Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 2:11

"as ye know how we [dealt with] each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging [you], and testifying," — 1 Thessalonians 2:11 (ASV)

A further comparison enlivens Paul’s expression of concern. He changes his metaphor from a mother’s tender care (v.7) to that of a father dealing with his children individually. Christians need fatherly teaching and advice as well as motherly care.

The fatherly treatment included encouragement, comfort, and urging.

“Encouraging” (GK 4151) can in some contexts signify a note of comfort, but here it has the hortatory flavor of “admonishing.” “Comfort” (GK 4170) is covered by the next verb. “Urging” (GK 3458) adds a note of authority. These actions were more than mere requests. Their goal was a worthy lifestyle. “Live lives” represents the figure of “walking around” (GK 4344), a common way of designating one’s conduct. In reference to the Christian life, it relates primarily to the moral sphere. Conduct should be on the plane of God’s standards.

God calls (GK 2813) believers “into his kingdom and glory.” This is an incentive to a high quality of life. Paul is looking back to the time when God first called his readers to salvation, a call that is always effectual. In one sense God’s kingdom is already present (see comment on Mk 1:15), but ultimate realization of the messianic kingdom with its future glory is in view here (cf. Acts 17:7; 28:23). As frequently occurs in these two letters, those Paul is addressing are pointed to the bliss ahead as an incentive to godly living now. “Glory” is that unhindered manifestation of God’s presence in which believers will share (Romans 5:2; Romans 8:18).