{Then} (epeita). The next step, not the identical time
(	ote), but immediately afterwards. {Together with them} (hama
sun autois). Note both hama (at the same time) and sun
(together with) with the associative instrumental case autois
(the risen saints). {Shall be caught up} (harpag(8873)ometha).
Second future passive indicative of harpaz(935c), old verb to seize,
to carry off like Latin _rapio_. {To meet the Lord in the air}
(eis apant(8873)in tou Kuriou eis aera). This special Greek idiom
is common in the LXX like the Hebrew, but Polybius has it also
and it occurs in the papyri (Moulton, _Proleg_., p. 14, n. 3).
This rapture of the saints (both risen and changed) is a glorious
climax to Paul's argument of consolation. {And so} (kai
hout(9373)). This is the outcome, to be forever with the Lord,
whether with a return to earth or with an immediate departure for
heaven Paul does not say. To be with Christ is the chief hope of
Paul's life ( 1Th 5:10  Php 1:23  Col 3:4  2Co 5:8 ).