1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 — Sorrow Not as Others Which Have No Hope

King James Version · hope

But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Why families choose it

Paul wrote this for a congregation grieving actual deaths — it may be the oldest written Christian answer to bereavement we have. Notice what it does not say: it never forbids sorrow. It asks only that mourners not grieve as those who have no hope, which permits every tear in the room. And it is the one reading that ends with its own instruction — 'comfort one another with these words' — as if the text knew it would be needed at gravesides.

Reading it aloud

One old word needs knowing in advance: 'prevent' here means 'go before', nothing more — read it confidently and no one will stumble. The middle verses are proclamation, shout and trumpet and air, and they can carry more voice than feels polite. Then the last sentence changes direction: it is spoken to the room. Look up if you are able, and give 'comfort one another with these words' as the instruction it is.

In the programme, list it in the order of service as “Scripture Reading — 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18” with the reader’s name beside it. The full text is public domain and may be printed on the life-story or back page.

Often read alongside: 1 Corinthians 15:51–58 John 14:1–6 Revelation 21:1–7

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