5:6a

So then: This introduces the clause that follows logically from 5:4–5. Paul was telling the Thessalonians that since they were sons of light and the day, they should not behave like unbelievers.

let us not sleep: This time Paul was not using sleep as a euphemism for “death.” Rather, he meant that unbelievers were like people who are sound asleep, unaware of what is happening. He was continuing the metaphor of a thief coming in the night (5:2b). Unbelievers are like a homeowner who is sleeping when the thief comes; they will not be ready when Jesus returns. However, Paul was warning believers not to be like this. They should be expecting Jesus to return. See also Matthew 25:1–13.

us: This refers to all believers, not just Paul and his companions.

as the others do: Paul was warning all who claimed to be believers to behave as believers should and not like unbelievers who did not believe that Jesus would come again.

5:6b

but let us remain awake: This metaphor is the opposite of the one in 5:6a, so it means “we should be aware” that Jesus will return suddenly, and we should be ready for him. See Matthew 25:13; Mark 13:35–37.

sober: The Greek verb nēphō literally means “to be sober” and usually refers to not being drunk. However, in this context, many commentators agree that it does not just refer to avoiding being intoxicated. Rather, its meaning is extended to mean being self-controlled. Here is another way to translate this:

self-controlled (New International Version (2011 Revision))

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