The Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness

First Century Christian eschatology anticipated the return of the Messiah and His conquering of the enemies of YHWH. This makes perfect sense, because early Christian eschatology came out of Second Temple Jewish eschatology. And many Jews were waiting for a war between the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness. I’ll prove it to you in less than 10 minutes.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would. For you all are sons of the light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of the darkness.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-5 NET

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians is a letter of encouragement. These Christians were facing intense persecution. Some had even been killed because of this. It was beginning to seem like the enemies of YHWH were going to be victorious. These Christians were on the verge of giving up. They needed to know that their Messiah wasn’t going to forget them.

The War of the Sons of Light vs the Sons of Darkness

Paul taps into an idea that was all over Second Temple Judaism. The belief was heavily taught by the Essenes from the Qumran Community in the Dead Sea. These Essenes were members of the priestly family who rejected the corruption of the official Jewish priesthood. So, they moved to the desert to await the coming of the Son of David. They believed that when He arrived, they would join Him in a war against all who were corrupt and idolatrous.

For Paul and the First Century Church, the Messiah had already come. But instead of waging a war against the “Sons of Darkness,” Jesus waged a war against death, itself. He had ascended back to Heaven and took His seat of authority. The Church was anxiously awaiting His return. They were battling to stay true to Him while they waited. But what about those who had died while they were waiting?

A Thief in the Night

Paul finishes chapter 4 with telling the Thessalonians that they have nothing to worry about. When Christ returns, all of the faithful will be resurrected and those alive will be transformed. All Believers, worldwide, will be gathered together to join the returning conquering King as He re enters Jerusalem to sit on His throne here on earth.

Then, Paul explains that the Messiah’s arrival will be a shock to most. He uses a phrase that Jesus originally used, saying that His return will come like “a thief in the night.” But both Jesus, and Paul, make an important statement when using this phrase: the only ones who will be caught by surprise at His return are those who aren’t prepared for His coming. But the “Sons of Light and the Day” shouldn’t have this concern. The return of the King isn’t going to be a surprise. They won’t be caught off guard.

Our Victory is Assured

Paul finishes this explanation with a promise. The day of the Lord will be a terrible day. It is the Day when the destruction of the Sons of Darkness finally takes place. All rebels and idolaters will finally be called to account for their treason against YHWH. As Paul says in verse 10: Jesus died for us so that whether we are alive or dead, those of us who have sworn our allegiance to the King will come to life together with him.

What do you think when you hear this? Does it bring you encouragement, or concern? This is an important question, because Paul tells the Thessalonians that for the Sons and Daughters of Light, these words should encourage us. If it doesn’t, take some time to really think about that.