The Times and Seasons 1 Thessalonians 5:1

After completing his declarations concerning the “catching away” of believers in Jesus who are both dead and alive, in chapter five and verse one of his letter Paul turned his attention toward “the times and seasons” where we read:

But of the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I write unto you.

The verse begins, “But of the times and the seasons, brethren,...” Paul began with the word “But” which means “moreover, and, now and also” “of the times” which refers to “a space in time, a fixed or special occasion, an interval or while” “and the seasons” which refers to “a fixed and definite time, the time when things are brought to crisis, the decisive epoch waited for, the right time or limited period of time” “brethren” who are “brothers, whether born of the same two parents or only of the same father or mother or fellow believers who are united by the bond of affection”. Even though Paul knew the Thessalonians were aware of the “times and seasons”, he thought it important to mention them again.

The verse goes on to say, “...you have no need that I write unto you.” Paul went on to write, “you have no need” which means “there was no necessity, duty or business” “that I write” or “delineate letters on a tablet, parchment, paper or other material” “unto you” which refers to the Thessalonian church members. It is interesting to think that though Paul knew the Thessalonians had “no need” he felt it necessary to include his thoughts anyway.

When we think through these words of Paul, we once again see how much he cares for the Thessalonians. He knew they had “no need” that he write unto them concerning the “times and seasons”, and yet, he did it anyway. There are times when the Holy Spirit of God will remind us of things we already know. This reenforces our information base and emphasizes the importance of it. Fortunately for us, Paul felt the need to “write unto” the Thessalonians concerning the “times” they were in or else we would not see what he had to say. May the Lord Jesus help us to know, when he reminds us, or calls attention to things we already “know”, it may be that He wants to strengthen our knowledge concerning them or keep us in line with the manner of life He desires for us to live within them.

Next time Paul tells how “the day of the Lord” will come “as a thief in the night”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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