1 Thessalonians 4:9-10

Text (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)

9

But concerning love of the brethren ye have no need that one write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another; 10

for indeed ye do it toward all the brethren that are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, brethren, that ye abound more and more;

Translation and Paraphrase

9.

But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that (anyone) should be writing unto you. For (verily) you yourselves are God-taught to love one another.

10.

For indeed you do that (very thing) to all the brethren which are in all of Macedonia. But we (must) urge you, brethren, to exceed (your past good works and abound yet) more (and more).

Notes (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10)

1.

In the second century, the scoffing writer, Lucian, in speaking about Christians, declared, It is incredible to see the ardor with which the people of that religion help each other in their wants. They spare nothing. Their first legislator has put it into their heads that they are all brethren.

2.

Lucian was right. We are brothers. We have brotherly love, because we are taught of God to love one another. Brotherly love is not a natural thing in man. Hatred is the natural instinct in sinful mankind. Titus 3:3. Love is God-taught. (Rotherham.) Compare John 6:45; Isaiah 54:13, God taught the Thessalonians to love one another. Love is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, Galatians 5:22. The love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us. Romans 5:5.

3.

INTERPRETER'S BIBLE observes that the word brotherly-love (Philadelphia) is almost absent from the Greek of the pre-Christian period, and where found, refers to love for a natural brother. In the New Testament it is always love for a Christian brother.

4.

Brotherly love as a Christian duty is laid upon us in other verses also. See Romans 12:10; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 2 Peter 1:7. Brotherly love is combined with hospitality in Hebrews 13:1-2.

5.

Jesus said, A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another, as I have loved you, John 13:34. The whole gospel taught us to love one another, and love is the essence of the gospel.

6.

Love of the brethren is quite the opposite of the passion of lust, concerning which Paul spoke in preceding verses. Uncleanness is an offense against brotherly love.

7.

We may love one another and do many other good things, but it is always needful for us to increase and abound more and more in doing good, 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:10; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; Philippians 1:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3.