Tuesday, 8 August 2017

…that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. 1 Thessalonians 4:12

Paul continues with his exhortation to “increase more and more” from verse 10. He now tells them to “walk properly.” To walk signifies the conduct of one’s life, as it does consistently in Scripture.… Read the rest

Monday, 7 August 2017

…that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 1 Thessalonians 4:11

Paul’s words here form a paradox. He says that the Thessalonians are to “also aspire to lead a quiet life.” The sense given is that they are to strive to be quiet.… Read the rest

Sunday, 6 August 2017

…and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; 1 Thessalonians 4:10

Paul’s words now serve as a compliment towards his readers. He had just noted that they were “taught by God to love one another.” Now his compliment based on that is, “…and indeed you do so toward all the brethren who are in all Macedonia.”

The love of the Thessalonians for other believers was evident in their missionary enterprises which Paul noted in verse 1:8.… Read the rest

Saturday, 5 August 2017

But concerning brotherly love you have no need that I should write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another; 1 Thessalonians 4:9

In verse 12 of the previous chapter, Paul said, “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you.” Now in this verse, he again brings up the subject of love among the brethren.… Read the rest

Friday, 4 August 2017

Therefore he who rejects this does not reject man, but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 4:8

The word translated as “Therefore” is rare, being used only here and in Hebrews 12:1. It is a combination of three separate words which come together to form an emphatic “what must follow.” It extends the same thought which precedes it.… Read the rest