What does 1 Thessalonians 4:9 mean?

Explanation

1 Thessalonians 4:9 underscores the theme of brotherly love, highlighting the natural and essential aspect of love within the Christian community.

The apostle Paul is affirming that the Thessalonian believers do not need extensive instruction on loving one another because God Himself has instilled this lesson in them.

It suggests that this love is so fundamental to their new lives in Christ that they are directly taught by God through the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

While it is a command, Paul implies that it is also a natural expression of their new nature as Christians.

Historical Context

1 Thessalonians is considered one of the earliest letters written by the Apostle Paul, composed around AD 50-51.

Paul wrote this letter to the church in Thessalonica, a major city of Macedonia in northern Greece, which he had visited during his second missionary journey.

This was a fledgling Christian community living in a Greco-Roman context, characterized by a diversity of religions and moral standards.

Paul's letters served to encourage and instruct the young church in the face of persecution and to clarify some misconceptions about Christian living and eschatology.

Theological Insights

Theologically, this verse touches on the nature of God's sanctifying work in believers. Love, as a fruit of the Spirit, is a key indicator of genuine faith transformation.

From a behavioral standpoint, it indicates that Christian ethics are not merely learned intellectually but are worked out experientially through the believer's ongoing relationship with God.

Different theological perspectives, such as Calvinist and Arminian views, might emphasize the balance between God's sovereign teaching and the believer's response to that divine instruction, but both would agree on the essential character of love in the believer's life.

Practical Applications

The verse speaks to the modern Christian's daily life by suggesting that love should be a spontaneous outflow of their relationship with God.

Believers are encouraged to show unconditional love towards one another, reflecting the love that God has shown them.

This extends to all aspects of life, including family relationships, friendships, church communities, and interactions with strangers.

The practice of such love serves as a testimony to the transformative power of the Gospel.

Cross-References

• John 13:34-35: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another."
• Romans 5:5: "And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us."
• Hebrews 10:24: "And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:"

Language Study

The Greek term for "brotherly love" used here is "philadelphia," composed of "philos" (beloved, dear) and "adelphos" (brother).

The word refers to the love between siblings, which in the Christian context, extends to the spiritual brotherhood among believers. The verb "taught" in Greek is "didaktos" which implies being instructed or informed.

The Greek suggests that God Himself is the instructor and the love that is taught is not just theoretical but relational and practical.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the context of other ancient religious systems, brotherly love was not always an overarching principle. For instance, in Roman and Greek pantheistic religions, the gods often acted out of bitter jealousy and rivalry.

In contrast, the God of Christianity is portrayed as love (1 John 4:8) and teaches His followers to emulate this characteristic.

Scientific Perspectives

Although science primarily deals with empirical observation rather than moral imperatives, there are fields such as social psychology and neurobiology that study the effects of human relationships and emotions on individual and societal well-being.

Studies in these fields often find that love and social bonds are crucial for mental and physical health, which indirectly supports the biblical emphasis on brotherly love as beneficial for communities.

Commentaries

Various biblical scholars and theologians offer insight into this verse.

John Stott comments that Christian love is not self-generated but comes from God, reflecting his nature.

Matthew Henry's commentary discusses the natural affection Christians should have for one another, comparing it to that between family members.

Other commentaries reflect on the inherent moral and spiritual instruction that comes with the Holy Spirit's indwelling, noting that Christian communities should be distinguished by the prevalence of this divine love.