Why does Paul switch from "we" to "they" between 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5?
The switch occurs because 1 Thessalonians 4 addresses believers and the rapture, so Paul uses “we.” In chapter 5 he turns to those left behind, the unbelieving world facing sudden destruction, so the pronoun changes to “they.” Paul seldom alludes to unbelievers, for his letters are normally for believers.
Les explains that in 1 Thessalonians 4 Paul is dealing with believers, when we are caught up to meet the Lord in the air. Then in chapter 5 he comes down to those who have been left behind, the unbelievers, and so the pronoun switches to “they.” When they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them as travail upon a woman with child, and they, the unbelieving world, shall not escape. Les says this is the best example in all of Paul’s writings: when Paul writes to us as believers, the pronoun is “us” and “we.” Very seldom does he allude to the unbelieving world like he does here in chapter 5; everything he writes is for us as believers.
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
More Questions
Why does Paul switch from 'we' and 'you' to 'they' and 'them' in the rapture passage?
Paul uses the pronouns 'they' and 'them' when he is speaking about the people who will be left behind rather than about the believers who are addressed as 'we' and 'you'.