1 Thessalonians 4:1 Meaning and Explanation
“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.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul urges them, by the Lord Jesus, to keep growing in the God-pleasing way of life they have already learned.
What Does 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Mean?
Paul moves from prayer to appeal, gently pressing them onward. He 'beseeches' and 'exhorts' them 'by the Lord Jesus,' grounding his plea in the Lord's own authority. They have already 'received' from him how to 'walk and to please God,' so this is not new instruction but a call to 'abound more and more' in what they know.
The Christian life is a journey of increase, not a plateau. Paul does not scold them for falling short; he urges those already walking well to walk even better. To 'please God' is the aim of it all, a beautiful goal that lifts daily conduct above mere rule-keeping into a relationship of love. Notice that there is always further to go; even a faithful church is invited to grow. Paul's tone is tender, full of 'beseech' rather than command, the appeal of a father who longs to see his children flourish. The way forward is simply more of the good they have already begun.
1 Thessalonians 4:1 in the Original Language
parakaleo (παρακαλέω), 'exhort' -- to call alongside, to urge, comfort, or encourage.
Frequently Asked Questions About 1 Thessalonians 4:1
What does 1 Thessalonians 4:1 mean?
Paul urges them, by the Lord Jesus, to keep growing in the God-pleasing way of life they have already learned.