1 Thessalonians 5:4-6 4But you, brothers [and sisters], are not in darkness, so that the day might surprise you like a thief. 5For you are all sons [and daughters] of light and sons [and daughters] of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. 6Therefore then, let us not sleep as the rest but keep awake and sober.
Paul now applies his illustrations to the Thessalonians. He shifts images to light and darkness and day and night. The Thessalonians had come out of the darkness because of their faith in Jesus. They needed to live as children of light who live in the daytime, fully alert and ready for the coming of Jesus.
What thieves do in stealing is characteristic of the night life. It is a time of drunkenness for evil people and sleep for those who think all is peaceful (see v. 7). The comparison of darkness and light is common in apocalyptic literature (such as in the Dead Sea War Scroll 1QM) and the writings of John (John 1:3-5; 3:19; 8:12; 12:36; 1 John 1:5-7). Paul urges the Thessalonians to be be awake and alert. Spiritual laziness or moral compromise will lead to missing out on the trumpet call of Jesus. Paul includes himself in his exhortation in verse 6. This is a universal need for all believers.
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