1 Thessalonians 4:2 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

NIV: For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

NASB: For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

CSB: For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

NLT: For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

KJV: For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

NKJV: for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Earlier in this letter, Paul commended the Thessalonians for their faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 1:5–8) and for their excellent reputation in enduring persecution (1 Thessalonians 3:5–8). In this verse Paul emphasizes again that the Thessalonians realized his teachings carried authority. This authority was not actually Paul's, rather it was that of the Lord Jesus. These Christian believers did not see authority in Paul, but they recognized truth coming from Paul. Similarly, in his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul also appealed to the divine authority of his message. He wrote: "Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit…" (1 Corinthians 2:12–13).

Paul's reminder about what he had taught shows the importance of retaining truths they already knew. Sometimes people neglect established truth in a quest for something new (Acts 17:21; 2 Peter 1:12). Although it is important to learn more truth from God's Word, discernment is required. Often, if a teaching is new, it may not be true, and if it is true, it probably isn't new.

First Thessalonians 4:1–8 urges the believers at Thessalonica to recall what Paul said when he was with them. He had taught them how to behave in such a way that they would please God. They were following these instructions well, but Paul challenges them to increasingly become more holy, for this was God's will for them. Each believer was obligated to avoid sexual immorality by controlling his own body, knowing the Lord avenges those who practice sin. Paul insists that to ignore this teaching about sexual immorality is tantamount to rejecting God.

Chapter 4 starts with an encouragement for the Thessalonian believers to continue their spiritual growth. Their conduct is exemplary, but they need to seek to do even more. Paul especially emphasizes the importance of sexual purity, as well as the need for believers to live peaceful, polite, and productive lives. Paul then begins to discuss the subject of Christ's return. This begins with a reassurance that believers who have died prior to the return of Christ will be the first ones raised when He comes back for His people. Next will be those still living, all of whom will meet Jesus ''in the air.'' Knowledge of our eternal destiny should be encouraging!

Chapters 1—3 had a lot to say about the good reputation of the Thessalonian church. Chapter 4 begins to address points Paul wants to clarify. First of these is the need to grow in good works, and to avoid immoral living. Paul then begins to explain ''the rapture'': the moment when Christ will retrieve believers from this earth. Paul's explanation seems to be intended to dispel rumors. In the final chapter, Paul will further explain the nature of the ''day of the Lord,'' correcting what might have been said by false teachers.

The apostle Paul's second missionary journey included a visit to the prominent Greek city of Thessalonica. This stood alongside a major land route and boasted a busy seaport. A number of individuals believed Paul's message (Acts 17:1–4), but an angry mob forced Paul to leave the city after his brief stay. Later, while in Athens, Paul received a glowing report: the believers at Thessalonica were growing spiritually and serving God fervently. However, they had questions about the Lord's return, including what happens to a believer who dies before that day. And, as all churches do, they had some areas in which they were falling short. In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, written about AD 51, he addresses these developments. Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonian believers' spiritual progress, and frequently makes references to Christ's impending return.