1 Thessalonians 4:3

4:3 For this is God’s will: that you become holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality,

1 Thessalonians 4:1

A Life Pleasing to God

4:1 Finally then, brothers and sisters, we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us about how you must live and please God (as you are in fact living) that you do so more and more.

1 Thessalonians 2:15

2:15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us severely. They are displeasing to God and are opposed to all people,

1 Thessalonians 4:2

4:2 For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:1

A Life Pleasing to God

4:1 Finally then, brothers and sisters, we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us about how you must live and please God (as you are in fact living) that you do so more and more.

1 Thessalonians 2:17

Forced Absence from Thessalonica

2:17 But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, 10  for a short time (in presence, not in affection) 11  we became all the more fervent in our great desire 12  to see you in person. 13 


tn Or “your sanctification.”

tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

sn As you received instruction from us about how (Grk “as you received from us how”). The Greek word translated received is used for accepting instructions passed on as fixed traditions from teacher to follower. Paul speaks in these terms about doctrinal traditions as well as ethical instruction that he passes on to his converts and expects them to keep (cf. 1 Cor 11:2, 23; 15:1-3; Gal 1:9; Phil 4:9; 2 Thess 2:15; 3:6).

tc This parenthetical clause is absent in several later witnesses (D2 Ψ Ï), but it may have been expunged for sounding redundant. The longer text, in this instance, is solidly supported by א A B D* F G 0183vid 0278 33 81 104 326 365 629 al co and should be unquestionably preferred.

tc ἰδίους (idious, “their own prophets”) is found in D1 Ψ Ï sy McionT. This is obviously a secondary reading. Marcion’s influence may stand behind part of the tradition, but the Byzantine text probably added the adjective in light of its mention in v. 14 and as a clarification or interpretation of which prophets were in view.

tn Or “and drove us out” (cf. Acts 17:5-10).

tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

sn As you received instruction from us about how (Grk “as you received from us how”). The Greek word translated received is used for accepting instructions passed on as fixed traditions from teacher to follower. Paul speaks in these terms about doctrinal traditions as well as ethical instruction that he passes on to his converts and expects them to keep (cf. 1 Cor 11:2, 23; 15:1-3; Gal 1:9; Phil 4:9; 2 Thess 2:15; 3:6).

tc This parenthetical clause is absent in several later witnesses (D2 Ψ Ï), but it may have been expunged for sounding redundant. The longer text, in this instance, is solidly supported by א A B D* F G 0183vid 0278 33 81 104 326 365 629 al co and should be unquestionably preferred.

10 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

11 tn Grk “in face, not in heart.”

12 tn Grk “with great desire.”

13 tn Grk “to see your face.”