Why Does Paul Say “We” When He Describes Jesus' Return?

Paul says “we” because he is speaking pastorally to the Thessalonian church as a whole—and he includes himself among believers who might still be alive when Christ returns.

What problem he is answering

Some Thessalonian Christians had died before Jesus’ return. The church feared those believers might miss out on Christ’s kingdom.

Paul reassures them:

• Those who have “fallen asleep” in Christ will not be left behind.
• When the Lord descends, “the dead in Christ will rise first” (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
• Then “we who are alive and remain” will be gathered with them to meet the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

So “we” contrasts with the believers who have died, not with unbelievers.

Did Paul expect to live until Jesus returned?

Possibly, in the sense that he knew Christ could return during his lifetime. But Paul does not claim a revelation that it definitely would happen then.

He speaks from the standpoint of Christian hope: if we are alive when the Lord comes, this is what will happen to us. He includes himself naturally in that “we.”

Elsewhere Paul clearly recognizes he may die before Christ’s return. He speaks of departing to be with Christ in Philippians 1:20–23, and later expects his own death in 2 Timothy 4:6–8.

The point Paul wants them to hear

Whether a Christian has died or is still living when Jesus comes, neither group loses.

“The dead in Christ will rise first,” and then living believers will be gathered “together with them.”

The destination is not merely escape from death, but this: “we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).