1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Explanation and Commentary of 1 Thessalonians 5:11
It is an enormous blessing that God, who said, “It is not good for the man to be alone” (Gen 2:18), has designed his Church to be a family. Understanding the susceptibility that humans have to the lies and blows of the evil one in isolation (Prov 18:1), he sent his Son to reconcile us, not only with himself but also with one another (2 Cor 5:18). This is to the praise of his glory. The Thessalonians were, “in fact” encouraging one another and building each other up already, but Paul exhorts them to continue to do so.
To encourage one another is to give courage where it is needed. The life to which God has called the Christian to be in this world, but not of it, requires moral courage. Encouragement can be given through prayer for one another, through speaking the truth in love (Eph 4:15), and through blessing others with words and deeds. These encouragements are often the difference-maker for someone who is on the edge of falling away. Along with encouragement, building one another up is part of God’s plan to grow us in Christlikeness, holiness, and perfection. This, along with evangelism, is the main goal for participation in the local church.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Thessalonians 5:11
#1 “Therefore…”
After the exhortation to stay awake and prepared for the day of the Lord, which will come like a “thief in the night” (1 Thes 5:2), Paul calls on them to be “children of the day” who have received the salvation of Christ. The instruction in verse 11 concludes the section.
#2 “…encourage one another and build each other up,”
The primary encouragement Paul commanded by Paul is so that they can be prepared for the return of Christ, which very well may come when they least expect it. The encouragement should be to live as Christians who await his coming, rather than the “children of the night” (1 Thes 5:5), who get drunk and live in darkness. It seems there may have been some problems to this end with the congregation in Thessalonica.
#3 “just as in fact you are doing.”
Paul acknowledges that he is telling them something they already know. His message seems to be, “I know you are doing this, but keep it up, even do it more.”
Bible Study on 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Expert Overview of 1 Thessalonians
Biblical Translations of 1 Thessalonians 5:11
NIV
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
NLT
So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
ESV
Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.
KJV
Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
NKJV
Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.
Natalie Regoli is a child of God, devoted wife, and mother of two boys. She has a Master's Degree in Law from The University of Texas. Natalie has been published in several national journals and has been practicing law for 18 years.