Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary (4 vols)

1 Thessalonians 4:1

1 Thessalonians 4:1. Furthermore then. More literally, as to what remains, or for the rest: ‘marking an approach towards the conclusion of the Epistle, though not necessarily a very near approach' (Vaughan).

In the Lord. Only as the organ of the Lord does Paul presume to exhort them; and only as believers united to Christ, and living in Him, does he expect that they will listen to his admonition.

As ye received. Paul views it as a possible thing that they may know to do good, and do it not. Many persons, like the son in the parable, seem to think that their knowledge of duty, and recognition of it in conscience, is some sort of compensation for their non-performance of it. The Thessalonians, however, were walking as Paul had directed them; but he knew the tendency there is to be content with a half-completed course, to allow some sin to remain because much has been cast out, to weary before the whole work is accomplished, and therefore be is bent upon having them ‘abound yet more.'

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Philip Schaff's Popular Commentary (4 vols)

1 Thessalonians 4:1

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