1 Thessalonians 5 ~ He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Papyrus 46 has only fragments of 1 Thessalonians 5. And the photos are not found this is 1 Thessalonians somewhere, but you get the general idea.(Biblical Scholars everywhere publish your Google photos even of fragments - thanks!)

1 Thessalonians 5

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.

5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.

8 But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9 For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him. 11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.


12 Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. 13 Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. 14 And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not treat prophecies with contempt 21 but test them all; hold on to what is good, 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us. 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Lucius Junius Gallio Annaeanus or Gallio was a Roman senator and brother of famous writer Seneca. He is best known for impartial judging a case involving Apostle Paul in Corinth. Gallio, Proconsul of Achaia, was appointed and  records are found during the reign of Emperor Claudius in the June of 51 A.D to 52 A.D. We know Paul wrote Thessalonians 1 and 2 during this year. No guess work is needed.

Being the descendant of a Richardson, Louisiana dry goods merchant - where all 6 daughters and sons sewed Easter clothes and Christmas clothes as a family project (6 were Baptist, 6 were Christian - we leave Great Uncle Frank and Great Aunt Clarice to continue to fight this out in Heaven with wry looks) - we know clothing.

So - therefore - when Paul mentions the Armor of God - I'm going to notice - he has not prevaricated on the details.

Ephesians 6
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel



Isaiah 59:17
He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.


And in Ephesians, Paul writes
Breastplate of Righteousness
Helmet of salvation


1 Thessalonians 5
Faith and Love as a breastplate
Hope of Salvation as a Helmet


Did Paul err and forget in the Holy Spirit's details? No. Abraham had the faith in His loving Father and that is credited to him as righteousness. The Holy Spirit has supported Scripture again. God's message is fully communicated.

We started off the study of Papyrus 46 with Philemon. Rejoice always - what does this mean? When given the choice to be hopeful and upbeat - strive in this direction. Jesus calls us to be Salt and Light. Jesus tailors Rejoice with an honest flavor, which we can appreciate.



1 Peter 1:25
But the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

Armor tends to last centuries, if you see the museums this is so. And yet to place the armor of God on - is to have the protection of God forever.

Isaiah and Jesus finish the thought.


Isaiah 59
“And as for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit that is upon you, and my words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouth of your offspring, or out of the mouth of your children's offspring,” says the Lord, “from this time forth and forevermore.”

Psalm 92:4
For you make me glad by your deeds, LORD; I sing for joy at what your hands have done.


What are the Scriptures telling us of the Strength God gives us?

~ And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus

~ His incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength

~Be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus

~Strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

~Strong, and the Word of God lives in you

~Strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being

~Full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ

~ Riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

~ Redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

The armor of God arrives complete. Filled with the Blessings of God.

Father God, We only look to You. You have clothed me and my loved ones with Your Armor. Thank You, Your Strength and Blessings Continue. In the Name of Jesus.

Your very Word has brought forth fruit on fragile Papyrus - how much more You will do with the soul and heart of Your Beloved Children. In You, we put our Hope.  Amen.

♔ Lord Jesus Saves †

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