1 Thessalonians 4:1

A Life Pleasing to God

4:1 Finally then, brothers and sisters, ¹  we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us about how ²  you must live and please God (as you are in fact living) ³  that you do so more and more.

1 Thessalonians 4:12

4:12 In this way you will live ⁴  a decent life before outsiders and not be in need. ⁵ 

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

[4:1]  ² 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).

[4:1]  ³ 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 0183^vid 0278 33 81 104 326 365 629 al co and should be unquestionably preferred.

[4:12]  ⁴ tn Grk “that you may live,” continuing the sentence of 4:10b-11.

[4:12]  ⁵ tn Or “not be dependent on anyone”; Grk “and have need of nothing,” “of no one.”