1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss is that this isn't just a general call to be nice; it’s a specific instruction rooted in the Thessalonians’ own behavior. Paul is telling them, "Keep doing that thing you're already doing so well – encouraging and building each other up!" It highlights that consistent, intentional community care is a hallmark of true faith in action.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians, a young church facing persecution and confusion. He's just given them instructions on how to live godly lives and has addressed their questions about the return of Christ. This verse, then, is a powerful exhortation rooted in the reality of Christ's coming and the need for mutual support within the community as they navigate their faith amidst trials.
We all face tough times. This verse gives us a divine blueprint for how to respond to each other when life gets hard. It's not just a nice idea; it's a command!
God's Call to Uplift
The Apostle Paul directly tells the Thessalonians to 'encourage one another.' This isn't about empty platitudes or toxic positivity. It's about speaking words of hope, strength, and faith into the lives of fellow believers. Think about what it means to truly encourage someone – to instill courage, to bring hope, to remind them of God's faithfulness when they feel like giving up.
Building on a Solid Foundation
Following this command, Paul adds, 'and build one another up.' This imagery suggests construction – carefully placing one brick upon another to create something strong and lasting. Our words and actions towards each other should be aimed at strengthening the faith and spiritual well-being of others, helping them grow mature in Christ.
Paul doesn't just command; he observes! What does this specific phrase reveal about the Thessalonian church and our own?
A Foundation of Existing Practice
Paul adds a crucial qualifier: 'just as you are doing.' This isn't a new instruction for something they've never done before. Instead, he’s affirming and bolstering a positive practice already present in the Thessalonian church. He’s saying, 'Keep doing this good thing you’re already doing!'
Understand the original words
parakaleite · Greek Verb
To exhort, comfort, or urge someone toward a particular action or state of mind; in a Christian context, it involves strengthening others through the gospel.
oikodomeite · Greek Verb
A metaphorical term used to describe the ongoing spiritual growth and establishment of the church community through mutual edification and reliance on Christ.
The Thessalonian believers were a young church, converted from paganism and quickly facing intense persecution. Paul's instruction to encourage and build each other up was vital for their survival and growth amidst such immense pressure.
c. AD 48-49
Paul and Barnabas's First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Asia Minor, establishing churches in cities like Antioch of Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. Many new believers are converted from pagan backgrounds.
c. AD 50
The Council of Jerusalem
A crucial meeting in Jerusalem addresses whether Gentile converts must follow Jewish law. The apostles and elders decide that salvation is by grace through faith, not by adherence to the Law of Moses.
c. AD 50-51— this verse
Paul's Second Missionary Journey to Thessalonica
Paul, Silas, and Timothy travel to Thessalonica, a major Roman port city. They preach the Gospel in the synagogue for about three weeks, leading to the conversion of many Jews and Greeks.
c. AD 51
Expulsion from Thessalonica
Due to fierce opposition from jealous Jewish leaders, Paul and Silas are forced to flee Thessalonica, leaving a young, newly formed church behind.
This passage echoes the call to pursue things that build others up, directly linking peace and mutual edification.
Hebrews 10:24-25This text strongly emphasizes 'stirring up' one another to love and good works, highlighting the communal aspect of encouragement and the danger of forsaking this practice.
Ephesians 4:29This verse offers a specific example of building up through speech, calling for words that benefit others and leave a positive impact, contrasting with harmful talk.
1 Corinthians 14:26This passage speaks to the purpose of spiritual gifts in the assembly, stating that everything should be done for 'building up' the church, connecting encouragement to the overall health and growth of the community.
What's easy to miss is that this isn't just a general call to be nice; it’s a specific instruction rooted in the Thessalonians’ own behavior. Paul is telling them, "Keep doing that thing you're already doing so well – encouraging and building each other up!" It highlights that consistent, intentional community care is a hallmark of true faith in action.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians, a young church facing persecution and confusion. He's just given them instructions on how to live godly lives and has addressed their questions about the return of Christ. This verse, then, is a powerful exhortation rooted in the reality of Christ's coming and the need for mutual support within the community as they navigate their faith amidst trials.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Thessalonians, a young church facing persecution and confusion. He's just given them instructions on how to live godly lives and has addressed their questions about the return of Christ. This verse, then, is a powerful exhortation rooted in the reality of Christ's coming and the need for mutual support within the community as they navigate their faith amidst trials.
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c. AD 51
Arrival in Corinth
Paul and Silas eventually reach Corinth, where they will spend a significant amount of time ministering and writing 1 and 2 Thessalonians.
c. AD 52
First Letter to the Thessalonians Written
From Corinth, Paul sends Timothy back to Thessalonica to check on the church. Upon hearing encouraging reports but also learning of their struggles and questions, Paul dictates 1 Thessalonians to address their needs.
"Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing." — What's easy to miss is that this isn't just a general call to be nice; it’s a specific instruction rooted in the Thessalonians’ own behavior. Paul is telling them, "Keep doing that thing you're alr…
