“Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever. So encourage each other with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18).
The New Testament book of Ephesians contains a passage that relates to our look at these final verses from 1 Thessalonians chapter four…
“As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient” (Ephesians 2:1-2 NIV).
In the Biblical era, Satan and his demonic representatives were rightly viewed as inferior spirit beings. As such, they were thought to be unworthy of occupying any place other than the Earth’s atmospheric environment, a location that was far below God’s heavenly throne. This helps explain the reference to “…the ruler of the kingdom of the air” here in Ephesians chapter two.
While this may not seem to correlate with our current study, one source makes an interesting connection between these passages from the book of Ephesians and 1 Thessalonians chapter four: “The air is Satan’s sphere (Eph_2:2), so this is a triumphal gathering in open defiance of the devil right in his own stronghold.” (1)
Finally, we should pay special attention to the concluding verse of 1 Thessalonians chapter four: “…comfort one another with these words” (KJV). As we study the rapture of the church and other end-time related events, we should consider our pursuit of those topics in light of the comfort they bring to ourselves and other members of God’s family. If our studies in these areas serve to produce more contention than comfort, we may do well to reexamine our priorities.
We’ll close our look at this important portion of Scripture with some wisdom from the following commentator…
“The primary purpose of this passage is not to teach a scheme of prophecy, but rather to provide encouragement to those Christians whose loved ones have died. The comfort here is based on the following: 1) the dead will be resurrected and will participate in the Lord’s coming for His own; 2) when Christ comes the living will be reunited forever with their loved ones; and 3) they all will be with the Lord eternally (v. 17).” (2)
(1) William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary (1 Thessalonians 4:17), pg.2038.
(2) MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2006). The MacArthur study Bible: New American Standard Bible. (1 Th 4:18). Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers.