1 Thessalonians 4:10

And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

And {G2532} indeed {G1063} ye do {G4160} it {G846} toward {G1519} all {G3956} the brethren {G80} which {G3588} are in {G1722} all {G3650} Macedonia {G3109}: but {G1161} we beseech {G3870} you {G5209}, brethren {G80}, that ye increase {G4052} more and more {G3123};

and you do love all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to do it even more.

And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more

for indeed ye do it toward all the brethren that are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brethren, that ye abound more and more;

Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:10 stands as both a commendation and an exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the young church in Thessalonica. Having just encouraged them to "love one another" in the preceding verse, Paul acknowledges their existing faithfulness in this regard while simultaneously urging them towards even greater spiritual maturity and expression of love.

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians where he provides practical instructions for holy living. Following teachings on sexual purity and living a quiet life, Paul transitions to the crucial theme of brotherly love. In 1 Thessalonians 4:9, he notes that they are "taught of God to love one another." Verse 10 then affirms that they are indeed putting this divine teaching into practice, not just locally but "toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia." This highlights the extensive reach of their Christian fellowship and benevolence, demonstrating the vibrant faith of the early church in the region of Macedonia.

Key Themes

  • Commendation of Existing Love: Paul begins by affirming their current excellent practice of brotherly love. This positive reinforcement serves as a powerful encouragement, acknowledging their genuine faith and obedience.
  • Exhortation to Abundant Growth: Despite their commendable efforts, Paul challenges them to "increase more and more." This isn't a sign of deficiency but an invitation to excel further in this vital Christian virtue. It emphasizes that spiritual growth is a continuous process, not a static achievement.
  • Extensive Reach of Love: Their love was not confined to their immediate congregation but extended to "all the brethren which are in all Macedonia," showcasing a broad, inclusive understanding of the Christian family.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "increase more and more" comes from the Greek word perisseuō, which means to abound, to excel, to overflow, or to be in excess. It conveys the idea of going beyond what is merely sufficient or expected, suggesting an overflowing abundance. This isn't just about doing more acts of love, but about the quality and intensity of their brotherly affection becoming ever richer and more pervasive. The term "brethren" (Greek: adelphoi) consistently used by Paul, reinforces the deep familial bond shared by believers in Christ, transcending geographical boundaries.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Affirm and Encourage: Like Paul, we should be quick to affirm and encourage others in their good works and spiritual growth. Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator.
  • Continuous Growth in Love: Christian love is not a fixed quantity but a dynamic force that should always be expanding. We are called to continually seek ways to deepen our love for God and for one another, as emphasized in Philippians 1:9.
  • Broaden Our Circle of Care: Our love should extend beyond our immediate church or social circles to encompass the wider body of Christ, and indeed, all humanity. This reflects the boundless love of God.
  • Love as a Hallmark: The love demonstrated by the Thessalonians was a testament to their genuine faith. Similarly, our love for one another is a primary indicator of our discipleship, as taught by Jesus in John 13:35.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, 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.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Philippians 1:9

    ΒΆ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:12

    And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all [men], even as we [do] toward you:

  • 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;

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:7

    So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:8

    I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:10

    And herein I give [my] advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

  • Philippians 3:13

    Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
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