Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Thessalonians 4:1

"Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk, --that ye abound more and more." — 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (ASV)

1 Thessalonians Chapter 4

ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER.

This chapter, properly, comprises two parts: first, various practical exhortations (1 Thessalonians 4:1–12); and, secondly, suggestions designed to console those who had been bereaved (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18).

The first part embraces the following topics:

1. An exhortation to increase and abound in the Christian virtues which they had already manifested (1 Thessalonians 4:1–2).
2. A particular exhortation on the subject of sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3–8), in which two points are specified, probably as illustrations of the general subject, and embracing those in regard to which they were exposed to special danger. The first was fornication; the other was fraud.
3. An exhortation to brotherly love (1 Thessalonians 4:9–10).
4. An exhortation to quiet industry and to honesty in their dealings, particularly with those who were Christians (1 Thessalonians 4:11–12).

The second part is designed to comfort the Thessalonians who had been bereaved (1 Thessalonians 4:13–18). Some of their number had died. They appear to have been beloved members of the church and dear friends of those to whom the apostle wrote.

To console them, he brings into view the doctrine of the second coming of the Savior and the truth that they would be raised up to live with Him forever.

He reminds them that those who had died were asleep—reposing in a gentle slumber, as if they were to be awakened again (1 Thessalonians 4:13). They should not sorrow as those do who have no hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).

Furthermore, if they believed that Jesus died and rose again, they ought to believe that God would raise up all those who sleep in Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:14). In the last day, the dead in Christ will rise before the living are changed. This ensures that the living would not be taken up to heaven, leaving their departed friends in their graves (1 Thessalonians 4:15–16).

Both the resurrected dead and the transformed living will be caught up together to meet the Lord in the air, and so they will be forever with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:17). With this prospect, they had every ground of comfort they could desire, and they should sustain each other in their trials with this bright hope (1 Thessalonians 4:18).

Furthermore then (Greek: to loipon; or, Finally), meaning "As to what remains." That is, all that remains is to offer these exhortations (compare similar phrasing in commentary on 2 Corinthians 12:11; Galatians 6:17; Ephesians 6:10; Philippians 4:8). The phrase is a formula appropriate to the end of an argument or discourse.

We beseech you. The marginal reading is request. The Greek is, "we ask you"—erwtwmen. It is not as strong a word as that which follows.

And exhort you. The marginal reading is beseech. This is the word commonly used to denote earnest exhortation. The use of these words here implies that Paul regarded the subject as of great importance. He might have commanded them—but kind exhortation usually accomplishes more than a command.

By the Lord Jesus. In His name and by His authority.

That as you have received from us. You were taught by us. Paul doubtless had given them repeated instructions as to their duty as Christians.

How you ought to walk. This means how you ought to live. Life is often represented as a journey (Romans 6:4; Romans 8:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7; Galatians 6:16; Ephesians 4:1).

So you would abound more and more. "That is, follow the directions they had received more and more fully." (Abbott; compare 1 Corinthians 6:15, 18).