Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Wherefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as also ye do." — 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ASV)

With such a guarantee, the Thessalonians are now equipped to “encourage one another and build each other up.” As in 4:18, “encourage” (GK 4151) has more a consolatory than a hortatory meaning. Here is an unconditional pledge to strengthen even the weakest in faith. These teachings can also “build... up” (GK 3868) Christians. This word was later to become one of Paul’s favorite ways of writing about growth in the church (Ephesians 2:20–22; Ephesians 4:12). An intellectual grasp of the provisions Paul has been describing leads to individual as well as collective growth of the body of Christ. Paul is quick to acknowledge progress along this line: “just as in fact you are doing.” Yet he also looks forward to even greater attainments (cf. 4:1).