King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 1:10 Mean?

“And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”

Context

For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(10) **And to wait.**—The idea of the Advent is that which both here and throughout the Epistle occupies the foreground in the minds of St. Paul and his friends. These two infinitives, “to serve” and “to wait,” express not so much the *intention* of the Thessalonians in turning, as the condition into which they came by turning. **Whom he raised.**—Not only proves His Sonship (Romans 1:4), but also gives a kind of explanation of the “awaiting Him *from heaven.”* **Delivered.**—Better, *delivereth.* **To come.**—Better, *which is already coming.* The wrath is on its way to the world, to appear with Christ from heaven (2Thessalonians 1:7-8), and He is day by day working to save us from it (Hebrews 7:25). Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission. Bible Hub

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Thessalonians 1:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.