FocusSexual holiness and God's call
Connection to the wholePaul identifies God's will in the readers' sanctification and warns that rejecting this instruction is not merely rejecting a human teacher.
interpretation 1 Thessalonians 4:1
KJVFurthermore 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.
Read it in context
Exhortations for Christian Living and the Lord's Coming
Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (1 Thessalonians 4:1 to 1 Thessalonians 4:18).
This passage begins a new section of practical exhortations for the Thessalonian believers, covering both ethical conduct and eschatological hope.
- 4:1 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.
- 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
- 4:3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
- 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
- 4:5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
- 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.
- 4:7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.
- 4:8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
- 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
- 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;
- 4:11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you;
- 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
- 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
- 4:14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
- 4:15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
- 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
- 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
- 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:18. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Thessalonians 4:1–5:28): The Thessalonian believers receive instructions about holiness, love, deceased believers, the Lord's coming, and congregational life. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, including converts who had turned from idols. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. stated in the text
What
- What is the main event or theme? The main theme of this passage is an exhortation to Christian living, emphasizing sanctification, brotherly love, and diligent work, followed by instruction and comfort regarding the resurrection of believers and the coming of the Lord. Specifically, verse 1 introduces the call to continue and abound in a walk that pleases God.
- What is God revealing? God is revealing His will for believers to live lives of increasing holiness, love, and integrity, and providing comfort and instruction concerning the future hope of Christ's return and the resurrection of those who have died in faith.
- What is the literary style? The literary style is primarily exhortation and instruction, characteristic of an epistle.
When
- When was it written? The letter was written around A.D. 51. book background
- When do the events occur? The events of Paul's ministry that prompted the letter occurred during his second missionary journey. The exhortations are for the present life of the believers, and the passage also describes the future event of the Lord's coming. book background
Where
- Where did it happen? The exhortations and instructions are directed to the church at Thessalonica. book background
- Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Corinth when he wrote this letter. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Exhortations for Christian Living and the Lord's Coming (1 Thessalonians 4:1 to 1 Thessalonians 4:18). Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 4:1. This passage begins a new section of practical exhortations for the Thessalonian believers, covering both ethical conduct and eschatological hope.
How
- How does it fit the broader context? This verse initiates a significant section of practical exhortations in the letter, following Paul's initial commendation and personal reflections in chapters 1-3. It sets the stage for specific instructions on sanctification, brotherly love, diligent work, and the hope of Christ's return, which are elaborated in the rest of the chapter. interpretation
- How does it point to Christ? The exhortation to walk and please God is given 'by the Lord Jesus' (1 Thessalonians 4:1), indicating that Christian conduct is empowered by and directed towards Him. The commandments received by the Thessalonians were also given 'by the Lord Jesus' (1 Thessalonians 4:2). Furthermore, the ultimate hope and comfort regarding death and the future is centered on Jesus' death, resurrection, and coming (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17). interpretation
- How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to continually grow in their walk with God, striving to please Him more and more in all aspects of life, including personal holiness, love for others, and diligent work. This walk is empowered by the Lord Jesus and guided by His teachings, providing comfort and hope in His promised return. interpretation
Cited: 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:5, 1 Thessalonians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 4:8, 1 Thessalonians 4:14, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- we 1 Thess 2:11 Rom 12:1 2 Cor 6:1 2 Cor 10:1 Eph 4:1 Phlm 1:9-10 Heb 13:22
- by the 1 Thess 4:2 Eph 4:20 2 Thess 2:1 1 Tim 5:21 1 Tim 6:13-14 2 Tim 4:1
- ye have 1 Thess 4:11-12 Acts 20:27 1 Cor 11:23 1 Cor 15:1 Phil 1:27 Col 2:6 2 Thess 3:10-12
- ye ought 1 Thess 2:12
- to please Rom 8:8 Rom 12:2 Eph 5:17 Col 1:10 Heb 11:6 Heb 13:16 1 John 3:22
- so ye 1 Thess 4:10 Job 17:9 Ps 92:14 Prov 4:18 John 15:2 1 Cor 15:58 Phil 1:9 Phil 3:14
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Thessalonians 4
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 1 Thessalonians 1:9 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Brotherly love and quiet work
1 Thessalonians 4:9–12FocusResponsible daily conduct
Connection to the wholeThe church is urged to increase in love and work responsibly so its daily life is honourable toward outsiders.
interpretation Those asleep in Jesus
1 Thessalonians 4:13–18FocusResurrection and shared hope
Connection to the wholePaul comforts the bereaved by explaining that the dead in Christ will not be excluded at the Lord's coming; the teaching ends with mutual comfort.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Thessalonians
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 1 Thessalonians 1:9 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Thanksgiving for the church
1 Thessalonians 1:1–10FocusFaith, love, and hope
Connection to the wholeThe readers' response to the gospel and their witness to others introduce the letter's recurring themes of service, endurance, and expectation.
interpretation The missionaries and the church
1 Thessalonians 2:1–3:13FocusSincere service and continuing concern
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the mission and separation, explains Timothy's visit, and prays for the church's growth and establishment in holiness.
interpretation FocusSanctification, love, and work
Connection to the wholePractical instruction defines the holy and responsible life expected of the believers who received the gospel.
interpretation Hope and readiness
1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11FocusThe dead in Christ and the day of the Lord
Connection to the wholePaul addresses grief and timing, joining the resurrection hope with sober, wakeful conduct rather than speculation.
interpretation Life together and final prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:12–28FocusOrder, discernment, and sanctification
Connection to the wholeThe closing instructions describe mutual care and spiritual discernment, ending with prayer for the church's preservation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.