1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Here we have, I. An exhortation to abound in holiness, to abound more and more in that which is good, 1 Thess. 4:1, 2. We may observe, 1. The manner in which the exhortation is given?very affectionately. The apostle entreats them as brethren; he calls them so, and loved them as such. Because his love to them was very great, he exhorts them very earnestly: We beseech and exhort you. The apostle was unwilling to take any denial, and therefore repeats his exhortation again and again. 2. The... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

4:1-8 Finally then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you have received instructions from us as to how you must behave to please God, even so you do behave, that you may go on from more to more. For you know what orders we gave you through the Lord Jesus; for this is God's will for you, that you should live consecrated lives, I mean, that you should keep yourselves from fornication, that each of you should know how to possess his own body in consecration and in honour,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1

Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren ,.... Or request of you in the most kind and tender manner, from real and hearty love and affection for you, and with a view to your good, and the glory of God: and exhort you : or beseech and entreat you. The apostle does not lay his commands upon them as he might have done, and sometimes does, but endeavours to work upon them by way of entreaty, and which he doubtless thought the most effectual method to win upon them, and gain them; for some... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:2

For ye know what commandments we gave you ,.... When among them; such as those of faith and love, the ordinances of the Gospel, baptism, and the Lord's supper, and all such as relate to the worship and service of God, to the discipline of Christ's house, to their behaviour one towards another, and their conduct in the world: and which were delivered to them, not as from themselves, and by their own authority, but by the Lord Jesus ; in his name, and by his authority, and as ordered by... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:1

We beseech you, brethren, and exhort - We give you proper instructions in heavenly things, and request you to attend to our advice. The apostle used the most pressing entreaties; for he had a strong and affectionate desire that this Church should excel in all righteousness and true holiness. Please God more and more - God sets no bounds to the communications of his grace and Spirit to them that are faithful. And as there are no bounds to the graces, so there should be none to the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:2

Ye know what commandments we gave you - This refers to his instructions while he was among them; and to instructions on particular subjects, which he does not recapitulate, but only hints at. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:1

Verse 1 1Furthermore. This chapter contains various injunctions, by which he trains up the Thessalonians to a holy life, or confirms them in the exercise of it. They had previously learned what was the rule and method of a pious life: he calls this to their remembrance. As, says he, ye have been taught. Lest, however, he should seem to take away from them what he had previously assigned them, he does not simply exhort them to walk in such a manner, but to abound more and more. When, therefore,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1

Furthermore ; literally, finally ; for the rest—introducing the closing or practical part of the Epistle. The apostle uses the same word elsewhere at the close of his Epistles. Then ; or rather, therefore ; connecting this exhortation with the closing verses of the last chapter: In order that you may be established un-blamably in holiness at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, you must do your part, you must earnestly strive after holiness. We ; to be restricted to Paul. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1

This verse introduces a series of practical exhortations by an urgent entreaty to general Christian progress. The details of conduct must be considered. But the spirit and character of the whole life are of primary importance. First see to the health of the whole tree; then prune and train the several branches. I. THE GREAT OBLIGATION OF CHRISTIAN PROGRESS . 1. It requires a full, round development of spiritual graces. It is not satisfied with a shrunken, shriveled life... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-2

The practical part of the Epistle begins at this point. I. MARK THE AFFECTIONATE MANNER OF THE APOSTLE 'S ADDRESS . "We beseech you and exhort by the Lord Jesus." He does not speak in the language of command, much less assume the air of a lord over God's heritage, but meekly and affectionately in the way of entreaty. But there was all the force of authority in the very entreaty because it was grounded in the Lord Jesus as its source and element. II. THE IMPORTANT ... read more

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