I Thessalonians 4
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Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
We beseech you, brethren, and exhort - We give you proper instructions in heavenly things, and request you to attend to our advice. The apostle used the most pressing entreaties; for he had a strong and affectionate desire that this Church should excel in all righteousness and true holiness. Please God more and more - God sets no bounds to the communications of his grace and Spirit to them that are faithful. And as there are no bounds to the graces, so there should be none to the exercise of those graces. No man can ever feel that he loves God too much, or that he loves man too much for God's sake.
Open source ↗EXHORTATIONS TO CHASTITY; BROTHERLY LOVE; QUIET INDUSTRY; ABSTINENCE FROM UNDUE SORROW FOR DEPARTED FRIENDS, FOR AT CHRIST'S COMING ALL HIS SAINTS SHALL BE GLORIFIED. (1Th. 4:1-18) Furthermore--Greek, "As to what remains." Generally used towards the close of his Epistles (Eph 6:10; Phi 4:8). then--with a view to the love and holiness (Th1 3:12-13) which we have just prayed for in your behalf, we now give you exhortation. beseech--"ask" as if it were a personal favor. by, &c.--rather as Greek, "IN the Lord Jesus"; in communion with the Lord Jesus, as Christian ministers dealing with Christian people [EDMUNDS]. as ye . . . received--when we were with you (Th1 2:13). how--Greek, the "how," that is, the manner. walk and . . . please God--that is, "and so please God," namely, by your walk; in contrast to the Jews who "please not God" (Th1 2:15). The oldest manuscripts add a clause here, "even as also ye do walk" (compare Th1 4:10; Th1 5:11). These words, which he was able to say of them with truth, conciliate a favorable hearing for the precepts which follow. Also the expression, "abound more and more," implies that there had gone before a recognition of their already in some measure walking so.
Open source ↗Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren,.... Or request of you in the most kind and tender manner, from real and hearty love and affection for you, and with a view to your good, and the glory of God: and exhort you: or beseech and entreat you. The apostle does not lay his commands upon them as he might have done, and sometimes does, but endeavours to work upon them by way of entreaty, and which he doubtless thought the most effectual method to win upon them, and gain them; for some minds are more easily wrought upon by entreaty than by authority: and this he does in the most moving and powerful manner, even by the Lord Jesus; or "in the Lord Jesus"; in his name and stead, as personating him, and as though he did beseech and entreat them by him, and his fellow ministers; or for his sake, intimating, that if they had any regard to him, any value for his name, if that had any weight with them, or they had any concern for his honour and interest, then he begs their attention to the following exhortation; or by the Lord Jesus, by all that is in him, or done for them by him; in whom they were chosen, by whom they were redeemed, in whom they were made new creatures, to whose image they were to be conformed, whose followers they professed to be, whose Gospel they embraced, and by whose name they were called. That as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk, and to please God. The walk of believers is twofold, either internal or external. Their internal walk is by faith, which is the going out of the soul by faith to Christ for every supply of grace. Their external walk is not as it was before conversion, according to the course of this world, or as other Gentiles walk, but in a holy religious life and conversation; and this requires spiritual life, strength and direction f…
Open source ↗Here we have, I. An exhortation to abound in holiness, to abound more and more in that which is good, Th1 4:1, Th1 4:2. We may observe, 1. The manner in which the exhortation is given - very affectionately. The apostle entreats them as brethren; he calls them so, and loved them as such. Because his love to them was very great, he exhorts them very earnestly: We beseech and exhort you. The apostle was unwilling to take any denial, and therefore repeats his exhortation again and again. 2. The matter of his exhortation - that they would abound more and more in holy walking, or excel in those things that are good, in good works. Their faith was justly famed abroad, and they were already examples to other churches: yet the apostle would have them yet further to excel others, and to make further progress in holiness. Note, (1.) Those who most excel others fall short of perfection. The very best of us should forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before. (2.) It is not enough that we abide in the faith of the gospel, but we must abound in the work of faith. We must not only persevere to the end, but we should grow better, and walk more evenly and closely with God. 3. The arguments with which the apostle enforces his exhortation. (1.) They had been informed of their duty. They knew their Master's will, and could not plead ignorance as an excuse. Now as faith, so knowledge, is dead without practice. They had received of those who had converted them to Christianity, or been taught of them, how they ought to walk. Observe, The design of the gospel is to teach men not only what they should believe, but also how they ought to live; not so much to fill men's minds with notions as to regulate their temper and behaviour. The apostle taught the…
Open source ↗4:1–5:22 The second part of the body of the letter concerns Timothy’s news about the church and the questions the believers had for Paul. Paul addresses the problem of sexual immorality (4:3-8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9-12), the destiny of believers who have died (4:13-18), and the timing of the day of the Lord (5:1-11). Paul takes up a variety of exhortations on topics such as leadership and community relations (5:12-15), relationship with the Lord (5:16-18), and prophecy (5:19-22). 4:1-2 we urge you: Paul’s exhortation in the name of the Lord Jesus emphasizes the authority of his teaching. • you remember what we taught: Ancient letters frequently included reminders of what the recipients already knew. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of matters that required their obedience (4:11; 2 Thes 3:4, 6, 10, 12).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
λοιπόν (loipón, G3063) — something remaining (adverbially) οὖν (oûn, G3767) — (adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly ἐρωτάω (erōtáō, G2065) — to interrogate; by implication, to request ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that παραλαμβάνω (paralambánō, G3880) — to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or… παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… τίς (tís, G5101) — an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions) παραγγελία (parangelía, G3852) — a mandate δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are θέλημα (thélēma, G2307) — a determination (properly, the thing), i.e. (actively) choice (specially, purpose,… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἁγιασμός (hagiasmós, G38) — properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἀπέχομαι (apéchomai, G567) — to hold oneself off, i.e. refrain ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… πορνεία (porneía, G4202) — harlotry (including adultery and incest); figuratively, idolatry
Open source ↗ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… κτάομαι (ktáomai, G2932) — to get, i.e. acquire (by any means; own) ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… σκεῦος (skeûos, G4632) — a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively [specially, a wife… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἁγιασμός (hagiasmós, G38) — properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… τιμή (timḗ, G5092) — a value, i.e. money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem…
Open source ↗μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πάθος (páthos, G3806) — properly, suffering ("pathos"), i.e. (subjectively) a passion (especially concupiscence) ἐπιθυμία (epithymía, G1939) — a longing (especially for what is forbidden) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… καθάπερ (katháper, G2509) — exactly as ἔθνος (éthnos, G1484) — a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one… ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very
Open source ↗μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… ὑπερβαίνω (hyperbaínō, G5233) — to transcend, i.e. (figuratively) to overreach καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… πλεονεκτέω (pleonektéō, G4122) — to be covetous, i.e. (by implication) to over-reach αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. πρᾶγμα (prâgma, G4229) — a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material) διότι (dióti, G1360) — on the very account that, or inasmuch as κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ἔκδικος (ékdikos, G1558) — carrying justice out, i.e. a punisher περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole τούτων (toútōn, G5130) — of (from or concerning) these (persons or things)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsía, G167) — impurity (the quality), physically or morally ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ἁγιασμός (hagiasmós, G38) — properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier
Open source ↗τοιγαροῦν (toigaroûn, G5105) — truly for then, i.e. consequently ἀθετέω (athetéō, G114) — to set aside, i.e. (by implication) to disesteem, neutralize or violate οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἅγιος (hágios, G40) — sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated) πνεῦμα (pneûma, G4151) — a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit,…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… φιλαδελφία (philadelphía, G5360) — fraternal affection ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… χρεία (chreía, G5532) — employment, i.e. an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not γράφω (gráphō, G1125) — to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἐστέ (esté, G2075) — ye are θεοδίδακτος (theodídaktos, G2312) — divinely instructed εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)…
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὅλος (hólos, G3650) — "whole" or "all", i.e. complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter)… Μακεδονία (Makedonía, G3109) — Macedonia, a region of Greece δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φιλοτιμέομαι (philotiméomai, G5389) — to be fond of honor, i.e. emulous (eager or earnest to do something) ἡσυχάζω (hēsycházō, G2270) — to keep still (intransitively), i.e. refrain from labor, meddlesomeness or speech πράσσω (prássō, G4238) — to "practise", i.e. perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from G4160 (ποιέω),… ἴδιος (ídios, G2398) — pertaining to self, i.e. one's own; by implication, private or separate ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, G2038) — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with,… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you χείρ (cheír, G5495) — the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by Hebraism) a means or… καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that παραγγέλλω (parangéllō, G3853) — to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you
Open source ↗ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… εὐσχημόνως (euschēmónōs, G2156) — decorously πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ἔξω (éxō, G1854) — out(-side, of doors), literally or figuratively καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… χρεία (chreía, G5532) — employment, i.e. an affair; also (by implication) occasion, demand, requirement or… μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἀγνοέω (agnoéō, G50) — not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore… ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… κοιμάω (koimáō, G2837) — to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease ἵνα μή (hína mḗ, G3363) — in order (or so) that not λυπέω (lypéō, G3076) — to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that λοιποί (loipoí, G3062) — remaining ones ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… εἰ (ei, G1487) — if, whether, that, etc. πιστεύω (pisteúō, G4100) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by… ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ἀποθνήσκω (apothnḗskō, G599) — to die off (literally or figuratively) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἀνίστημι (anístēmi, G450) — to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive) οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) κοιμάω (koimáō, G2837) — to put to sleep, i.e. (passively or reflexively) to slumber; figuratively, to decease διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ἄγω (ágō, G71) — properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very σύν (sýn, G4862) — with or together (but much closer than G3326 (μετά) or G3844 (παρά)), i.e. by…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows,
I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, rejoice! Aim for perfect harmony, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
As a prisoner in the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received:
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.