51 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
51 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
51 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers,
51 I don't think, friends, that I need to deal with the question of when all this is going to happen.
51 But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need that I should write to you.
51 Now concerning how and when all this will happen, dear brothers and sisters, we don't really need to write you.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:1
Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5
(Read 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5)
It is needless or useless to ask about the particular time of Christ's coming. Christ did not reveal this to the apostles. There are times and seasons for us to work in, and these are our duty and interest to know and observe; but as to the time when we must give up our account, we know it not, nor is it needful that we should. The coming of Christ will be a great surprise to men. Our Lord himself said so. As the hour of death is the same to each person that the judgment will be to mankind in general, so the same remarks answer for both. 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.