At the same time, those believers who have died will experience complete victory over death. In this passage, Paul presented many details about Jesus' return and our participation in that great event. The reason for Paul's lengthy explanation lies in the Thessalonians' concern for their departed loved ones. They were grieving because they thought that their deceased friends would not share in the blessings of the Second Coming of their Lord and Savior. While believers do indeed sorrow over death, it is not an empty grief.
Hope transforms sorrow.
The anticipation that Paul presented to the Thessalonians and, indeed, presents to us as well is that, when Jesus returns, all who have received Christ as personal Savior throughout the ages will be together. It is important to remember that Paul thought Christ might indeed return within his own lifetime. Jesus Himself taught that the time of His return is unknown to all but the Father. Notice the details Paul described. First, Jesus will come down from His present home.