“And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;”
My Notes
What Does 1 Thessalonians 4:10 Mean?
"We beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more." The Thessalonians are already doing well — Paul has just commended them for loving all the brethren in Macedonia. And yet: increase more and more. The commendation doesn't produce complacency. The affirmation doesn't authorize contentment. You're doing well — do more.
The phrase "more and more" (mallon perisseuo — to abound more, to exceed even further) describes growth without a ceiling. There's no point where Paul says 'that's enough love.' The instruction is always: more. The standard is always: further. The measurement is always: are you increasing?
The beseeching (parakaleo — to urge, to encourage, to appeal) is gentle but persistent. Paul doesn't command. He beseeches. He appeals as a brother, not as an authority. The tone is encouragement, not rebuke. You're doing great — and there's more available.
Reflection Questions
- 1.Where have you settled for 'good enough' when 'more and more' is available?
- 2.How does Paul's gentle stretching differ from impossible demands?
- 3.What area of your spiritual life has room for increase right now?
- 4.How does 'more and more' function as encouragement rather than pressure?
Devotional
You're doing well. Do more. Paul commends and then pushes. Affirms and then stretches. Celebrates what is and then points to what could be. The standard isn't 'good enough.' It's 'more and more.'
The Thessalonians love all the brothers in Macedonia. That's real. That's genuine. That's commendable. And Paul says: increase. Not because what you're doing is insufficient but because what's possible is greater than what you've achieved. The ceiling hasn't been reached. More love is available. More growth is possible. More faithfulness can be given.
The phrase 'more and more' has no endpoint. There's no moment where Paul says 'okay, that's enough love. You can stop increasing now.' The instruction is perpetual: wherever you are, there's more. Whatever you've given, you can give further. However much you've grown, growth continues.
This is challenging for anyone who has reached 'good enough' in their spiritual life. You pray regularly. You give generously. You serve faithfully. And Paul says: more and more. Not because you're failing but because you're succeeding — and success creates capacity for more success.
The gentle tone — beseeching, not commanding — means Paul isn't disappointed. He's stretching. The way a coach stretches an athlete who's already performing well: you're strong. Get stronger. You're fast. Get faster. The encouragement and the challenge are the same breath.
What 'more and more' is available to you right now?
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
And indeed ye do it towards all the brethren,.... Whether high or low, rich or poor, bond or free, greater or lesser…
And indeed ye do it - See the notes on 1Th 1:7. But we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more - See the…
Ye do it toward all the brethren - Ye not only love one another at Thessalonica, but ye love all the brethren in…
In these words the apostle mentions the great duties,
I. Of brotherly love. This he exhorts them to increase in yet more…
And indeed should be For indeed. Their practice of the Divine lesson, as described in this verse, showed that they were…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture