I Thessalonians 4:2
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For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
by the Lord Jesus--by His authority and direction, not by our own. He uses the strong term, "commandments," in writing to this Church not long founded, knowing that they would take it in a right spirit, and feeling it desirable that they should understand he spake with divine authority. He seldom uses the term in writing subsequently, when his authority was established, to other churches. Co1 7:10; Co1 11:17; and Ti1 1:5 (Th1 4:18, where the subject accounts for the strong expression) are the exceptions. "The Lord" marks His paramount authority, requiring implicit obedience.
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle gives earnest exhortations to abound in holiness, with a caution against uncleanness, enforced with several arguments (Th1 4:1-8). He then mentions the great duties of brotherly love, and quietness with industry in our callings (Th1 4:9-12). And concludes with comforting those who mourned for their relations and friends that died in the Lord (Th1 4:13-18).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law.