1Th 4:14-16 | RWP | e4.org | For if we believe ( ε γαρ πιστευομεν ). Condition of first class, assuming the death and resurrection of Jesus to be true. In Jesus ( δια του Ιησου ). Literally, through or by means of Jesus. It is amphibolous in position and can be taken either with τους κοιμηθεντας (that are fallen asleep in or through Jesus) like ο κοιμηθεντες εν Χριστω in and probably correct or with αξε (through Jesus with God). With him ( συν αυτω ). Together with Jesus. Jesus is the connecting link ( δια ) for those that sleep ( κοιμηθεντας first aorist passive, but with middle sense) and their resurrection.

‏ 1 Thessalonians 4:14-16

For if we believe ( ε γαρ πιστευομεν ). Condition of first class, assuming the death and resurrection of Jesus to be true.

In Jesus ( δια του Ιησου ). Literally, through or by means of Jesus. It is amphibolous in position and can be taken either with τους κοιμηθεντας (that are fallen asleep in or through Jesus) like ο κοιμηθεντες εν Χριστω in 1Co 15:18 and probably correct or with αξε (through Jesus with God).

With him ( συν αυτω ). Together with Jesus. Jesus is the connecting link ( δια ) for those that sleep ( κοιμηθεντας first aorist passive, but with middle sense) and their resurrection.

By the word of the Lord ( εν λογω Κυριου ). We do not know to what word of the Lord Jesus Paul refers, probably Paul meaning only the point in the teaching of Christ rather than a quotation. He may be claiming a direct revelation on this important matter as about the Lord's Supper in 1Co 11:23. Jesus may have spoken on this subject though it has not been preserved to us (cf. Mr 9:1).

Ye that are alive ( ημεις ο ζωντες ). Paul here includes himself, but this by no means shows that Paul knew that he would be alive at the Parousia of Christ. He was alive, not dead, when he wrote.

Shall in no wise precede ( ου μη φθασωμεν ). Second aorist active subjunctive of φθανω, to come before, to anticipate. This strong negative with ου μη (double negative) and the subjunctive is the regular idiom (Robertson, Grammar, p. 929). Hence there was no ground for uneasiness about the dead in Christ.

With a shout ( εν κελευσματ ). Note this so-called instrumental use of εν. Old word, here only in N.T., from κελευω, to order, command (military command). Christ will come as Conqueror.

With the voice of the archangel ( εν φωνη αρχαγγελου ). Further explanation of κελευσματ (command). The only archangel mentioned in N.T. is Michael in Jude 1:9. But note absence of article with both φωνη and αρχαγγελου. The reference may be thus indefinite.

With the trump of God ( εν σαλπιγγ θεου ). Trumpet. See same figure in 1Co 15:52.

The dead in Christ shall rise first ( ο νεκρο εν Χριστω αναστησοντα πρωτον ).

First here refers plainly to the fact that, so far from the dead in Christ having no share in the Parousia, they will rise before those still alive are changed.