A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Thessalonians 4:1

A.T. Robertson Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:1

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
A.T. Robertson
A.T. Robertson

A.T. Robertson Commentary

1 Thessalonians 4:1

1863–1934
Southern Baptist
SCRIPTURE

"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)

Finally (λοιπον). Accusative of general reference of λοιπος, as for the rest. It does not mean actual conclusion, but merely a colloquial expression pointing towards the end (Milligan) as in 2 Corinthians 13:11; 2 Timothy 4:8. So το λοιπον in 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Php 3:1; 4:8.

We beseech (ερωτωμεν). Not "question" as in ancient Greek, but as often in N.T. (1 Thessalonians 5:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1) and also in papyri to make urgent request of one.

How ye ought (το πως δε υμας). Literally, explanatory articular indirect question (το πως) after παρελαβητε according to common classic idiom in Luke (Luke 1:62; 22:2,4,23,24) and Paul (Romans 8:26).

That ye abound (ινα περισσευητε). Loose construction of the ινα clause with present subjunctive after two subordinate clauses with καθως (as, even as) to be connected with "beseech and exhort."

More and more (μαλλον). Simply

more , but added to same idea in περισσευητε. See also verse 11.