For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.
Shall in no wise precede them that are fallen asleep ...  This flatly answered the question that was troubling the Thessalonians.  There is no disadvantage to those who die before the coming of the Lord; as a matter of fact, having already undergone the necessary change that must come to all, they are a step nearer the resurrection and shall therefore "rise first" as Paul would say a moment later.  Here it is presented negatively.  The living shall not precede the dead saints in receiving the glory the Lord has prepared for them.