1 Thessalonians 4:1

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Thessalonians 4:1 marks a pivotal shift in Paul's letter, moving from commendation and defense to direct, practical instruction for Christian living. Paul, with Silvanus and Timotheus, earnestly appeals to the Thessalonian believers, urging them to continue and increasingly excel in the godly conduct they have already learned and embraced, emphasizing that their spiritual walk is to be one that consistently pleases God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a crucial transition point in 1 Thessalonians. The preceding chapters (1-3) primarily focus on Paul's thanksgiving for the Thessalonians' faith and love, his defense of his ministry among them, and his deep affection and concern for their spiritual well-being amidst persecution. Chapter 3 concludes with Paul's prayer for their growth in love and holiness, setting the stage for the practical exhortations that begin in chapter 4. From this point forward, Paul addresses specific areas of Christian ethics, including sexual purity ([1 Thessalonians 4:3-8](/1_thessalonians/4-3-8 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-3 - Sexual Purity")), brotherly love ([1 Thessalonians 4:9-10](/1_thessalonians/4-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 4:9-10 - Brotherly Love")), diligent work ([1 Thessalonians 4:11-12](/1_thessalonians/4-11-12 "1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 - Diligent Work")), and the hope of Christ's return ([1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Hope of Christ's Return")). Thus, [1 Thessalonians 4:1](/1_thessalonians/4-1 "1 Thessalonians 4:1 - Exhortation to Abound More and More") acts as an overarching introduction to these practical instructions, grounding them in the believers' prior reception of apostolic teaching.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Thessalonica was relatively young, likely founded during Paul's second missionary journey (Acts 17). It was composed of both Jewish converts and a significant number of Gentile converts, who had turned from idolatry to serve the living and true God ([1 Thessalonians 1:9-10](/1_thessalonians/1-9-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 - Turning from Idols to God")). Located in a prominent Roman city, the believers faced considerable pressure and persecution from both Jewish opposition and the surrounding pagan culture, which was characterized by widespread immorality, particularly in sexual practices. Paul's exhortations regarding "how ye ought to walk and to please God" were not abstract theological concepts but vital instructions for navigating a society hostile to Christian values, ensuring their conduct distinguished them as followers of Christ in a tangible way.

* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several key themes prevalent in 1 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. First, it highlights the theme of **progressive sanctification**, emphasizing that Christian growth is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of "abound[ing] more and more" in holiness. Second, it underscores the **authority of apostolic teaching**, as Paul's instructions are presented not merely as human advice but as what the Thessalonians "received of us" and are given "by the Lord Jesus." This establishes the divine origin and binding nature of the ethical commands. Third, the phrase "to walk and to please God" introduces the theme of **practical holiness and godly conduct**, asserting that a believer's daily life and moral choices are central to honoring God. This foundational principle sets the stage for the specific ethical directives that follow in [1 Thessalonians 4](/1_thessalonians/4 "1 Thessalonians 4 - Living a Holy Life") and beyond.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **beseech/exhort (Greek, _parakaléō'_):** (G3870) This single Greek word is rendered by two English verbs in the KJV, capturing its rich semantic range. It means "to call near," implying an invitation, imploration, hortation, or consolation. In this context, it conveys Paul's earnest appeal, combining tender encouragement with authoritative instruction. It reflects his pastoral heart, desiring their spiritual welfare, while also asserting his apostolic authority in guiding their conduct.
* **by (Greek, _en'_):** (G1722) This preposition denotes "fixed position (in place, time or state)" or "instrumentality." When Paul says "by the Lord Jesus," it signifies that his exhortation is not merely a human suggestion but is given *in* the sphere of Christ's authority, *through* Christ's power, and *according to* Christ's will. It grounds the ethical imperative in the divine person of Jesus, making the appeal weighty and binding.
* **walk (Greek, _peripatéō'_):** (G4043) Literally meaning "to tread all around" or "walk at large," this verb is a common biblical metaphor for one's overall conduct, lifestyle, or manner of life. It encompasses all aspects of daily behavior, moral choices, and spiritual disposition. Paul's instruction on "how ye ought to walk" therefore refers to the entirety of their Christian existence, emphasizing that faith is to be demonstrated through consistent, godly living.
* **please (Greek, _aréskō'_):** (G700) This verb means "to be agreeable" or "to seek to be so." In the context of "to please God," it signifies living in a way that is acceptable, gratifying, and honorable to God. It implies a life lived in conscious obedience and devotion, where the believer's actions are motivated by a desire to honor God's character and commands, rather than human approval or self-gratification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus":** Paul initiates a new section of his letter with an earnest and authoritative appeal. The phrase "furthermore then" (KJV) or "finally then" (NIV) signals a transition to practical matters. The dual verbs "beseech" (a tender plea) and "exhort" (a strong urging or command) reveal Paul's blend of pastoral affection and apostolic authority. The crucial qualifier "by the Lord Jesus" elevates these instructions from mere human advice to divine imperatives, emphasizing that the ethical demands are rooted in Christ's authority and are to be lived out in His power.
* **"that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God":** This clause acknowledges the Thessalonians' prior instruction and initial obedience. They had already "received" (learned and accepted) from Paul and his companions the principles of Christian conduct—specifically, "how ye ought to walk" (their manner of life) and "to please God" (to live in a way that honors Him). This demonstrates that Paul's current exhortation is not introducing new concepts but building upon the foundation they already possessed, affirming their initial faithfulness.
* **"[so] ye would abound more and more.":** This is the core of Paul's appeal: that they would not merely maintain their current level of obedience but would "abound" (excel, increase, overflow) "more and more." This emphasizes the dynamic nature of the Christian life—a journey of continuous growth, deepening commitment, and increasing conformity to God's will. It highlights the concept of progressive sanctification, where believers are called to ever-greater holiness and devotion.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his earnest message in [1 Thessalonians 4:1](/1_thessalonians/4-1 "1 Thessalonians 4:1 - Exhortation to Abound More and More"). The most prominent is **Metaphor**, specifically the use of "walk" (Greek: _peripatéō_) to represent one's entire lifestyle and conduct. This common biblical idiom effectively communicates that Christian faith is not merely intellectual assent but a holistic way of living. Paul also uses **Earnest Appeal/Exhortation**, evident in the pairing of "beseech" and "exhort" (both from _parakaléō_). This dual expression underscores the urgency and importance of his message, blending tender pastoral care with authoritative apostolic instruction. Furthermore, the phrase "more and more" serves as an **Intensification** or **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the continuous, progressive, and increasing nature of the spiritual growth Paul desires for the Thessalonians. This linguistic emphasis highlights the dynamic and lifelong pursuit of holiness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is foundational for understanding the Pauline concept of progressive sanctification. It affirms that while believers are justified by faith, their spiritual journey involves an ongoing process of growth in holiness and obedience. Paul acknowledges their initial reception of truth and their commendable walk, yet he presses them toward an ever-increasing pursuit of God's will. This "abounding more and more" is not a call to earn salvation but a natural outflow of a transformed life, empowered by the Spirit and motivated by a desire to please God in every aspect of daily living. It underscores that Christian ethics are not prescriptive rules but a dynamic response to God's grace, continually striving for greater conformity to Christ.

* [Philippians 1:9](/philippians/1-9 "Philippians 1:9 - Abounding Love")
* [2 Peter 3:18](/2_peter/3-18 "2 Peter 3:18 - Grow in Grace and Knowledge")
* [Colossians 1:10](/colossians/1-10 "Colossians 1:10 - Walking Worthy and Pleasing God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Thessalonians 4:1 serves as a timeless call to intentional and progressive Christian living. It challenges believers to move beyond initial conversion and basic understanding, urging a continuous and deepening commitment to a life that honors God. Our "walk" encompasses every decision, every relationship, and every area of our existence. It reminds us that pleasing God is not a passive state but an active pursuit, requiring diligent application of biblical truth. This pursuit is not about legalism but about a loving response to the grace we have received, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Just as the Thessalonians had a foundation of instruction, we too have the Word of God as our guide, and we are called to not just know it, but to live it out "more and more," striving for excellence in every aspect of our spiritual journey. This verse encourages us to regularly assess our lives, identify areas for growth, and actively seek to align our conduct more fully with God's desires.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you feel called to "abound more and more" in pleasing God?**
* **How does the understanding that Paul's exhortation comes "by the Lord Jesus" impact your motivation to obey?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to intentionally "walk and to please God" in your daily activities?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "abound more and more"?**

Answer: By "abound more and more," Paul is emphasizing the concept of progressive sanctification. He is not suggesting that the Thessalonians were deficient in their initial faith or conduct, but rather that Christian growth is a dynamic and continuous process. It means to excel, increase, or overflow in their spiritual walk and in their efforts to please God. It's a call to deeper commitment, greater understanding, and more consistent application of the truth they had already received. This ongoing development is a hallmark of a healthy Christian life, moving beyond initial steps to greater maturity and fruitfulness, as seen in passages like [Philippians 1:9-11](/philippians/1-9-11 "Philippians 1:9-11 - Abounding in Love and Fruitfulness").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The call to "walk and to please God" and to "abound more and more" finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Jesus Christ. Our ability to please God is not based on our own strength or merit, but on the indwelling Spirit of Christ, who enables us to live a life worthy of the Gospel. Jesus Himself is the perfect example of one who always did what pleased the Father ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Pleases the Father")). As believers, we are united with Christ, and our "walk" is therefore a participation in His life, empowered by His resurrection power. It is through abiding in Him that we bear much fruit and truly "abound" ([John 15:4-5](/john/15-4-5 "John 15:4-5 - Abiding in Christ")). Furthermore, every exhortation to holiness in the New Testament is ultimately a call to reflect the character of Christ. Our progressive sanctification is the Spirit's work of conforming us to the image of the Son ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")), enabling us to walk in love as Christ loved us ([Ephesians 5:1-2](/ephesians/5-1-2 "Ephesians 5:1-2 - Imitate God, Walk in Love")), and to live lives that genuinely bring glory and pleasure to God through Him ([Colossians 3:17](/colossians/3-17 "Colossians 3:17 - Do All in the Name of the Lord Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.