1 Thessalonians 4:1

Furthermore then R. V., finally; as the same Greek phrase is rendered by A.V. in Philippians 3:1; Philippians 4:8, &c. Lit., for the rest therefore, for what remains.

we beseech you, brethren, and exhortyou by the Lord Jesus More exactly, and in the Greek order: brethren, we beseech you, and exhort in the Lord Jesus.

The first of these verbs, "beseech" (or "ask"), frequent with St John, is only found in St Paul besides in ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; and Philippians 4:3. The Apostle asksas in a matter touching himself and his Interest in his readers; he exhorts, as it concerns them and their own duty and relation to Christ; for it is on the basis and within the sphere of this relationship in fact, because they are Christiansthat such an appeal is addressed to them. Comp. note on "church in the Lord Jesus Christ," ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:1; and for the title "Lord Jesus," on ch. 1Th 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:19.

St Paul's deep affection for the Thessalonians and his longing to see them prompted the prayer with which the last chapter concluded, that the Lord Himself would make them to be found blameless in holinessat His coming. And it is "therefore" in accordance with this prayer and these desires that he now urges them to a still more earnest pursuit of Christian virtue.

that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God "That" requires a comma after it, as in R. V.; for it looks forward to the final clause of the verse "that ye abound more and more."

"Received" corresponds to the first of the two words so rendered In ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (see note), and signifies the reception as matter of Instruction. Beside the doctrine of the Gospel the apostles taught its practice what men should do and what should be the "work" and effect of their faith (ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:3), as well as what they should believe. In their earliest lessons the Thessalonians had received the moral along with the theological elements of Christianity, "how you ought to walk." On this last word comp. note to ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:12.

"Ought to walk andplease God" is not the same as "walk so as toplease God," though this Is implied; but rather "how you ought to walk, and ought to please God." The duty of pleasing Godhad been a subject of St Paul's admonitions, and he had set all other duties in this light. Similarly in ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 he spoke of himself and Silas as governed in their work by the thought of "pleasing God," while in 1 Thessalonians 4:15 the condemnation of the Jews was found in the fact that they were "not pleasing God." Our conduct is always, and in everything, pleasing or displeasing to Him; and the religious man finds in this the highest sanction of right-doing. The word Sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3) expresses in another way the same religious necessity attaching to moral obligation.

The clause even as ye do walk is restored to the text by the Revisers, on the best authority. Comp. 1 Thessalonians 4:9, "for indeed you do it;" also ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:11. The Apostle would not appear to censure his readers. He is sure that they arewalking in the true path, mindful of his instructions; he wishes to keep them in it, and to urge them forward. The sum of his entreaty is (resuming the "that" left incomplete in the earlier part of tie sentence), that ye abound more and more (R. V.).