1 Thessalonians 4:1

¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.

Furthermore {G3063} then {G3767} we beseech {G2065} you {G5209}, brethren {G80}, and {G2532} exhort {G3870} you by {G1722} the Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424}, that as {G2531} ye have received {G3880} of {G3844} us {G2257} how {G4459} ye {G5209} ought {G1163} to walk {G4043} and {G2532} to please {G700} God {G2316}, so {G2443} ye would abound {G4052} more and more {G3123}.

Therefore, brothers, just as you learned from us how you had to live in order to please God, and just as you are living this way now, we ask you — indeed, united with the Lord Yeshua, we urge you — to keep doing so more and more.

Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.

Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk,—that ye abound more and more.

1 Thessalonians 4:1 marks a significant transition in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. Having spent the initial chapters affirming their faith, commending their steadfastness amidst persecution, and defending his own ministry, Paul now moves to practical instructions concerning Christian living and ethical conduct. This verse serves as an earnest appeal for the believers to continue and excel in the spiritual walk they have already begun.

Context

The Apostle Paul, along with Silvanus and Timotheus, addresses the church in Thessalonica, a community of relatively new believers facing significant opposition. Their faith was strong, but like all nascent churches, they needed ongoing guidance on how to live out their faith daily in a pagan society. This chapter, beginning with verse 1, shifts from theological affirmations and personal reflections to direct exhortation on practical holiness, setting the stage for discussions on sexual purity, brotherly love, diligent work, and the coming of the Lord.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Earnest Exhortation: Paul uses strong language, "we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you," indicating the urgency and importance of his message. The word for "beseech" and "exhort" (Greek: parakaloumen) carries connotations of both tender encouragement and authoritative instruction, demonstrating Paul's pastoral heart combined with apostolic authority.
  • Divine Authority: The phrase "by the Lord Jesus" underscores that these instructions are not merely human advice but carry the weight and authority of Christ Himself. Christian ethics are rooted in divine command and empowered by divine grace.
  • Progressive Sanctification: The Thessalonians had already "received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God." This acknowledges their initial instruction and obedience. However, Paul's plea is that they "abound more and more." This highlights the concept of spiritual growth and continuous development in one's Christian life, moving beyond initial conversion to deeper maturity.
  • Pleasing God Through Conduct: The core of the instruction is to "walk and to please God." The term "walk" (Greek: peripateō) is a common biblical metaphor for one's overall conduct, lifestyle, and moral behavior. It emphasizes that our daily actions are a form of worship and a means by which we can honor and please God.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word parakaloumen, translated as both "beseech" and "exhort" in the KJV, is rich in meaning. It suggests a strong appeal that is both tender and authoritative. It's a call to come alongside, to comfort, to encourage, and to urge forward. This dual sense captures Paul's deep affection for the Thessalonians and his firm conviction regarding the importance of their ongoing obedience.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Thessalonians 4:1 serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian life is not static but dynamic. We are called to:

  • Continual Growth: Just as the Thessalonians were to "abound more and more," we are to continually seek to grow in our understanding and practice of God's will. This involves ongoing learning, prayer, and obedience. Growth in grace and knowledge is a lifelong pursuit.
  • Intentional Living: Our "walk" or daily conduct should be intentional, reflecting our desire to "please God." This impacts every area of life—relationships, work, finances, and personal choices.
  • Receive and Respond: We are to be receptive to biblical instruction, much like the Thessalonians received Paul's teaching. But receiving is not enough; we must also respond by applying it diligently in our lives.

This verse sets the stage for the practical holiness that defines a truly Christ-like life, a life that increasingly honors and pleases God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Colossians 1:10

    That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:3

    We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth;

  • 2 Peter 3:18

    But grow in grace, and [in] the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him [be] glory both now and for ever. Amen.

  • Hebrews 13:16

    But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

  • 2 Peter 1:5

    ¶ And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

  • 2 Peter 1:10

    Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

  • Romans 12:1

    ¶ I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which is] your reasonable service.
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