◄ 1 Thessalonians 4 ►
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Living to Please God 1Finally, 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. 2For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 3For it is God’s will that you should be holy: You must abstain from sexual immorality; 4each of you must know how to control his own bodya in holiness and honor, 5not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God; 6and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard,b because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you. 7For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. 8Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit. 9Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. 10And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more 11and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you. 12Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone. The Return of the Lord 13Brothers, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death,c so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope. 14For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. 15By the word of the Lord, we declare to you that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have fallen asleep. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will be the first to rise. 17After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord. 18Therefore encourage one another with these words. Footnotes: 4 a Literally know how to possess his own vessel 6 b Or no one should ever harm or cheat his brother in this matter 13 c Literally those who have fallen asleep, as in verses 14 and 15 Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub 1 Thessalonians 4 Summary Living to Please God Verses 1–2 – Live to Please God Paul urges the believers to keep growing in a life that brings joy to God, reminding them that these instructions carry the full weight of Jesus’ own authority. Verses 3–8 – Pursue Holiness and Sexual Purity God’s clear will is that His people stay away from sexual sin. Each believer is to master his or her own body with honor, unlike the surrounding culture. Ignoring this call is not merely shrugging off Paul—it is resisting God, who lovingly places His Spirit within them. Verses 9–12 – Keep Excelling in Love and Honest Work Their reputation for loving others is good, but Paul asks for more. He also calls them to lead quiet, responsible lives: mind your own business, work with your hands, and earn respect from outsiders. Verses 13–18 – Comfort One Another with Christ’s Return Paul tackles their grief over deceased believers. Because Jesus died and rose, those “asleep” in Him will rise first when He returns. Then living believers will be “caught up” together with them to meet the Lord in the air—an unending reunion meant to fuel hope, not fear. In 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul provides specific guidance to the Thessalonian believers about holy living, brotherly love, and preparations for the return of Christ. This chapter serves as a roadmap for believers, emphasizing the importance of sanctification, love, hope, and faith. Historical Setting • Date: c. AD 50–51, from Corinth during Paul’s second missionary journey (Acts 18). • Audience: A mostly Gentile church in the bustling port of Thessalonica, a city loyal to Rome and steeped in idol worship. • Backdrop: Persecution forced Paul out early (Acts 17:1-10). Timothy’s report (1 Thessalonians 3:6) revealed questions about holy living and the fate of deceased believers. Life in First-Century Thessalonica • Moral climate: Temples and brothels were common; sexual promiscuity was actually intertwined with some pagan rites. Paul’s call to purity (vv. 3-8) cut against the grain. • Economic reality: Many depended on patronage. “Work with your hands” (v. 11) pushed believers toward self-support rather than idle reliance on wealthy sponsors. • Funeral customs: Epitaphs saying “No hope” have been found in Macedonian graves. Paul’s phrase “so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope” (v. 13) answers this bleak worldview. God’s Call to Holy Living (vv. 3-8) 1. God’s will is clear: “You must abstain from sexual immorality” (v. 3). 2. Control the body “in holiness and honor” (v. 4). Compare 1 Corinthians 6:18-20: “You are not your own… therefore glorify God in your body.” 3. The Lord is the Avenger (v. 6); wronging a fellow believer is never hidden from Him. Similar warning: Hebrews 13:4. 4. Rejection equals resisting the Spirit (v. 8). See Ephesians 4:30, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” Brotherly Love and Everyday Work (vv. 9-12) • Taught by God (v. 9): Echoes Jeremiah 31:33, “I will put My law within them.” • Excel still more (v. 10): Love must keep expanding (Philippians 1:9). • Quiet life, own business, hands-on work (v. 11): Counteracts gossip and idleness. • Proper witness to outsiders (v. 12): Parallels 1 Peter 2:12—good behavior silences critics. The Sequence of the Lord’s Return (vv. 13-18) 1. Jesus’ death and resurrection guarantee ours (v. 14). 2. A shout, the archangel’s voice, trumpet of God (v. 16). 3. “The dead in Christ will be the first to rise.” 4. Living believers are “caught up together… in the clouds” (v. 17; cf. 1 Corinthians 15:51-52). 5. Eternal togetherness: “And so we will always be with the Lord.” 6. Purpose: “Therefore encourage one another” (v. 18), not speculate endlessly. Old Testament Connections • Call to holiness: Leviticus 19:2, “Be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy.” • Trumpet imagery: Exodus 19:16, Joel 2:1, signaling God’s dramatic intervention. • Resurrection hope: Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2—God has always planned to raise His people. Archaeological Notes • Via Egnatia milestone fragments confirm Thessalonica’s position on this major Roman road—a conduit for both trade and ideas, explaining rapid gospel spread. • Inscriptions: Several Macedonian grave markers read, “I was not, I am not, I care not,” capturing the hopelessness Paul addresses. • Remains of artisan workshops show “work with your hands” was common and respected, supporting Paul’s tent-making example (Acts 18:3). Practical Application • Personal purity is non-negotiable. God has not lowered His standards to fit culture. • Love grows by intentional action—look for ways to “excel more and more.” • A steady job and quiet diligence honor God and win respect. • Grief is real, but despair is not our portion; Christ’s victory reaches the grave. • The promised return of Jesus is fuel for endurance, unity, and courage today. Encouragement for Today “Encourage one another with these words” (v. 18). The Lord’s shout will break every cemetery’s silence, reunite separated loved ones, and usher His people into an unbreakable forever with Him. Until that day, keep walking to please God, loving one another deeper, working faithfully, and holding on to hope. Connections to Additional Scriptures Holiness 1 Peter 1:15-16 - But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.' Love John 13:34-35 - A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Work Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters. Resurrection Hope 1 Corinthians 15:52 - In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. Teaching Points Call to Holiness Paul urges the Thessalonians to live in a way that pleases God, emphasizing sanctification and abstaining from sexual immorality. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Brotherly Love The importance of loving one another is highlighted, as Paul commends the Thessalonians for their love and encourages them to excel even more. Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another (1 Thessalonians 4:9). Living Quietly and Industriously Paul advises believers to lead a quiet life, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, just as we instructed you (1 Thessalonians 4:11). Hope in the Resurrection Paul comforts the Thessalonians with the hope of the resurrection, assuring them that those who have died in Christ will rise again. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Practical Applications Pursue Holiness Evaluate areas of your life where you need to pursue greater holiness and make a commitment to change. Cultivate Love Find practical ways to show love to your fellow believers and those in your community. Work Diligently Reflect on your work ethic and strive to be industrious and responsible in your daily tasks. Encourage Hope Share the hope of the resurrection with those who are grieving or struggling with despair. People 1. Paul The apostle who is the primary author of the letter to the Thessalonians. He provides guidance and encouragement to the believers in Thessalonica. In the original Greek, his name is Παῦλος (Paulos). 2. The Lord Jesus Referred to in the context of living to please God and the hope of His return. The Greek term used is ὁ Κύριος Ἰησοῦς (ho Kyrios Iēsous), emphasizing His authority and divinity. 3. God Mentioned as the one who calls believers to live a holy life and who will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. The Greek term for God is Θεός (Theos). 4. The Holy Spirit Referenced in the context of God giving His Spirit to believers, emphasizing the role of the Spirit in sanctification. The Greek term is τὸ Πνεῦμα τὸ Ἅγιον (to Pneuma to Hagion). 5. The Lord Refers to Jesus Christ, particularly in the context of His return and the resurrection of the dead. The Greek term used is ὁ Κύριος (ho Kyrios). 6. The Dead in Christ Refers to believers who have died before the return of Christ. They are described as those who will rise first at His coming. The Greek phrase is οἱ νεκροὶ ἐν Χριστῷ (hoi nekroi en Christō). 7. We who are alive and remain Refers to believers who are still living at the time of Christ's return. They are described as being caught up together with the resurrected believers. The Greek phrase is ἡμεῖς οἱ ζῶντες οἱ περιλειπόμενοι (hēmeis hoi zōntes hoi perileipomenoi). Places 1. Instructions for Sanctification The chapter begins with Paul urging the Thessalonians to live in a way that pleases God, emphasizing sanctification and abstaining from sexual immorality. The Greek word for sanctification, "ἁγιασμός" (hagiasmos), refers to the process of being made holy or set apart for God's purposes. 2. Brotherly Love Paul commends the Thessalonians for their love for one another and encourages them to continue growing in this love. The Greek term "φιλαδελφία" (philadelphia) is used, which means brotherly love or affection among believers. 3. Living Quietly and Working with Your Hands Paul advises the Thessalonians to lead a quiet life, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands. This instruction is meant to encourage a responsible and respectable lifestyle within the community. 4. The Hope of the Resurrection The chapter concludes with a discussion on the return of Christ and the resurrection of the dead. Paul reassures the Thessalonians that those who have died in Christ will rise first, and then those who are alive will be caught up together with them. The Greek term "παρουσία" (parousia) is used to refer to the coming or presence of Christ. While 1 Thessalonians 4 does not mention specific places, it provides important teachings and encouragement for the Thessalonian believers in their spiritual journey. Events 1. Call to Sanctification Paul urges the Thessalonians to live in a way that pleases God, emphasizing sanctification. He writes, "For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality" (1 Thessalonians 4:3). The Greek word for sanctification, "ἁγιασμός" (hagiasmos), refers to the process of being made holy. 2. Instructions on Living a Holy Life Paul instructs believers to control their bodies in holiness and honor, not in passionate lust like the Gentiles. He states, "that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor" (1 Thessalonians 4:4). The term "vessel" (Greek: "σκεῦος," skeuos) can refer to one's body. 3. Warning Against Wronging Others Paul warns against transgressing and defrauding others, particularly in matters of sexual immorality, because "the Lord is the avenger in all these things" (1 Thessalonians 4:6). The Greek word "ἐκδικητής" (ekdiketēs) means avenger or one who enacts justice. 4. God's Call to Holiness Paul reminds the Thessalonians that God has called them to live a holy life, not in impurity. He writes, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness" (1 Thessalonians 4:7). The Greek word for impurity, "ἀκαθαρσία" (akatharsia), denotes moral uncleanness. 5. Love for One Another Paul commends the Thessalonians for their love for one another and encourages them to continue growing in love. He says, "Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another" (1 Thessalonians 4:9). The Greek term for brotherly love is "φιλαδελφία" (philadelphia). 6. Living Quietly and Working Diligently Paul advises believers to lead a quiet life, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands. He instructs, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your hands, just as we instructed you" (1 Thessalonians 4:11). 7. Hope for the Deceased Believers Paul addresses concerns about those who have died, assuring the Thessalonians that they will be resurrected. He writes, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope" (1 Thessalonians 4:13). The term "sleep" (Greek: "κοιμάομαι," koimaomai) is a euphemism for death. 8. The Coming of the Lord Paul describes the return of Jesus, stating that the Lord will descend from heaven, and the dead in Christ will rise first. He declares, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first" (1 Thessalonians 4:16). 9. The Rapture of Believers Paul explains that living believers will be caught up together with the resurrected in the clouds to meet the Lord. He writes, "After that, we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). The Greek word "ἁρπάζω" (harpazō) means to seize or snatch away. 10. Eternal Presence with the Lord Paul concludes with the assurance that believers will always be with the Lord. He encourages, "And so we will always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Lessons from 1 Thessalonians 4 1. Pursue Holiness in Your Daily Walk In 1 Thessalonians 4:3, we are reminded, "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified." This verse calls us to live a life set apart, striving for holiness in our thoughts, actions, and interactions. By aligning our daily routines with God’s will, we can experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment. Consider starting your day with a prayer or a moment of reflection to set a holy tone for the hours ahead. 2. Honor God with Your Body Paul emphasizes the importance of self-control and purity in 1 Thessalonians 4:4, "that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable." This lesson encourages us to respect our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Incorporate healthy habits into your routine, such as regular exercise and mindful eating, as a way to honor God with the body He has given you. 3. Love One Another Deeply In 1 Thessalonians 4:9, Paul writes, "Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another." This is a call to action to express genuine love and kindness to those around us. Make it a point to reach out to someone in need or offer a word of encouragement to a friend or family member today. 4. Lead a Quiet Life Paul advises in 1 Thessalonians 4:11, "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands." This lesson encourages us to focus on our own responsibilities and live peacefully. Simplify your life by decluttering your space or setting boundaries with technology to create a more serene environment. 5. Work Diligently The call to "work with your hands" in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 reminds us of the value of hard work and diligence. Approach your tasks with a sense of purpose and dedication, knowing that your efforts are a reflection of your faith. Create a to-do list each morning to prioritize your tasks and stay focused throughout the day. 6. Be a Positive Example 1 Thessalonians 4:12 encourages us to "behave properly toward outsiders and not be dependent on anyone." Our actions and attitudes can serve as a powerful testimony to others. Strive to be a positive influence in your community by volunteering or simply offering a helping hand to a neighbor. 7. Live with Hope In 1 Thessalonians 4:13, Paul writes, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who sleep in death, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who are without hope." This verse reminds us of the hope we have in Christ, even in the face of loss. Keep this hope alive by regularly reading Scripture and meditating on God’s promises. 8. Anticipate Christ’s Return Paul speaks of the return of Christ in 1 Thessalonians 4:16, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command." This anticipation should inspire us to live each day with readiness and expectation. Reflect on how you can align your life with God’s eternal perspective, focusing on what truly matters. 9. Encourage One Another 1 Thessalonians 4:18 urges us to "encourage one another with these words." We are called to lift each other up and offer support. Make it a habit to share uplifting messages or Scripture with friends and family, fostering a community of encouragement and faith. 10. Embrace God’s Peace Finally, the teachings in 1 Thessalonians 4 remind us of the peace that comes from living in accordance with God’s will. As you incorporate these lessons into your life, embrace the peace that surpasses all understanding, knowing that you are walking in the light of God’s truth. Topics 1. Living to Please God (1 Thessalonians 4:1-2) Paul urges the Thessalonians to continue living in a way that pleases God, as they have been instructed. The Greek word "παρακαλοῦμεν" (parakaloumen) is used, meaning "we urge" or "we exhort," emphasizing the importance of this instruction. 2. Sanctification and Sexual Purity (1 Thessalonians 4:3-8) The passage emphasizes God's will for sanctification, specifically abstaining from sexual immorality. The Greek term "ἁγιασμός" (hagiasmos) refers to holiness or sanctification, highlighting the call to live a life set apart for God. 3. Brotherly Love (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10) Paul commends the Thessalonians for their love for one another and encourages them to excel even more. The Greek word "φιλαδελφία" (philadelphia) is used, meaning "brotherly love," indicating the familial bond among believers. 4. Living Quietly and Working with Your Hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) Believers are encouraged to lead a quiet life, mind their own affairs, and work with their hands. This instruction aims to ensure that their behavior wins the respect of outsiders and that they are not dependent on anyone. 5. The Coming of the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18) Paul provides comfort regarding those who have died in Christ, assuring that they will rise first at the Lord's return. The Greek term "παρουσία" (parousia) is used, referring to the coming or presence of Christ, a key eschatological event for believers. Themes 1. Sanctification and Holiness The theme of sanctification is central in 1 Thessalonians 4, where Paul urges believers to live in holiness. In verse 3, he states, "For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: You should avoid sexual immorality." The Greek word for sanctification, "ἁγιασμός" (hagiasmos), implies a process of becoming holy and set apart for God’s purposes. 2. Sexual Purity Paul emphasizes the importance of sexual purity as part of living a sanctified life. In verses 3-5, he instructs, "You should avoid sexual immorality; each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God." The Greek term "πορνεία" (porneia) refers to sexual immorality, highlighting the need for believers to abstain from such behaviors. 3. Brotherly Love The theme of brotherly love is addressed in verses 9-10, where Paul writes, "Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another." The Greek word "φιλαδελφία" (philadelphia) signifies the love shared among believers, emphasizing the importance of community and mutual care. 4. Living a Quiet Life Paul encourages believers to lead a quiet and productive life in verse 11: "Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to attend to your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you." This theme underscores the value of personal responsibility and diligence in daily living. 5. Hope in the Resurrection The hope of resurrection is a key theme in verses 13-18, where Paul comforts believers about those who have died in Christ. He assures them in verse 14, "For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, we also believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him." The Greek term "ἀνάστασις" (anastasis) refers to the resurrection, providing hope and assurance of eternal life. 6. The Coming of the Lord The anticipation of Christ’s return is highlighted in verses 15-17, where Paul describes the events of the Lord’s coming: "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first." This theme encourages believers to live in readiness and expectation of Jesus’ return. Prayer Points Pray for a heart that desires holiness and the strength to resist temptation. Ask God to increase your capacity to love others genuinely and selflessly. Seek guidance and motivation to work diligently and honorably in all you do. Thank God for the hope of the resurrection and pray for those who need comfort and assurance in this promise. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can the “rapture” in 1 Thessalonians 4:17 be reconciled with modern science and the laws of physics? 2. Why would Paul urge believers to expect Christ’s imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:15) when nearly two millennia have passed? 3. Could the loud command and voice of the archangel in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 stem from earlier mythologies rather than actual events? 4. Does the teaching in 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 contradict other passages that present different timelines or details for the end times? 5. What historical or archaeological evidence supports Paul’s confident assertions in 1 Thessalonians 4 about resurrection and Christ’s return? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Paul's call to sanctification in 1 Thessalonians 4 apply to our lives today? 2. How does the call for sexual purity challenge societal norms in the 21st century? How can Christians maintain this purity in a hypersexualized culture? 3. In the context of brotherly love, how can we demonstrate this in our daily lives and in our local communities? 4. Discuss the implications of leading a "quiet life" as stated in 1 Thessalonians 4:11. How does it contradict or align with modern societal values? 5. How does the hope of Christ's return impact the way we live our daily lives? 6. How should we approach and comfort those grieving the loss of loved ones, based on Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18? 7. How does the idea of sanctification influence your personal decisions and lifestyle? 8. Discuss how sexual purity extends beyond physical actions. How does it encompass thoughts and emotions? 9. How does the anticipation of Christ's return inspire or shape your personal growth as a Christian? 10. Discuss how understanding and believing in the resurrection can affect our perspective on death. 11. How can we use the teachings in 1 Thessalonians 4 to influence our interactions with non-believers? 12. What challenges do you face when trying to live a life that pleases God as highlighted in this chapter? 13. How does Paul's advice to "work with your own hands" translate into modern work ethics and career life? 14. How can you encourage and comfort others with the message from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18? 15. Reflect on the concept of "being dependent on nobody" in the context of modern society. 16. How can we as Christians better love "more and more" as Paul encourages in verses 9-10? 17. What societal structures or systems could be challenged or improved based on the principles in 1 Thessalonians 4? 18. How can we prepare ourselves for the second coming of Christ, based on what we learn in this chapter? 19. How do the principles laid out in this chapter influence your perception of what it means to be a Christian? 20. In light of the themes in 1 Thessalonians 4, what practical steps can you take to align your life closer to these teachings? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions