What does 1 Thessalonians 4:1 mean?

Explanation

1 Thessalonians 4:1 serves as an exhortation and a plea from Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the Thessalonian Christians, urging them to continue progressing in their Christian walk.

The apostle Paul appeals to them as "brethren," which denotes a familial and intimate relationship within the faith community.

Paul emphasizes that their instructions come with the authority of "the Lord Jesus," thereby establishing that their guidance is not merely of human origin but is rooted in divine will.

The phrase "as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God" refers to the teachings and example that the Thessalonian believers had previously received from the missionaries on how to live a life that is honoring and pleasing to God.

This implies they had been given practical instruction in Christian ethics and morality.

Paul's plea extends beyond maintaining their current spiritual state; he encourages them to "abound more and more." This suggests that the Christian life is one of continual growth and improvement; the believers are encouraged to excel still further in their faith and practice, striving for an ever-deepening relationship with God.

Historical Context

The first epistle to the Thessalonians is one of the earliest documents of the New Testament, believed to have been written by Paul around A.D. 51-52 shortly after his first visit to Thessalonica on his second missionary journey.

Thessalonica was a significant city of the Roman province of Macedonia, known for its busy port and strategic location along the major Roman highway, the Via Egnatia.

The context of this verse is rooted in a primarily Gentile church that had turned from polytheism to serve the living God.

They lived in a society that often held beliefs and moral standards at odds with those taught by Paul and the early Christian missionaries.

Given these external pressures, the call to "walk and to please God" would stand in contrast to the prevailing cultural norms of the time.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse touches upon several doctrines:

Sanctification

It implies the process of sanctification in which believers are called to grow in holiness and Christ-likeness. This process is expected to be continuous and expansive ("abound more and more").

Christian Ethics

It speaks to Christian ethics, specifically the importance of believers conducting themselves in a manner that is pleasing to God. This also implies the presence of absolute moral standards which are rooted in God's character.

Apostolic Authority

Paul claims divine backing for the instructions given ("by the Lord Jesus"), emphasizing the apostolic authority bestowed upon him and his fellow missionaries to instruct the early churches in godly living.

Divine Pleasure

The idea that humans can live in a way that pleases God is also theological, suggesting a relational God who values and desires righteousness in His followers' lives.

Practical Applications

This verse can have several modern-day applications:

Continuous Growth

Believers are encouraged to never become complacent in their spiritual lives but instead to strive for ongoing growth and development in every area of life.

Obedience to Teachings

Christians should take seriously the teachings and instructions from Scripture and church leadership on how to live in a way that honors God.

Community Encouragement

Within Christian communities, there should be a culture of exhortation and mutual encouragement to live a life that pleases God.

Ethical Living

It serves as a reminder that the standards for ethical living are not set by society but by God, and therefore Christians should seek to understand and apply biblical principles.

Cross-References

• 2 Peter 3:18: "But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

To him be glory both now and for ever.

Amen."

• Ephesians 4:1: "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,"
• Romans 6:4: "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."

Language Study

Analyzing key words in the original Greek text offers additional insights:

"Walk" (περιπατέω - peripateō)

This term often refers to one's conduct or lifestyle. In the New Testament, to "walk" is to live or behave in a specified manner.

"Please" (ἀρέσκω - areskō)

This word conveys the idea of bringing pleasure or being agreeable. In this context, it's about living in a way that is pleasing to God.

"Abound" (περισσεύω - perisseuō)

To "abound" implies having in excess, excelling, or exceeding.

It suggests not just sufficiency but going beyond and increasing continually.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the Greco-Roman society of Thessalonica, diverse religions and philosophical systems coexisted, each with its own moral framework.

The Christian ethic of pleasing the monotheistic God of the Bible would stand in contrast with the often more permissive moral codes associated with various pagan cults and philosophies.

Additionally, this Christian call to a virtuous life shares similarities with Jewish moral teachings of the era, where a life pleasing to Yahweh involved adherence to the Law.

Scientific Perspectives

This verse does not directly engage with scientific concepts but pertains to moral and ethical development.

Modern psychological studies do, however, explore how ethical behavior and spiritual beliefs contribute to an individual's well-being, highlighting the benefits of a purpose-driven life and supportive community, principles that align with the verse's encouragement toward growth in good works and mutual support.

Commentaries

Several biblical scholars and commentators have shed light on this verse:

John Chrysostom

He emphasized the depth of Paul's love for the Thessalonians in the plea to lead a life worthy of God.

William Barclay

Barclay noted the continual progress implied in the verse, suggesting that the Christian life is not static but dynamic and always moving forward.

John Stott

Stott pointed out that the call to please God in every area of life is all-encompassing, impacting not only religious activities but every aspect of existence.