Gr. katalambanō, “to lay hold of” (see on John 1:5), here used in the sense of catching, seizing. The informed child of God, guided by the light that streams from the Divine Word, need not be caught in the destruction of the last days. He may be adequately prepared for all that will come upon the world and its inhabitants.

 That is, “the day of the Lord” (v. 2).

 That is, in ignorance, and, indirectly, in wickedness. In the NT, “darkness” is frequently used for a state of spiritual poverty and reprobation (Matt. 4:16; 6:23; John 3:19; Acts 26:18; Rom. 13:12). Christians are no longer in that state (1 Thess. 5:5; 1 John 2:8-10).

 Paul now contrasts his converts with the unbelievers who figure in v. 3.