Times and occasions represent two Greek words which in some contexts are clearly differentiated, times referring to time as recorded by clocks and calendars, and occasions referring to the “psychological moments” at which the time is ripe (especially, for God to act). However, this distinction is not always maintained, particularly in such a set phrase as this, in which the two words are used together. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch therefore combines them, translating “the point in time,” cf. Bijbel in Gewone Taal “the precise moment.” In many languages it is quite impossible to distinguish between times and occasions, and so it is often necessary to translate “about the day when these things will happen.”

In there is no need to write you, it may be necessary in some languages to indicate who would do the writing (if there were a need for it); this would, of course, be Paul. These things is a reference back to the coming of the Lord (4.15; 5.2). It may be necessary, therefore, to translate “there is no need for me to write to you about the precise moment when the Lord will come,” or “… come back.”

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Thessalonians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1976. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .