Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5:1

"But concerning the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that aught be written unto you." — 1 Thessalonians 5:1 (ASV)

With the perplexity about the dead in Christ resolved, Paul turns to a new subject, yet not one completely distinct from the previous one. The direct and affectionate address “brothers” marks the new discussion as an addition prompted by Timothy’s report of the Thessalonians’ situation. The nonarrival of the parousia had created another perplexity for them.

Despite their ignorance about the dead in Christ (4:13), they had received

prior instruction regarding other eschatological matters. “We do not need to write to you” is Paul’s attestation to this fact. “Times and dates” are well-known words describing the end times from two perspectives (cf. their use in Ac 1:7; 3:19–21). “Times” (GK 5989) conceives more of elapsed time and hence a particular date when predictions will be fulfilled. “Dates” (GK 2789; cf. Daniel 9:27, LXX; Mark 13:33; Ephesians 1:10; Hebrews 9:10; Revelation 1:3; Revelation 22:10; et al.), while including some reference to extent of time, gives more attention to the character or quality of a given period, i.e., what signs will accompany the final events. During his first visit Paul had effectively communicated the basic features of precise times and accompanying circumstances of future events.