1 Thessalonians 4:2
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
Original Language Analysis
Cross References
Historical Context
Paul's ethical instruction was countercultural and comprehensive. Greco-Roman society accepted practices Christianity condemned: adultery (expected of married men), prostitution (legal and common), pederasty (older men with boys, culturally acceptable), homosexual practice (widespread), and sexual exploitation of slaves. Jewish converts knew Torah's sexual ethics; Gentile converts came from paganism permitting what Christianity forbade. Paul's 'commandments by the Lord Jesus' established Christian sexual ethics grounded in Christ's authority, not merely cultural preference.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding ethical commands as 'through the Lord Jesus' affect your obedience compared to viewing them as human tradition?
- What role does reminding believers of previous teaching ('ye know') play in sanctification versus constantly introducing new content?
- How do you integrate ethical instruction into evangelism and discipleship rather than treating conversion and sanctification as unrelated?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus—oidate gar tinas paraggelias edōkamen hymin dia tou Kyriou Iēsou (οἴδατε γὰρ τίνας παραγγελίας ἐδώκαμεν ὑμῖν διὰ τοῦ Κυρίου Ἰησοῦ, 'you know what commandments we gave you through the Lord Jesus'). Paraggelia (παραγγελία) indicates authoritative orders, military commands, not mere suggestions. The phrase dia tou Kyriou Iēsou ('through the Lord Jesus') grounds apostolic commands in Christ's authority—Paul transmits Christ's instructions, not personal preferences. These paraggeliai (commandments) were given during his three-week ministry (Acts 17:2), demonstrating comprehensive ethical instruction even in brief time.
The appeal to 'ye know' indicates Paul reminds rather than introduces—he taught these ethics initially and now reinforces them. This pattern (initial teaching, later reinforcement) models discipleship requiring both foundation-laying and continued instruction. The upcoming commands about sexual purity (vv. 3-8) aren't novel but recall previous teaching. Gospel proclamation includes ethical transformation; evangelism without discipleship produces false converts who 'believe' without behavioral change.