Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 4:1
Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church at the transition from doctrinal instruction (chs. 1–3) to practical exhortation (chs. 4–5), addressing them as "brothers" in the Lord Jesus.
The words — ἐρωτῶμεν (erōtōmen, "we implore") paired with παρακαλοῦμεν (parakaloumen, "we exhort") makes this a plea plus encouragement, not a bare command; the tone is personal urgency rather than institutional authority.
The thread — The "do so all the more" growth language parallels 2 Thessalonians 1:3 (faith growing more and more), 2 Peter 3:18 (grow in grace and knowledge), and Colossians 1:10 (walk in a manner worthy of the Lord).
Why it lands — The ask is not to begin something new but to intensify what is already underway; the reader is told they are already living this way and are simply called to do it more.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
Cross-references
- Colossians 1:10 so that you may walk in a manner worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,
- 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are obligated to thank God for you all the time, brothers, as is fitting, because your faith is growing more and more, and your love for one another is increasing.
- 2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
- Hebrews 13:16 And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
- Philippians 1:9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
- 2 Peter 1:5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
- Romans 12:1 Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:10 And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more
- 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows,
- Philippians 3:14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus.