Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 4:2
For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Thessalonian believers as he grounds his ethical exhortation in established teaching. He speaks to a community that has already received his instructions and is actively practicing them.
The words — παραγγελίας (parangelias) means "instructions" or "commands," and διὰ (dia) translates as "through" to show those instructions originate from the Lord Jesus rather than from Paul’s own authority.
The thread — This reliance on received divine command parallels the obedience Jesus demands in Matthew 28:20 and the prophetic duty to deliver God’s words in Ezekiel 3:17.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to treat moral conduct as a response to authoritative instruction rather than personal preference. It demands immediate alignment with the Lord Jesus’ commands.
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
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
Cross-references
- Matthew 28:20 and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
- Ezekiel 3:17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.
- 1 Corinthians 9:21 To those without the law I became like one without the law (though I am not outside the law of God but am under the law of Christ), to win those without the law.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
- 2 Thessalonians 3:10 For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”