1 Thessalonians 4:9

KJV

¶ But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} as touching {G4012} brotherly love {G5360} ye need {G2192}{G5532} not {G3756} that I write {G1125} unto you {G5213}: for {G1063} ye {G5210} yourselves {G846} are {G2075} taught of God {G2312} to {G1519} love {G25} one another {G240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Concerning love for the brothers we do not need to write you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other;

Berean Standard Bible

Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.

American Standard Version

But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Thessalonians 4:9, the Apostle Paul commends the believers in Thessalonica for their exemplary practice of brotherly love, asserting that they have been divinely instructed by God Himself in this essential virtue. This verse underscores that genuine Christian love is not merely a human endeavor or a learned social convention, but a supernatural capacity and inclination directly imparted by the Holy Spirit within the hearts of God's people, enabling them to authentically care for one another.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Thessalonians 4:9](/1_thessalonians/4-9 "1 Thessalonians 4:9 - Brotherly Love Taught by God") is situated within the ethical exhortations of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, following his initial thanksgiving and personal reflections. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul addresses matters of sanctification and sexual purity, urging believers to live in a manner that honors God and avoids immorality ([1 Thessalonians 4:3-8](/1_thessalonians/4-3-8 "1 Thessalonians 4:3-8 - God's Will for Sanctification")). The transition to "brotherly love" in verse 9 marks a shift from individual holiness to communal ethics, demonstrating that sanctification is not only personal but also profoundly relational. This emphasis on love then sets the stage for further instructions on peaceful and diligent living ([1 Thessalonians 4:11-12](/1_thessalonians/4-11-12 "1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 - Live a Quiet Life")) and, ultimately, for the comforting teaching concerning the return of Christ and the resurrection of believers ([1 Thessalonians 4:13-18](/1_thessalonians/4-13-18 "1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 - The Lord's Return")), showing how love undergirds both present conduct and future hope.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Thessalonica was a relatively young community, established by Paul during his second missionary journey ([Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Acts 17:1-9 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica")). Located in a prominent Roman provincial capital and port city, the believers faced significant challenges, including intense persecution from both Jewish and Gentile opposition ([1 Thessalonians 1:6](/1_thessalonians/1-6 "1 Thessalonians 1:6 - Imitators of the Lord"), [1 Thessalonians 2:14-16](/1_thessalonians/2-14-16 "1 Thessalonians 2:14-16 - Suffering Like the Churches in Judea"), [1 Thessalonians 3:3-4](/1_thessalonians/3-3-4 "1 Thessalonians 3:3-4 - Enduring Affliction")). In such an environment, the bonds of Christian community and mutual support were not merely desirable but essential for survival and perseverance. The surrounding pagan culture was often morally lax, making the call to distinct Christian living, including brotherly love, a powerful counter-cultural witness. Paul's commendation of their existing love indicates that despite their youth and trials, the Thessalonians were already demonstrating a vital characteristic of the new covenant community.

* **Key Themes:** Several major theological and narrative themes converge in [1 Thessalonians 4:9](/1_thessalonians/4-9 "1 Thessalonians 4:9 - Brotherly Love Taught by God"). Firstly, the theme of **Divine Instruction and Empowerment** is central, as the phrase "taught of God" (Greek: *theodídaktos*) highlights that Christian love is not a human achievement but a supernatural impartation. This aligns with the New Covenant promise of God writing His law on the hearts of His people ([Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant")). Secondly, **Brotherly Love (*philadelphía*)** is a specific and crucial theme, emphasizing the familial affection and loyalty that should characterize members of God's household, forming a strong, supportive community in the face of external pressures. Thirdly, the verse contributes to the broader theme of **Sanctification and Ethical Living**, demonstrating that true holiness extends beyond individual purity to encompass Christ-like relationships within the body of Christ. Finally, Paul employs a common **Apostolic Commendation and Encouragement** strategy, affirming their current practice of love while subtly prompting them to "increase more and more" in it, a pattern seen elsewhere in his letters (e.g., [Philippians 1:9](/philippians/1-9 "Philippians 1:9 - Paul's Prayer for the Philippians")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **brotherly love (Greek, _philadelphía'_):** (G5360) This compound word, derived from *philos* (love, affection) and *adelphos* (brother), denotes a deep, familial affection and loyalty that should characterize members of God's household. It is the specific, warm, and loyal affection shared among those who are spiritually united as brothers and sisters in Christ. While distinct from *agape* (unconditional, divine love), *philadelphía* is a practical and relational expression of *agape* within the Christian community, essential for its health and witness.
* **taught of God (Greek, _theodídaktos'_):** (G2312) This powerful single Greek word literally means "God-taught" or "divinely instructed." It emphasizes that the capacity and the desire to love one another are not learned through human institutions, moral philosophy, or mere self-effort. Instead, this love is directly imparted by God Himself, primarily through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who transforms hearts and enables believers to live out God's character. This divine instruction is internal and experiential, leading to a spontaneous and authentic expression of love.
* **to love (Greek, _agapáō'_):** (G25) While the specific type of love mentioned is *philadelphía*, the action they are taught to perform is *agapáō*. This verb refers to *agape* love, which is often described as unconditional, self-sacrificial, and divine. It is a love of the will, not merely emotion, that seeks the highest good of the other. The Thessalonians are taught by God to exercise this foundational, divine love toward "one another," with *philadelphía* being its primary manifestation within the Christian community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you:"** Paul initiates this section with a concessive "But" (G1161, *dé*), indicating a slight shift from the previous topic. The phrase "as touching brotherly love" (G4012, *perí philadelphía*) introduces the subject. His statement, "ye need not that I write unto you" (G2192, *échō* G3756, *ou* G5532, *chreía* G1125, *gráphō*), serves as a strong commendation. It implies that the Thessalonians are already excelling in this area, making extensive instruction redundant. This rhetorical device allows Paul to affirm their spiritual maturity while subtly encouraging continued growth.
* **"for ye yourselves are taught of God":** The conjunction "for" (G1063, *gár*) introduces the reason for Paul's commendation. The emphatic "ye yourselves" (G5210, *hymeîs* G846, *autós*) highlights their personal, direct experience of this divine teaching. The core of the verse lies in "are taught of God" (G2075, *esté* G2312, *theodídaktos*). This signifies that their capacity and inclination to love are not from human instruction or natural disposition, but from a direct, internal, supernatural impartation by God Himself. This divine teaching transforms their hearts and enables them to love.
* **"to love one another."** This concluding phrase specifies the object and outcome of God's teaching. The infinitive "to love" (G1519, *eis* G25, *agapáō*) indicates the purpose or result of being "taught of God." The reciprocal pronoun "one another" (G240, *allḗlōn*) emphasizes the mutual and communal nature of this love, reinforcing that it is to be practiced within the body of believers. This is the practical manifestation of the divine instruction, binding the community together in Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's skillful use of **Apostolic Commendation** is evident in [1 Thessalonians 4:9](/1_thessalonians/4-9 "1 Thessalonians 4:9 - Brotherly Love Taught by God"). By stating, "ye need not that I write unto you," he affirms the Thessalonians' existing spiritual maturity and practice of brotherly love. This positive reinforcement builds rapport and trust, making them more receptive to subsequent exhortations. This commendation functions as a form of **Litotes** (understatement for emphasis), subtly implying that while they are doing well, there is always room for growth, a common Pauline strategy to encourage further excellence (cf. [1 Thessalonians 4:10](/1_thessalonians/4-10 "1 Thessalonians 4:10 - Increase More and More")). Furthermore, the phrase "taught of God" serves as a profound **Theological Foundation**, grounding the ethical imperative of love not in human effort or moral philosophy, but in the direct, transformative work of God Himself. This divine origin elevates love from a mere human sentiment to a supernatural characteristic of the new creation, emphasizing God's active role in empowering His people for righteous living.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[1 Thessalonians 4:9](/1_thessalonians/4-9 "1 Thessalonians 4:9 - Brotherly Love Taught by God") powerfully articulates a foundational truth of Christian theology: genuine love among believers is not merely a human ideal but a divine impartation. This concept resonates deeply with the New Covenant promise where God inscribes His laws upon the hearts of His people, enabling them to obey Him from within ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant Written on Hearts")). The indwelling Holy Spirit, given to believers, is the primary agent of this divine teaching, pouring God's love into their hearts and empowering them to love one another with a supernatural capacity ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "God's Love Poured Out")). This God-taught love is the practical outworking of sanctification, demonstrating that holiness is not just about personal purity but also about relational integrity and Christ-like affection within the community of faith. It serves as the distinguishing mark of true discipleship and the fulfillment of the law, as love encapsulates all commandments concerning human relationships.

* [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "A New Commandment")
* [Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Love Fulfills the Law")
* [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "God Is Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Thessalonians 4:9](/1_thessalonians/4-9 "1 Thessalonians 4:9 - Brotherly Love Taught by God") offers profound encouragement and a clear directive for believers today. It reminds us that the capacity for genuine, self-sacrificial love within the Christian community originates not from our own strength or emotional reserves, but from God Himself. This "God-taught" love is a supernatural gift, a fruit of the Holy Spirit's work within us, enabling us to transcend human limitations and natural inclinations to love others as Christ loved us. This truth should humble us, eliminating any pride in our ability to love, and simultaneously empower us, knowing that God provides what He commands. Therefore, our primary responsibility is to yield to the Spirit's work, allowing Him to cultivate and express this divine love through us. Practically, this means actively seeking opportunities to serve, forgive, encourage, and bear one another's burdens within our local church and wider Christian fellowship. This collective demonstration of brotherly love not only strengthens the internal bonds of the church, fostering unity and spiritual health, but also serves as a compelling and undeniable witness to a watching world, fulfilling Jesus' declaration that our love for one another will identify us as His disciples.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding love as "God-taught" change my approach to loving others, particularly those who are difficult to love?**
* **In what practical ways can I more intentionally cultivate and express "brotherly love" within my community of faith this week?**
* **Considering Jesus' words in [John 13:35](/john/13-35 "Love as a Mark of Discipleship"), how might our collective love as believers more powerfully serve as a witness to those outside the church?**

### FAQ
**What does "taught of God" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: The phrase "taught of God" (Greek: *theodídaktos*) signifies a direct, internal, and supernatural instruction by the Holy Spirit. It's not about human education or moral lessons, but a divine work within the believer's heart that transforms their desires and enables them to love in a way that is humanly impossible. This aligns with the New Covenant promises in [Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "The New Covenant Written on Hearts") and [Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26-27 "A New Heart and Spirit"), where God promises to put His law in His people's minds and write it on their hearts, giving them a new spirit and enabling them to walk in His statutes. Thus, the capacity and inclination to love one another are a direct result of God's regenerating and sanctifying work.

**Is "brotherly love" (philadelphia) different from "agape" love?**

Answer: Yes, while closely related and often overlapping in practice, *philadelphia* (G5360) and *agape* (G25) describe distinct nuances of love in the New Testament. *Agape* is the broader, unconditional, self-sacrificial, and divine love that God Himself embodies and commands. It is a love of the will, choosing the highest good of the other regardless of their worthiness. *Philadelphia*, on the other hand, specifically denotes "brotherly love" or familial affection. It is the warm, loyal, and intimate bond shared among those who are part of the same spiritual family, the church. Therefore, *philadelphia* can be understood as a specific, practical manifestation of *agape* within the Christian community. Believers are taught by God to exercise *agape* love, which naturally expresses itself as *philadelphia* among fellow believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The divine teaching of love, as highlighted in [1 Thessalonians 4:9](/1_thessalonians/4-9 "1 Thessalonians 4:9 - Brotherly Love Taught by God"), finds its ultimate fulfillment and empowerment in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect embodiment of God's love, demonstrating *agape* through His life of selfless service and His sacrificial death on the cross ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "Greater Love Has No One Than This")). Christ did not merely teach about love; He commanded His disciples to "love one another as I have loved you" ([John 15:12](/john/15-12 "Love One Another as I Have Loved You")), setting Himself as the standard and the source. Through His finished work, believers are reconciled to God and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, who is the very Spirit of Christ. It is this Spirit who pours God's love into our hearts ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "God's Love Poured Out")) and produces the "fruit of the Spirit," which prominently includes love ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "The Fruit of the Spirit")). Therefore, to be "taught of God to love one another" means that Christ, through His Spirit, actively enables and empowers believers to live out the very love that characterized His own life and sacrifice. We love because He first loved us ([1 John 4:19](/1_john/4-19 "We Love Because He First Loved Us")), and it is Christ living in us that makes such supernatural love possible ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Christ Lives in Me")).

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

1 John 3:11

¶ For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another.

Romans 12:10

[Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;

1 John 3:23

¶ And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment.

John 13:34

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

John 13:35

By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

1 John 4:21

And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

1 John 5:1

¶ Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him.