1 Thessalonians 4:1
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Paul isn't just asking them to try harder; he's urging them to accelerate their progress. The phrase "more and more" points to a dynamic, ever-increasing pursuit of pleasing God, not a static state of being. It's a call to growth and intentional advancement in their faith.
Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is continuing his letter to the Thessalonians, having just addressed the future return of Christ. Now, he shifts to practical instructions for daily living, building on the foundational teaching they already received from him about how to live a life that honors God. He encourages them to not just maintain their current good practices but to actively grow in their obedience and pleasing God.
Paul doesn't just suggest; he 'asks and urges.' What makes pleasing God so critical that it demands such passionate encouragement?
The core of Paul's plea is about our conduct – how we 'ought to walk.' This isn't about a casual effort, but a deliberate, intentional life that reflects God's character and desires. He uses strong language: 'ask and urge.' This isn't a suggestion; it's a fervent appeal rooted in the authority of 'the Lord Jesus.' It highlights that our actions have eternal significance, and aligning them with God's will is paramount. This plea is personal ('brothers') but universally applicable to all who follow Christ.
The Thessalonians were already doing well, so why the call to 'do so more and more'? What does this pursuit of continuous growth look like?
Paul acknowledges their current obedience: 'just as you are doing.' This is important – he's not starting from scratch but building on a foundation. However, he immediately pushes them toward greater progress: 'that you do so more and more.' This reveals a vital truth about the Christian life: it's not a static state but a dynamic journey of continual deepening and improvement. It's about intentional spiritual momentum, striving to outdo yesterday's commitment in pleasing God. This ongoing pursuit prevents complacency and keeps our focus fixed on Christ.
Understand the original words
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adelphos · Greek Noun
A term of endearment used among believers to denote their shared identity as children of God, highlighting the equality and spiritual family bond within the body of Christ.
peripateo · Greek Verb
Metaphorical expression for the conduct of one's life, daily behavior, or the ongoing process of living out one's faith in alignment with divine truth.
aresko theo · Greek Verb
To act in a manner that aligns with God's character and requirements, seeking to bring Him joy and satisfaction through obedience and faith.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, Barnabas, and others travel through Asia Minor and establish churches, including one in Thessalonica on this journey.
c. AD 50-51
Paul's Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul, now accompanied by Silas, revisits churches and continues his ministry, traveling through Macedonia and Greece.
c. AD 50-51
Founding of the Thessalonian Church
Paul and Silas preach the Gospel in Thessalonica, a major Roman port city, leading to the establishment of the church there. They likely stayed for a few weeks.
c. AD 51
Flight from Thessalonica
Due to violent opposition from Jewish leaders, Paul and Silas are forced to flee Thessalonica and travel to Beroea.
c. AD 51-52
Paul in Athens and Corinth
Paul travels to Athens and then Corinth, where he receives Timothy and Silas, who bring news from the Thessalonian believers.
c. AD 52— this verse
First Letter to the Thessalonians Written
From Corinth, Paul writes his first letter to the church in Thessalonica, addressing their faith, endurance, and questions about the return of Christ. This verse is part of that letter, offering instruction and encouragement.
This passage echoes the desire for believers to live in a way that pleases God, specifically by bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, which aligns with the 'more and more' aspect of 1 Thessalonians 4:1.
Romans 12:2Paul urges believers not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewal of their minds, which directly relates to the 'how you ought to walk' instruction in 1 Thessalonians 4:1, emphasizing a life lived differently for God.
1 Corinthians 1:10This verse calls for believers to be of the same mind and same judgment, highlighting the importance of unity and conformity to God's will, which is a foundational element for pleasing God as discussed in 1 Thessalonians 4:1.
Philippians 3:15-16Paul speaks of striving for the goal, and if in anything you think differently, God will reveal that also. This connects to the ongoing pursuit of pleasing God and the idea of moving 'more and more' in the right direction.
Paul isn't just asking them to try harder; he's urging them to accelerate their progress. The phrase "more and more" points to a dynamic, ever-increasing pursuit of pleasing God, not a static state of being. It's a call to growth and intentional advancement in their faith.
Paul is continuing his letter to the Thessalonians, having just addressed the future return of Christ. Now, he shifts to practical instructions for daily living, building on the foundational teaching they already received from him about how to live a life that honors God. He encourages them to not just maintain their current good practices but to actively grow in their obedience and pleasing God.
Paul is continuing his letter to the Thessalonians, having just addressed the future return of Christ. Now, he shifts to practical instructions for daily living, building on the foundational teaching they already received from him about how to live a life that honors God. He encourages them to not just maintain their current good practices but to actively grow in their obedience and pleasing God.
"Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more." — Paul isn't just asking them to try harder; he's urging them to accelerate their progress. The phrase "more and more" points to a dynamic, ever-increasing pursuit of pleasing God, not a static sta…
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Last reviewed October 2026
