NOTES for Th1 4:13-17

Once again we must speak about trust. How can Paul know what he writes about the resurrection of the dead? No one has seen it! And his argument may not seem entirely convincing (v. 14). Of course, it is not about arguments. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth to people, including the apostle Paul, but this truth is not imposed on us; it is offered, and trust is our exercise of freedom. We are free not to believe, just as Jesus' fellow townspeople did not believe Him, as we read today in the Gospel of Luke. We are free not to be Christians, but such an exercise of our freedom may prove worse than slavery. Is the apostle Paul worthy of trust? Is God worthy of trust? But are we worthy to pass judgment on His worthiness?