TRV
1 Thessalonians 4:2
Bible Versions
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
For you know what instructions we gave you on the authority of the Lord Yeshua.
For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
For ye know what charge we gave you through the Lord Jesus.
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Matthew 28:20
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen. -
Ezekiel 3:17
Son of man, I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me. -
2 Thessalonians 3:6
¶ Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. -
1 Corinthians 9:21
To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. -
2 Thessalonians 3:10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
In 1 Thessalonians 4:2, the Apostle Paul reminds the believers in Thessalonica of the foundational nature and divine authority of the moral and ethical instructions they had previously received. This verse serves as a crucial preface to the specific exhortations regarding Christian conduct that follow in the chapter, particularly concerning purity and love.
Context
This verse immediately follows 1 Thessalonians 4:1, where Paul urges the Thessalonians to "walk and to please God," encouraging them to do so "more and more." It establishes the basis for the specific "commandments" he is about to reiterate, which include admonitions concerning sexual purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8) and brotherly love (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10). The early church in Thessalonica was relatively new, and such clear, authoritative instruction was vital for their spiritual growth and for distinguishing their Christian lifestyle from the surrounding pagan culture.
Key Themes
Divine Authority of Apostolic Teaching
The phrase "by the Lord Jesus" is central to this verse. It unequivocally states that the instructions Paul, Silvanus (Silas), and Timothy imparted were not merely human opinions or traditions, but carried the full weight and authority of Jesus Christ Himself. This underscores the legitimacy and divine backing of their apostolic message, making these "commandments" binding for all believers.
The Importance of Prior Instruction
"For ye know" indicates that these were not new revelations but a reinforcement or reminder of what had already been taught during Paul's initial evangelistic and discipleship ministry in Thessalonica. This highlights the early church's emphasis on systematic teaching and the need for believers to remember and adhere to foundational truths.
Foundation for Christian Conduct
These commandments provided the ethical and moral framework for the Thessalonians' Christian walk. They were practical guidelines for living a life that honored God and served as a clear contrast to the prevailing moral standards of the Greco-Roman world. The integrity of their faith was to be demonstrated through their obedience to these Christ-given directives.
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "by the Lord Jesus" (Greek: dia tou Kyriou Iesou) is significant. The Greek preposition dia often denotes the means or agency through which something is done. Thus, it signifies that these commandments were given *through* the apostles, but their ultimate source and authority were *from* the Lord Jesus. This emphasizes the divine origin of the ethical demands placed upon believers, making them more than just human rules or cultural norms.
Practical Application
For believers today, 1 Thessalonians 4:2 serves as a powerful reminder that our Christian walk is not based on personal preferences or societal trends, but on the authoritative "commandments" given through God's Word, originating from our Lord Jesus Christ. It calls us to diligently learn and obey biblical teaching, recognizing that true spiritual guidance flows from divine revelation. Our practical conduct in all areas of life, from personal purity to our relationships with others, should reflect these divine standards, enabling us to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and please Him in every respect.