The phrase "all the saints with them" appears in the context of biblical passages that emphasize the community and fellowship of believers, both in the present life and in the eschatological hope of the future. The term "saints" in the Bible generally refers to those who are set apart for God, often synonymous with believers or the faithful.

Biblical References:

1. Zechariah 14:5 : "You will flee by My mountain valley, for it will extend to Azel. You will flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the LORD my God will come, and all the holy ones with Him." This passage is a prophetic vision of the Day of the Lord, where God will come with His holy ones, often interpreted as angels or the redeemed, to establish His kingdom. The presence of "all the holy ones" underscores the majesty and power of God's coming.

2. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 : "so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen." Here, the Apostle Paul speaks of the return of Christ, accompanied by all His saints. This reflects the hope of the resurrection and the gathering of believers, emphasizing the purity and holiness expected of the saints in preparation for this event.

3. Matthew 25:31 : "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne." While this passage specifically mentions angels, it is often associated with the concept of Christ's return with a holy entourage, which includes both angels and the glorified saints.

Theological Significance:

The concept of "all the saints with them" highlights the communal aspect of salvation and the ultimate gathering of God's people. It reflects the biblical theme of unity among believers, both living and deceased, who are part of the body of Christ. This unity is not only spiritual but will be visibly manifested at the return of Christ.

The saints are depicted as participants in God's redemptive plan, sharing in the glory of Christ's return. This participation is both a privilege and a responsibility, as believers are called to live lives of holiness and readiness for the coming of the Lord.

Historical and Eschatological Context:

Historically, the term "saints" has been used to describe the faithful within the early church, who were often persecuted for their beliefs. The promise of Christ's return with all His saints provided hope and encouragement to persevere in faith.

Eschatologically, the gathering of all the saints with Christ at His return is a central tenet of Christian hope. It signifies the fulfillment of God's promises and the consummation of His kingdom. This event is anticipated as a time of judgment and reward, where the faithful will be vindicated and will reign with Christ.

Practical Implications for Believers:

Believers are encouraged to live in anticipation of this future reality, cultivating holiness and community within the church. The knowledge that they will be united with all the saints at Christ's return serves as motivation for spiritual growth and perseverance in faith.

The phrase "all the saints with them" serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the church across time and space, urging believers to support and edify one another as they await the glorious return of their Lord.