Does 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 Support the Pre-Trib Rapture View?

In light of many of the birth pains predicted by Jesus affecting our world today (Matt 24:4–8), discussions regarding the timing of the Rapture have become a staple of Sunday sermons, social media videos, and debates among Christians. Generally, four primary views have been argued for in these discussions: the Pre–trib, Mid–trib, Pre–wrath, and Post–trib viewpoints. In these discussions, 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 is often at the center. This article examines verses 15–17 in detail in order to determine whether adherents of the Pre-trib view are justified in using them to support their viewpoint.