New Testament Apocalypticic Analysis

Yet, elements of apocalyptic literature appear in this passage as well. Apocalyptic literature takes the promises of the prophets and reasserts them in a relevant manner for the current audience. However this passage lacks some aspects that are important to apocalyptic literature: having a pseudonymous writer and taking a fictional standpoint in the past. Yet, New Testament apocalyptic is different in that it does not need to do this because its focus is on Christ and His eschatological victory. In terms of this passage, elements of apocalyptic literature were included. Since apocalyptic writings used symbols to convey a message of comfort, and they never meant for their vivid images to be interpreted completely literally, First Thessalonians

One tactic Paul used was listing reasons to be hopeful. In fact, verses 14, 15, and 16 all open with the word “for” suggesting that he was giving the Thessalonians a reason to be hopeful with each of these. Paul also made use of a key metaphor in order to emphasize a point. Paul described those that had died as having “fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:14). The point Paul proved was that the resurrection would occur for the dead in Christ and it would be as if they were simply being awakened. Paul also used key symbols in his apocalyptic writing in order to provide extra comfort to the Thessalonians. Apocalyptic literature is not meant to be interpreted literally, but rather should be interpreted based off the point the author was trying to make to the audience. The symbols of “the voice of an archangel” (1 Thessalonians 4:17), and “the sound of the trumpet” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) both point to a big return of Christ that would result in radical change and could not be

That means everything in the passage was not written literally. However, this does not mean it is incorrect. “The dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Then the believers who are alive will be taken to be with them, and both groups will spend eternity with God. This just probably will not happen in the literal clouds with the sound of a trumpet playing.

God inspired Paul to write these words so that the Thessalonians who were grieving and needed to read these words of comfort could do so back then, and so that people all throughout history can do the same. God gave Paul a picture of the end times of the resurrection of believers and of God’s triumph in order to provide comfort to those in grief. Since Paul wrote this to the Thessalonians for comfort, believers today should turn to it for the same reason. In their comfort, they will also see that the Lord will triumph in the end times and bring His people to Him. Due to this, believers do not need to grieve with no hope like the Thessalonians did, but rather, can grieve with hope as they look forward to Christ’s return and teach others to do the