1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

An Exhortation to Brotherly Love and Work

Anytime someone listens to one of God's messengers, it could be said that he is taught of God. The Thessalonians may have been taught by listening to Paul or by reading the writings of other inspired men (John 13:34-35; 1 John 4:20-21). The love of the brethren is a central element in the teachings of Christ and His apostles. The Christians in Thessalonica had heard God's instruction and were displaying love for the brethren in all of Macedonia. Paul urged them to keep on growing in this most important characteristic.

A Christian, according to Paul, is not one striving to get ahead or make a great name for himself. Instead, he should "aspire," or "be ambitious" (A. S. V. margin), which Thayer tells us refers to "those who are not running hither and thither, but stay at home and mind their business." In other words, Paul was telling the Christians to tend to their own affairs and not pry into those of others. Also, he instructed them to be busy working with their own hands. God knew the importance of man working, so he gave Adam a job in the garden (Genesis 2:15). All of this had, seemingly, been dealt with by the apostle while he was with them. By following these instructions, Paul said the brethren would set a good example for those outside of the church. Too, they would not lack because of a failure to work. God never meant for his people to be parasites on society (1 Thessalonians 4:9-12; Colossians 4:5; Ephesians 4:28).