“For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labor pains upon a pregnant woman. And they shall not escape” (1 Thessalonians 5:3).
The God-inspired books of the Old Testament provide us with a great deal of spiritual insight, sometimes in surprising or unexpected ways. Consider the passage from 1 Thessalonians 5:3 quoted above and the Old Testament link identified by the following commentators…
“Just as false prophets of old fraudulently forecast a bright future, in spite of the imminence of God’s judgment (Jer 6:14; 8:11; 14:13, 14; La 2:14; Eze 13:10, 16; Mic 3:5), so they will again in future days just before the final Day of the Lord destruction.” (1)
“While they are saying, ‘Peace and safety’ This was the message of the false prophets of Jeremiah’s day (cf. Jer. 6:14; 8:11,28). Human life and society will appear normal before God’s intervention (cf. Matt. 24:37-38; Luke 17:26-27). They will not be expecting the Messiah.” (2)
These references illustrate the Old Testament’s value in helping us understand New Testament passages like 1 Thessalonians 5:3. Nevertheless, it is important to pray for God’s wisdom and discernment in seeking to understand and apply this portion of Scripture.
For instance, those with a strong interest in Biblical prophecy may wish to consider the cautionary message offered by the following source: “Unlike some modern students of prophecy, Paul refuses to speculate. Instead, he reminds them that the Day of the Lord will come unannounced. For those who are not in Christ, it will be completely unexpected and not particularly welcome.” (3)
Our final commentator offers the perspective of an earlier generation in identifying the positive and negative truths behind this passage. While the language of this quote reflects the parlance of a former time, the following observations are just as applicable today as they were in the 18th century when these words were first published…
“Christ’s coming will be terrible to the ungodly. Their destruction will overtake them while they dream of happiness, and please themselves with vain amusements. There will be no means to escape the terror or the punishment of that day. This day will be a happy day to the righteous. They are not in darkness; they are the children of the light. It is the happy condition of all true Christians.
But how many are speaking peace and safety to themselves, over whose heads utter destruction is hovering! Let us endeavour to awaken ourselves and each other, and guard against our spiritual enemies.” (4)
(1) MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (1 Th 5:3). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.
(2) Dr. Bob Utley. Free Bible Commentary, 1 Thessalonians 5:3 Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL07/VOL07B_05.html
(3) Brower, K. E. “3. The Day of the Lord (5:1-5)” In Asbury Bible Commentary. 1101. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, © 1992.
(4) Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary [5:1-5] https://www.christianity.com/bible/commentary.php?com=mhc&b=52&c=5