1 Thessalonians 2:11

Translations

Modern

For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children—

Traditional

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

Literal

…just as you know how, each one of you, as a father his own children,

Latin

…sicut scitis, qualiter unumquemque vestrum (sicut pater filios suos)

Original

Greek

English

For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children—

Notes

1 Thessalonians 2:11

In the ancient world, fathers had a key role in teaching and modeling moral living to children. Roman fathers could be strict. But the historian Plutarch advised Greek fathers to use praise, reason, encouragement, and good advice to teach children to avoid bad behavior and practice good values. Paul describes himself as this type of father to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 2:1–3:13

The letter begins by discussing the character of Paul and his associates, as well as how the Thessalonians accepted the good news (2:1–12; 13–16).

It emphasizes Paul’s genuine care for the church, mentioning:

his efforts to visit them again (2:17–20), and
his choice to send Timothy when he could not go himself (3:1–5).

It concludes with the apostle Paul’s happiness about Timothy’s positive report and his prayers to return to the church (3:6–9; 10–13). This detailed defense addresses criticisms of Paul’s sudden departure and long absence.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Paul’s Role as an Apostle

Related verses

1 Corinthians 4:14–15
I am not writing this to shame you, but to warn you as my beloved children.
Hebrews 13:22
I urge you, brothers, to bear with my word of exhortation, for I have only written to you briefly.
2 Timothy 4:1–2
I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom:
1 Timothy 5:21
I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the elect angels to maintain these principles without bias, and to do nothing out of partiality.
2 Thessalonians 3:12
We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
Deuteronomy 3:28
But commission Joshua, encourage him, and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit the land that you will see.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing.
1 Chronicles 28:20
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished.
1 Thessalonians 2:7
On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.
Titus 2:6
In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.
Proverbs 7:1
My son, keep my words and treasure my commandments within you.
Proverbs 1:10
My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them.

Glossary

First Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Christian Minister: Character and Attributes of Christian Minister: Duties of Christian Minister: Love of, for the Ekklesia (The Body of Christ), Exemplified by Paul Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Ministers: should be Affectionate to Their People Parents: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Preaching: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul

1 Thessalonians 2:11

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