Keraia
1 Thessalonians 4

1 Thessalonians 4:1

Living to Please God · 1 Thessalonians 4:1–12
Read 1 Thessalonians 4

Translations

Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
Finally then, brothers, we ask and exhort you in the Lord Jesus that, just as you received from us how it is necessary for you to walk and to please God, just as also you walk, that you may abound more.
Latin
De cetero ergo, fratres, rogamus vos et obsecramus in Domino Jesu, ut quemadmodum accepistis a nobis quomodo oporteat vos ambulare, et placere Deo, sic et ambuletis ut abundetis magis.

Original

Greek
English
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.

Notes

1 Thessalonians 4:1–2

  • we ask and encourage you: Paul emphasizes the authority of his teaching by speaking in the name of the Lord Jesus.

  • For you know the instructions we gave: Ancient letters often reminded recipients of what they already knew. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of matters requiring them to obey (4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:4, 6, 10, 12).

1 Thessalonians 4:1–5:22

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

  • the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),

  • the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and

  • the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Human Sexuality

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Biblical Concept of Law First Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Christian Conduct: Abounding in the Work of the Lord Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Devotedness to God: should be Abounding Sanctification: Ministers: should Exhort Their People to Walk In Word of God: Inspiration of