1 Thessalonians 4 2

1 Thessalonians 4:2 kjv

For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:2 nkjv

for you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:2 niv

For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:2 esv

For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:2 nlt

For you remember what we taught you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4 verses

1 Thessalonians 4 2 Meaning

First Thessalonians 4:2 states that the believers in Thessalonica already understood the specific, authoritative instructions that Paul and his co-workers had delivered to them. This verse emphasizes that these "commandments" (or directives) did not originate from the apostles themselves but were transmitted "through the Lord Jesus," indicating their divine source and ultimate authority. It serves as a foundational reminder that Christian living is guided by explicit, divinely ordained principles given through God's appointed messengers, preparing the ground for the specific ethical exhortations that follow in the chapter.

1 Thessalonians 4 2 Context

First Thessalonians is one of Paul’s earliest letters, written to a relatively young church in Thessalonica, a bustling port city in Macedonia. The believers there faced significant opposition from both Jews and pagans. Chapter 4 begins a section of ethical exhortations, shifting from thanksgiving and pastoral concerns (chapters 1-3) to practical Christian living. Verse 1 encourages the believers to excel "more and more" in pleasing God, building on the initial teaching they received. Verse 2 immediately follows, establishing the authoritative source of these past and continuing instructions. This serves as a vital preamble to specific directives regarding sexual purity (vv. 3-8), brotherly love (vv. 9-10), and honorable conduct in society (vv. 11-12). The broader context highlights the tension between pagan societal norms, often characterized by immorality, and the distinct, holy lifestyle to which Christians are called. Paul's reminder that they "know" these instructions implies an expectation of continued adherence and growth.

1 Thessalonians 4 2 Word analysis

• For: (γὰρ - gar) A connective particle indicating a reason or explanation. It links this verse back to the previous exhortation in 1 Thess 4:1, providing the basis for why they should walk and please God more and more. It emphasizes the foundational knowledge already possessed by the Thessalonians.
• you know: (οἴδατε - oidate) From the verb oida, meaning to know intuitively, completely, or by experience, rather than merely knowing a fact. This implies a deep understanding and recollection of the teachings Paul previously delivered. It's not a suggestion but a known fact for the audience.
• what: (τὰς - tas) A definite article used here substantivally with 'parangelias', indicating specific, identifiable things.
• commandments: (παραγγελίας - parangelias) Plural. This noun carries a stronger sense than mere "instructions" or "teachings." It denotes authoritative directives, a solemn charge, a mandate, or an injunction, often used in a military or legal context. These are not optional suggestions but binding commands. It signifies something given from a position of authority and implies an expectation of obedience.
• we gave: (ἐδώκαμεν - edōkamen) Past tense of didomi, "to give." This indicates a completed action in the past; the instructions had already been verbally imparted during Paul’s initial ministry in Thessalonica (Acts 17). It points to the direct and personal delivery of these authoritative instructions.
• you: (ὑμῖν - humin) The dative plural pronoun, specifying the recipients of these commands: the Thessalonian believers.
• through: (διὰ - dia) A preposition indicating agency or means. It's crucial for understanding the ultimate source of the commands. Paul is not the originator, but the channel or messenger.
• the Lord: (τοῦ Κυρίου - tou Kyriou) The definite article with Kyrios ("Lord"). This title designates Jesus Christ as supreme, possessing full authority, deity, and sovereignty. Using "Lord" emphasizes His divine mastership and the absolute obedience His commands demand.
• Jesus: (Ἰησοῦ - Iēsou) The proper name of the Son of God. The full phrase "the Lord Jesus" strongly asserts Christ's identity and power as the source of all Christian authority and doctrine.

• "For you know": This opening phrase underscores a key point: the Thessalonian believers had prior knowledge of Christian doctrine and ethics. This suggests their responsibility and accountability for living according to what they had already received. It implies Paul is building upon existing spiritual foundation rather than introducing entirely new concepts.
• "what commandments we gave you": This highlights the apostolic role as authoritative teachers. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had not merely offered advice but had conveyed specific, binding instructions for Christian conduct. These 'commandments' were practical applications of the gospel.
• "through the Lord Jesus": This is the crucial qualification. It decisively establishes the divine origin and authority of the commands. The apostles were not dispensing their own ideas or human wisdom, but were functioning as Christ's appointed messengers, relaying His will. This phrase elevates the apostolic teaching to the level of divine command, meaning rejection of their teaching is a rejection of Christ Himself. It reinforces the inspiration and authority of Paul’s words as part of the revelation of God’s will.

1 Thessalonians 4 2 Bonus section

The concept of apostles giving "commandments" "through the Lord Jesus" points to the authoritative nature of apostolic tradition in the early church, distinct from mere human teaching. This foundation ensures that the ethical directives Paul then imparts are rooted in the very will and character of Christ, not in Paul's personal opinions or cultural preferences. This authority extends to the written words of the apostles which later became part of the New Testament canon. Furthermore, it foreshadows the accountability of believers to these divinely-sourced commands; to disregard them is not merely to slight a human messenger but to reject God Himself, as implicitly warned in 1 Thess 4:8. This understanding strengthens the imperative for sanctification, making it a direct response of obedience and worship to the Lord Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4 2 Commentary

Verse 2 of 1 Thessalonians 4 serves as a vital transition, reminding the Thessalonian believers of the established foundation of their Christian faith. Paul is not introducing new laws but recalling principles already taught, reinforcing the continuity and divine authority of his message. The use of "commandments" (παραγγελίας) stresses the binding nature of the instructions given, elevating them beyond mere suggestions to divine mandates. This phrase signifies that these are not merely human doctrines, but specific charges or orders emanating from Christ Himself, delivered through His chosen apostles. The phrase "through the Lord Jesus" is key; it functions as a theological imprimatur, ensuring the church understood that these instructions carried the full weight of Christ's authority, thereby demanding complete adherence. This understanding was essential for establishing a clear moral code distinct from the prevailing pagan culture, guiding them in sexual purity, brotherly love, and honorable living, topics addressed in the subsequent verses. Practically, this implies that Christian ethics are not relative or cultural but originate from an objective, divine standard, given by Christ and conveyed by His apostles. This establishes accountability and provides clarity on the true source of righteous living.