:16-17. Many scholars agree on the existence of Paul’s eschatology in this passage, but they have not come to an agreement regarding on the b...
The intention of this article is to understand Paul’s eschatology by examining the background of 1 Thess 4:16-17. Many scholars agree on the existence of Paul’s eschatology in this passage, but they have not come to an agreement regarding on the background of it. This article will analyze the passage to find out Paul’s main point in this argument, and how it is related to the “Lord’s own word” in v. 15. Furthermore, this article will compare the passage against two passages which often has been acknowledged as the background of 1 Thess 4:16-17, i.e., Dan 7:1314 and Matt 24:30-31. This will highlight Paul’s unique eschatological understanding which is presented in the function of the clouds and the saints at the Lord’s Parousia. Paul’s eschatological understanding and explanation is inextricably linked with the urgent challenges that the Thessalonians were facing. Thus, through his eschatological explanation, Paul gives the Thessalonians both the confirmation of their Christian hope and also the message of encouragement.