I Thessalonians 4:13-18: Rapture!

Lectionary Cycle Year A: Twenty-Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
I Thessalonians 4:13-18 (Read it on Bible Gateway)
Rapture!
This passage from Paul's letter to the Thessalonians is the only specific Christian Testament reference to what has come to be commonly called the Rapture. While other passages speak in similar terms, or make references to such events, it is only here that the idea is so clearly delineated. This passage is also one of the clearest and focused passages that outline the entire Christian belief and tradition concerning what happens to us when we die. As a result, this is a commonly read passage in most Christian funeral services.

There are a number of important things to note here.

First and foremost, Paul's primary purpose was not prophecy, but instead comfort and assurance. While the passage does indeed speak of a future timeline, clearly referencing what Paul sees as definitive coming events, its primary purpose is set forth in both verses 13 and 18. This passage is to address fears held by some in the Church, fear for those who had died and would die before the second coming. Would they miss out on the events, somehow not be included in the promise, if they died before Christ returned? In other words, they were experiencing grief, in mourning.

Like most in mourning, part of their emotional turmoil was a fear for those who have gone before. Were they really where they hoped? Was the reality everything they held to in faith? Was there something they had missed, something they had done or not done that perhaps excluded them?

So Paul speaks words of comfort and assurance. He reminds them of the promise of Christ for eternal life. He points out to them that the promise goes beyond nitpicky little concerns like timing of death. Instead, salvation is a promised reality for all who come before God in faith. Christ will see to those who have died before he comes again, as well as those who are still living in that time when he does come.

This passage is not only comfort and assurance of the well-being of those who have gone before, but also a promise to those still living, still facing the trials and travails of the mortal world. They too need not fear being excluded. Surely Christ will gather those up who still live when he comes again.

Beyond a promise of well-being and provision by God for both those who have died and those still living, this is above all a promise of reunion. Paul specifically mentions that both those who have died and those still living will be swept up together and there all shall be with God and with Christ.

The Rapture is one of the most oft misunderstood and misrepresented teachings of the Church. Its link to apocalyptic events makes it popular fodder for the entertainment industry and a speculative goldmine for those seeking sensationalism. It's also been a popular point for charismatic preaching. Nothing quite inspires like the threat of being 'left behind'.

However, taken in the context of what and where it was written, it should be seen as much less a prophetic timeline and much more a promise. Paul was not focused on the events, however subtle or sensational they will be, but focused instead on comforting those in mourning, of offering hope to those suffering and of reminding his readers that all are part of the promise of God and in that all can find comfort. That is a pretty powerful message for those of us who have lost ones we love.


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