To What Was Paul Referring, in 1 Thes. 4:17?
By Jonathan Mitchell
We will look at the immediate context leading up to this verse, and also consider it in light of the thoughts that immediately follow it. Our comments are based upon the expanded translation of The Jonathan Mitchell New Testament. We will first make verse-by-verse observations, beginning with 4:13, and ending with 5:10. Our interpretations of 1 Thes. 4:17 come from reading it as being in the tradition of Jewish apocalyptic literature, that is, as being a figurative statement that uses traditional, symbolic linguistic devices to paint a spiritual reality that is based upon the Second Temple worldview, in the first century AD. Having laid out our methodology, let us proceed to the fourth chapter of this letter:
13. Now then, we are not wanting (or: willing, intending) you to continue ignorant, brothers, concerning the folks who are from time to time falling asleep [other MSS: those having been put to sleep (= passed away; died), and continuing made to be sleeping], to the intent that you would not continue being pained, grieved or sad, according as even (or: just like also) the rest (those remaining) - the folks normally holding no expectation (or: not possessing an expectant hope).
So first of all, there should be no sadness or sorrow about folks who are from time to time dying. Their attitude and world-view should not be that of either the Second Temple Jewish world or that of the pagans - those who were without an expectation about those who died. Things have changed; Christ has been raised from the dead (1 Cor. 15); we have been placed into Christ and are a part of the second humanity (1 Cor. 15:45-47); there is a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).
14. For you see, since (or: if, as is the case,) we habitually believe and trust that Jesus died and then arose (or: stood up again), thus (in this manner) also, THROUGH (or: by means of) Jesus, GOD will continue (or: keep on progressively) leading (guiding; conducting), with Him, those being ones caused to sleep (or: the folks at some point falling asleep). [cf Rom. 8:14]
Note Paul's emphasis on the resurrection of Jesus as the basis of our faith. He stood up again. And we see that when Jesus is on the move (the purpose of standing up again), in this same manner these dead folks are lead together with Him, by God. So the question is: when, where and how does this happen? Paul addresses this in the following verses. But let us also consider what he said in 2 Cor. 1:9b,
"the God Who is continually (habitually; periodically; repeatedly; or: presently) awakening and raising up the dead ones!"
The Greek verb in this clause is in the present tense of continual or repeated action, as seen in this translation.
15. For THIS we continue saying to (or: laying out for) you, in a word of [the] Lord (or: centered in [the] Lord's Word; in the midst of a Logos-message which is [the] Lord; or: in union with a blueprint from [our] Owner; in the sphere of pattern-forming Information, pertaining to [the] Master), that we, the presently living (or: the ones continuing alive) - the folks presently continuing left around (or: behind) into the midst of this Presence of the Lord (or: with a view to the Lord's presence; into this Presence, which is the Lord; [cf 3:13, above]) - can by no means advance before (precede; have advantage over; outstrip) the folks being ones caused to sleep (or: the folks at some point falling asleep),
Thus, they can be assured about these dead folks: that those then presently living who, "in a word from the Lord," were to be continuing to be left around unto "the presence of the Lord" would by no means precede or have advantage over those that were presently dead. The question is then, what is meant by "the presence of the Lord"? Verse 16 gives an indication:
16. because the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] Himself will continue habitually descending (or: will repeatedly descend; [cf 5:2, 4, below; Rev. 3:3]) from [the] atmosphere (or: sky; heaven) within the midst of (or: in union with; in the sphere of) a shout of command, within the midst of [the] Chief Agent's (or: in union with an original messenger's or a chief and ruling agent's) Voice, and within the midst of (or: in union with; in the sphere of) God's trumpet [note: figure of a message, or of a directive for action]. And so, first of all, these dead people (or: to begin with, the dead folks; [cf Eph. 2:1]) will one-after-another be raising themselves up (or: will continue standing up) within Christ (in the sphere of an Anointing; in union with [Messiah]). [cf Jn. 5:25; 11:25-26; Ezk. 37:1-14; 1 Cor. 15:23]
"The presence (Greek: par-ousia - 'being alongside') of the Lord" in this context means an eschatological event which Paul describes in apocalyptic images. This word appears in 1 Thes. 2:19; 3:13; 4:15 and 5:23. Its use in 2:19 has traditionally been seen as something in the future, where Paul said that these Thessalonians,
"shall continue being a crown (victor's wreath; encirclement) of boasting and glorying in front of our Lord Jesus, in His presence (or: in the place facing toward our Master, Jesus, within the midst of His being present alongside [us])..."
but then, in vs. 20, he assured them,
"For you see (or: For it follows that), you yourselves are our glory and joy."
It was a present situation. So let us consider Paul's next use of this term, in 3:13, in view of the context in vs. 12,
12. Now the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] might suddenly, or at some point, make you increase (or: be more than enough; be augmented; [note: in quality and/or quantity]), and even could abundantly surround [you] by, and furnish [you] with, the Love (or: then cause super-abundance in this self-giving love for unambiguous acceptance) unto each other and unto all people (or: into the midst of all humans), - even as we also unto you -
13. unto this [end] (the [goal]): to establish (or: to the firmly fixing immovable and setting fast [of]) your hearts, blameless and without defect (or: to make stable your unblamable hearts) in the sphere of set-apartness (or: centered in holiness; in union with sacredness) in front of, and in the sight of, our God and Father, within, and in union with, the Presence of (or: in the sphere of this Presence from, and which is,) our Lord (Master), Jesus Christ, with all His set-apart folks (or: in company with all the holy people from Him; [cf Heb. 12:22-24]). Count on it!
The context was their current situation, not some future event. We will examine the use of this word in 4:15, below, so let us skip ahead, to 5:23,
"Now may the God of the Peace and this Joining, Himself (or: Yet the very God who is Peace and Joined-harmony can), set you folks apart [being] completely whole (or: wholly perfect; entirely mature; wholly finished and at the goal), and may your whole allotment (= every part) - the spirit, the soul and the body - be blamelessly kept (unexceptionally guarded and maintained) within, and in union with, the Presence of our Lord, Jesus Christ (or: in the sphere of this Presence, which is our Master, Jesus Anointed)."
His prayer of their being "set apart," and "kept, guarded and maintained," had in view their present situation. All of this was to happen "within, in union with, and in the sphere of" Christ's constant Presence with those Thessalonians.
Next, we need to consider the word "heaven" which also means "the atmosphere of the earth." Recall that we are presently seated in heavenly places, or atmospheric spheres (Eph. 2:6). If we take the meaning of ouranos as "atmosphere," the implication is that this realm and sphere is right here, and even touches the earth. Consider that vs. 17 refers to this place as being in "the midst of air," the realm of "clouds." I suggest that the idea of "descending" is a relative term that signifies God's specific intervention and involvement in the life of the "earth realm," as compared to the life in the spirit.
His descending is within the midst of, and in union with,
"a shout of command, within the midst of [the] Chief, or a Ruling Agent's, voice."
This Ruling Agent would either be Christ Himself, or it would be someone, or a composite group, that is at this time speaking for Him, in His Name and authority, and He descends to us within that voice. He goes on to describe this as God's "trumpet," which is a figure of a message. So His message comes, and Christ is encountered within that message. The result is the dead folks raise themselves up (the voice of the verb is "middle"), or, will stand up again, and this speaks of resurrection.
Here we enter another much debated topic. Jesus said,
"I am the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25).
Paul made other significant statements:
"Thus you folks, also, be constantly accounting (logically considering; reckoning) yourselves to exist being dead ones, indeed, by the failure to hit the target (or: in the Sin; to the deviation), yet ones continuously living by God (in God; for God; to God; with God), within Christ Jesus, our Owner" (Rom. 6:11).
So we are to logically consider ourselves to exist being dead, which would put us in the category of those in vs. 16, above, who were then "sleeping," and yet at the same time continuously living by, and in, God (having been joined to Christ in His death and resurrection - Rom. 6:4-5),
"even us, being continuously dead ones by (or: in; to; for) the stumblings aside (wrong steps; offences) He made alive together by (or: joins us in common life with and in; [p46, B: within; in union with]) the Christ - by Grace and joyous favor you continually exist, being folks having been delivered (rescued and saved, so that you are now safe; made whole)! - and He jointly roused and raised (or: suddenly awakens and raises) [us] up, and caused [us] to sit (or: seats [us]) together within the things situated upon [thus, above] the heavens (or: in union with the full, perfected heavenlies; or, although neuter: among those comprising the complete and perfected heavenlies; among the ones [residing] upon the atmospheres; in union with the celestials) within and in union with Christ Jesus," (Eph. 2:5-6).
We should also keep in mind that in Christ, the bearer of the New Being, there is a new creation,
"Consequently, since someone [is] within Christ (or: if anyone [is] in union with [the] Anointed One), [there is] a new creation (or: [it is] a framing and founding of a different kind; [he or she is] an act of creation having a fresh character and a new quality): the original things (the beginning [situations]; the archaic and primitive [arrangements]) passed by (or: went to the side). Consider! New things have come into existence (have been birthed; or: It has become new things; or: He has been birthed and now exists being ones of a different kind, character and quality)." (2 Cor. 5:17) [cf Rev. 21:5, JMNT]
Keep in mind that Paul, in 2 Cor., and here to the Thessalonians, is speaking of present situations within the lives of his current listeners.
17. Thereupon (or: After that; As a next step) we, the presently living folks, the ones continuing left remaining (or: behind; around), will, in association with them, proceed one-after-another being seized and snatched away [cf 2 Cor. 12:2; Rev. 4:1-2] within clouds (or: carried off by force, in union with, and among, clouds; [cf Heb. 12:1]) into the midst of [the] air
[note: air that we breathe in; mist; haze; the atmosphere around us; located in the earth's lower atmosphere, the place where there is air]
- into the Lord's away-meeting (an escorting-off, from the Lord; a face-to-face encountering, which is the Master). And thus (in this way and in such a manner) will we always continue being (or: continue existing at all times) together with [B reads: within the midst of; in union with; in the sphere of; centered in] [the] Lord (or: Master). [cf 2 Cor. 5:6; Acts 1:9-11; 17:27-28; Eph. 2:6; Rev. 2:1, 5, 16, 21-28; 3:3-4, 11, 20]
Paul is here speaking of an event that those then living, the "we," would experience: being
"seized and snatched away within clouds into the midst of [the] air."
Much of Christianity believes this to be a future event, and some have considered Paul to have been misguided to have expected it to happen in the then near future. But others, among them those of the preterist paradigm, believe that this happened when the Lord returned to Jerusalem in judgment, both through the agency of the Romans and in a literal "snatching away" and resurrection during the period of AD 66-70.
It should be noted that Paul did not say that the Lord would take everyone off to heaven, but that they would be with Him
"in [the] air."
Thus would they be in our atmosphere - close enough to touch. That, of course, is putting a literal spin on the interpretation of his words. A figurative interpretation - since he spoke in apocalyptic terms of a shout, the blowing of a trumpet, and descending - would speak of the joining of the heavens and the earth in the realm of spirit, and thus catching folks up into the realm of spirit, similar to the descending of the New Jerusalem as symbolically pictured in Rev. 21:2, and its existence upon earth in Rev. 22. This city, of course, was a figurative description of the Lamb's wife (21:9), the bride of Christ, God's tabernacle (= His temple, His body) dwelling with humanity (21:3).
I should also point out that this same word "seized and snatched away" is used in Matt. 11:12 in the context of the reign of the heavens, where I render it as
"grasping it and drawing it up,"
"Now from the days of John the Immerser until right now, the reign and realm of the heavens (or: sovereign rule of the kingdom of the atmospheres) is itself continuously pressing (or: is progressively pressing and forcing itself) forward with urgency, and those urging and pressing forward [toward the goal] are constantly grasping it and drawing it up [to themselves]."
This verse, in Mat. 11, is also using apocalyptic imagery which applied to that period during the ministry of Jesus.
18. So that (or: Consequently,) you folks, as paracletes, must constantly call each other alongside to give relief, encouragement, and comfort, within these words (or: centered in these thoughts and reasons; or: in the sphere of these pattern-forming transfers of Information).
This would have been a real comfort to them, and so it can be to us, since He is repeatedly coming to us and walking among us (we being pictured as lampstands, among which He constantly walks: Rev. 1:20 and 2:1). Note that the One who constantly, or repeatedly, walks among us, as we are instructed in Rev. 2:1, speaks with
"a great voice, as of a trumpet..." (Rev. 1:10).
Continuing, in chapter 5:
2. for you yourselves are accurately aware (know exactly from having seen) that a Day of, from, and which is, the LORD [= Yahweh] thus continually comes (is habitually and repeatedly coming and going; is presently, progressively coming) as a thief in a night (or: within [the] night).
[comment: the day of Yahweh was a term that figured a time of judging and hard times, in the Old Testament; e.g., cf Rev. 3:3]
Now the day of Yahweh was a term that figured a time of judging and of hard times, in the Old Testament; e.g., see Joel 1:15 and 2:1-2; Jer. 30:7; Amos 5:18; Zeph. 1:14-18. Here Paul continues using the figures of "a Day of the Lord," and "a thief at night." It would be a time of dark days - trouble. This letter being written about AD 50, he might have been speaking prophetically of what was to begin in about 15 years.
This phrase indicates a special visitation from God where He intervenes in the affairs of humanity. Note that this occurrence periodically or continually comes: it is not a one time, "end of the world" event. Paul had just described it as the Lord's "presence" (Greek: par-ousia, i.e., "being alongside") in 4:15, and referred to it as an "encounter" or a "meeting." Having this now connected with the OT term "day of the Lord" would seem to indicate that it is a time of decision and change (or: judging, as in OT times) along with a time of higher experience (air/clouds, which figure the realm of "spirit") and a forceful snatching away (harpazo, ch. 4:17), in union with clouds, for His people. As pointed out, above, this is associated with the coming of His kingdom, which began with the ministry of Jesus. Verse 1, here, tells us that Paul must have already described the situations or occasions that would signal this period, for they were aware of this.
3. So whenever they may be repeatedly saying, "Peace from a Joining, and security (or: safety; stability)," then (at that time) sudden and unexpected ruin (or: a surprise cause of unforeseen destruction) is presently standing upon them, just as the birth-pang for the pregnant woman (or: to the one having [a child] in the womb; [cf Rev. 12:2]), and they may by no means flee out or make an escape. [cf Mat. 24:15-31; Lu. 21:20-28]
Here he points to political and social upheaval, and possibly war. They would be aware of its gathering, just as a woman who is long pregnant usually knows the season of when to expect birth-pangs. And Paul's use of this metaphor may also point to an expectation of a new situation being "birthed." Once it begins, there is no escaping its coming. N.T. Wright (Surprised by Hope - Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection and the Mission of the Church, Harper One, 2008) says that the term "birth-pangs" was a common "Jewish metaphor for the emergence of God's new age" and that it signified "birth of [a] new creation from the womb of the old" (p. 103, 104).
4. Yet you yourselves, brothers, are not continuously in darkness (dimness from being in the shadow; obscurity of gloom; an absence of Daylight) to the end that the Day may (or: would) suddenly take you down (grasp or seize you in a corresponding manner) as a thief,
So here Paul assures them that they have the light of this knowledge and won't be surprised. Furthermore, they are not living in the realm of darkness (figured by the conditions and deeds spoken of in Rev. 22:15) which exists outside their called-out community, for the New Jerusalem (a figure of God's people in the new reality and kingdom - see Gal. 4:26) has light (Rev. 22:5; [cf Ex. 10:22-23]) and is a light for the ethnic multitudes and nations that are not yet a part of the City (Rev. 21:23-26). The Thessalonians are the light of the dominating System (or: world - Matt. 5:14) in their area.
5. for you see, you all are (or: exist being) sons of (from; associated with and having the qualities of; or: which are) Light and sons of (from; associated with and having qualities of; or: which are [the; this; a]) Day! We are (exist) not of, or from, night, nor of, or from, Darkness (or: We do not belong to, or have the characteristics of, night, nor to, or of, dim obscurity from shadows and gloom; or: We are associated with neither night nor darkness).
This shows that a change has come - old things had passed away. The darkness can refer both to ignorance, and to the old religious systems of Judaism or the pagan religions. But it also refers to the coming dark clouds of judgment, that would soon approach them, as well as the Jerusalem which was of the earth and in slavery to Mount Sinai - the Law (Gal 4:25), putting out the light of the old Jewish religion. The light is a metaphor for Christ and His body. The day referred both to the day of judging, and to the new day of the new age - and the new creation/covenant. These Thessalonians had already been birthed from the present Light of Christ, and had been birthed from His Day!
6. Consequently, then, we may not continuously fall asleep [into a lack of awareness], even as the rest (= as other folks), but rather, we can and should continuously be aroused and stirred up from sleep, and thus, awake to be alertly watchful and vigilant [comment: also a figure for being alive; cf Col. 4:2] and sober (or: clear-headed and well-balanced).
Paul was very clear here: that to which he was referring was not some far-off event. It was soon to come, and they must "continuously be aroused and stirred up from sleep and clear-headed!" They would live to see this happen! Consider what Paul said in Eph. 5:
14. for you see, all that is continuously being manifested (clearly displayed, made apparent and is progressively shown for what it is) is, and continually exists being, Light. Wherefore (or: Because of which), He is now saying (or: it keeps on laying it out; [cf Isa. 60:1]), "Let the sleeper (the person continuously down and being fast asleep) be waking up, continue rousing, and then stand up (arise) from out of the midst of the dead ones, and the Christ will continue shining upon you (progressively enlightening you)!" [cf Jn. 5:25; Rom. 6:4-8; Col. 3:1]
The contrasts of falling asleep/being aroused from sleep are metaphorical in regard to their attitudes: they should be sober and clear-headed, as "sons of Light and sons of Day."
7. For it follows that the folks continuously falling asleep (or: drowsing) are sleeping at (or: from [the]) night, and the ones continuously being made drunk are becoming drunk at (or: from [the]) night. [cf 4: 16; 5:2, 4, above; Jn. 9:4; Rev. 3:3; 16:15]
Day and night existed at the same time in Paul's metaphor - the difference was whether you were dwelling in darkness, or in the Light. It was the night for the old creation, but at the same time it was the New Day of the new age/creation. It was a conjunction of the ages (Heb. 9:26) - the end of one; the beginning of the next. The Jews were asleep to the coming of the Messiah; they were drunk on the old wine. Again, "sleeping... drunk" are here used metaphorically.
8. We, on the other hand, being of Day (belonging to, having characteristics of, and existing from [the] Day), can and should continuously be sober (clear-headed), putting on (or: clothing ourselves with; enveloping ourselves in; entering within) a breastplate of faithfulness and Love (or: a thorax which is faith and trust, along with acceptance urging toward union; from fidelity and a giving of self) and, as a helmet, an expectation (or: expectant hope) from deliverance (which is health and wholeness; of rescue and being kept safe; pertaining to salvation), [cf Eph. 6:10-17]
This was a time to be clear about the message of God's goodness, and put Him on (Rom. 13:14a), as a warrior puts on the protection of a helmet and breastplate, as Paul also said in Eph. 6:11,
"you folks must enter within (or: clothe yourselves with) the full suit of armor and implements of war (panoply; the complete equipment for men-at-arms) which is God (or: which comes from and belongs to God), in order for you to be continuously able and powerful to stand (or: to make a stand) facing toward the crafty methods (stratagems) of the adversary (or: that which throws folks into dualism with divided thinking and perceptions; or: the person that throws something through the midst and casts division; the one who thrusts things through folks; the slanderer who accuses and deceives; or, commonly called: the "devil")."
Once again, Paul's word was for their then-present situation. Nonetheless, it is a practical admonition for everyone of any time or situation. But note that these metaphors are of attitudes and of a life in union with the Christ, who is the Day; the Light. These "weapons" are for our protection, not for offensive action.
9. because God did not (or: does not) place or set us into anger (inherent fervor; violent emotion; wrath; or: teeming, passionate desire), but rather, and to the contrary, into an encompassing of deliverance (or: unto establishing a perimeter of safety; into making health and wholeness encircle [us]; into the forming of an encompassing salvation around [us]) through, and by means of, our Lord (or: Master), Jesus Christ -
The Thessalonians, and the rest of the body of Christ elsewhere, were not going to be a part of the oncoming judging that was to come through His "instrument of destruction" (Isa. 54:16), the Romans. He was going to be their "encompassing of deliverance." The word that I have rendered, "encompassing," or, "establishing a perimeter," or, "making... encircle," or, "forming of an encompassing" is a participle formed from the verb poieo prefixed by the preposition peri. It is often translated "acquiring," from the sense of surrounding one's self with material goods. But the verb "place / set," which is the antecedent action of our phrase, shows that this is an action by God, so I have rendered it from the elements of the Greek word, and LXX usage (e.g., 2 Chron. 14:13; Isa. 31:5; Hag. 2:10), which speaks to God's protection of His people amidst present danger. The safety and deliverance of the final phrases describe the present state and possession of the community, and refer back to the faith, love and expectation mentioned in vs. 8. So, more than just an eschatological view of a situation of judgment that was soon to come, it was a present reality that encompassed them.
10. the One dying concerning, and on behalf of, us (or: = while encompassing our [situation]; [other MSS: over our {condition}]), to the end that whether we can and should continuously be aroused and stirred up from sleep, and thus, awake to be alertly watchful and vigilant, or, continuously falling asleep (or: = being alive or being dead), we can at the same time be alive (or: would at the same time live) together with, and in, Him (= share His life).
Here Paul returns to those presently living and those having died: both categories were alive together with God. This was the result of His dying over our previous situation: the new creation, and resurrection from our state of having been dead. Recall the words of Jesus, in John 11:26,
"And further, everyone (or: all mankind) presently (or: continuing in) living and trusting (or: progressively believing; regularly exercising faith) into Me can by no means (or: may under no circumstances) die-off (or: die-away) on into the Age. Are you presently believing, trusting and having convinced faith of this?"
The new age and the new creation, which issued from His resurrection, has changed everything - even death.
Helmut Koester (ibid p 65) suggests that Paul is making the distinction irrelevant between being awake and sleeping, since they could at that present time "be alive, or live, together with Him and share His life."Koester points to this verb being the aorist subjunctive, and that it should be read as a present reality which was not determined by their being watchful (i.e., being awake to this life) but by the then present state of the community. He sees the awake/asleep contrast as metaphorical, just as it was in vss. 6-8, above.
To conclude, we read 4:17 as being a part of the context in which it is found, and which we have just reviewed. It is apocalyptic imagery of a then present, as well as of an ongoing, situation. The author of the book of Hebrews also uses apocalyptic imagery, and we read in chapter 12:
23. [that is] in (or: to) an assembly of an entire people (or: a festal gathering of all, in a universal convocation) and in (or: to) a summoning forth (or: a called-out and gathered community) of firstborn folks having been copied (from-written, as from a pattern; or: enrolled; registered in a list) within [the; or: various] atmospheres (or: in the sphere of heavens), and in (or: to; with) God, a Judge (an Evaluator and Decider) of all people, even (or: that is; also) among (or: to; with) spirits of just folks (or: centered in the sphere of breath-effects from people who are rightwised, fair and in right relationship within the Way pointed out) having been made complete and brought to the destined goal (perfected; finished; matured),[cf Rev. 3:12; Eph. 2:6; Phil. 3:20; Rev. 14:1-5; Ex. 4:22]
24. and in (or: to) Jesus, a Medium (or: an agency; an intervening substance; a middle state; one in a middle position; a go-between; an Umpire; a Mediator) of a new and fresh (young; recently-born) arrangement (covenant; settlement; a deposit throughout, in every direction; a placing through the midst; or: a will and testament), and to and in blood of sprinkling, and to One continuously speaking something superior to (or: stronger and better than) Abel. [cf Heb. 10:22; Mat. 17:1-5; Rev. 21:9b-22:5; Jn. 4:21; Ps. 46:4; 132:13; Isa. 28:16; 33:5]
And where 4:17 speaks of "clouds," consider our "atmosphere," as described in Heb. 12:
2. while turning [our] eyes away from other things and fixing them unto (or: looking off, with undivided attention, into the midst of) Jesus, the Inaugurator (First Leader; Prime Author) and Perfecter (Finisher; the Bringer-to-maturity-and-fruition; He who purposes, completely carries through, and accomplishes the destiny) of this (or: the aforementioned) faith, trust, confidence and loyal allegiance, Who, instead of, and in place of, the Joy continuously lying before Him, remained under a cross (or: in the position on the opposite side from the happiness lying in the forefront within Him, and lying ahead for Him, endured an execution pole for suspending [His] body) - disdaining shame (or: thinking nothing of [the] disgrace) - and has sat down and now continues seated, remaining in the right [hand] of (or: = in union with the place of receiving at; = at the place and sphere of prominence, power and honor, which is) God's throne.[cf Rom. 13:12; Eph. 4:22; Gal. 4:9ff]
The "cloud" of God's Presence was with Israel from before their crossing of the Red Sea (1 Cor. 10:2), and then all the way through their wilderness wandering. His Presence continues with us today. In 1 Thes. 4:17, Paul was speaking of living in
"the Jerusalem which is above" (Gal. 4:26),
which is a metaphor for living in the sphere of the Spirit, which is to say, "in Christ."
Jonathan
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