1 Thessalonians 4:10

And indeed should be For indeed. Their practice of the Divine lesson, as described in this verse, showed that they were truly "taught of God" to this effect.

ye do it towards all the brethren which are in all Macedonia Thessalonica was a prosperous commercial city and the capital of Macedonia (see Introd. Chap. I.). It was the natural centre of the Macedonian Churches including Philippi and Berœa, with other communities which had probably sprung up around these principal towns. The Thessalonian Christians were using their position and influence for the good of their brethren around them, and thus giving proof that they had learnt the great lesson of Divine grace. Silas and Timothy, recently returned from Macedonia (Acts 18:5; see ch. 1 Thessalonians 3:6), had doubtless told the Apostle how well they did their duty towards the neighbour Churches (comp. ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8, and notes).

but we beseech you, brethren should be exhort (R. V.), as in 1 Thessalonians 4:1 (comp. note, also on "comfort," ch. 1 Thessalonians 3:2); same word in 1 Thessalonians 4:18, and ch. 1Th 5:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

that ye increase&c. Better rendered, that you abound still more; the Apostle repeats the exact phrase employed in 1 Thessalonians 4:1, which takes up the verb of ch. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 (see notes).

In all Christian virtues growth is possible and desired, but "brotherly love" above others is susceptible of constant and unlimited increase. The Apostle reverts to this point once more, in ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:16.

Philadelphia(brother-love) in common Greek did not go beyond its literal sense. In Christian speech it was at once applied to the "brothers" of the new life in Christ, those who are united in the acknowledgement of God as their Father (ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:1, see note). Comp. 1Jn 4:21; 1 John 5:1, "This commandment have we from Him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.… Whosoever loveth Him that begat, loveth him also that is begotten of Him." The word recurs in Romans 12:10; Heb 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; also in 2 Peter 1:7, where in "brother-love" charity(or love) is directed to he "supplied," as its spiritual and universal principle.

From the second topic of his "charge," which the Apostle is happily able to dismiss in a few words, he proceeds to the third: