Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Thessalonians 4:16

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout , with the voice of the arch-angel , and with the trump of God : and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

The means which effect this. The word shout in the Greek signifies a command▪ or word of command; alluding to Mariners, or Souldiers summoned to be ready with their assistance, when called upon. And may refer to the Angels, whom Christ now summons to attend and assist in that day. And the Evangelist speaks of the voice of Christ, Ioh. 5.28. which is there said to raise the dead. Whether these are an Oral showt and voice, from the mouth of Christ, or only an expression of his Divine Power, whereby he shall awaken them that sleep out of their grave, is a Question I shall not be curious about.

Christ is said to come with all the Holy Angels Mat. 25.31. and to send his Angels with a great sound of a Trumpet, Mat. 24.31. But here is mentioned only the Arch-angel, and his voice, instead of all the rest, they all coming under his conduct. Though there be not such distinct Orders of Angels as the Schoolmen affirm, yet there is order among them, as Arch-angel implies. And whether he will put forth an audible voice or not at that day; or whether this Arch-angel be not the same with Christ himself, who is the head of all Principality and Power, Col. 2.15. I leave it as doubtful; but however it is certain the Angels shall be ministring to Christ at that day, especially in the Resurrection of the Elect, Mat. 24.31. and severing the Righteous from the Wicked, Mat. 13.41.

As 1 Cor. 15.52. And whether this is to be taken literally, and distinct from the showt and voice before mentioned, or used only to shew forth the divine power of God that shall gather all the Elect together out of their Graves, as the Trumpet in War gathers the scattered Army; or as the silver Trumpets under the Law, assembled the congregation of Israel, I shall not be positive. And this is the account of the Saints that are raised.

Marginal references: 2 Thes. 1.7