3:13a

so that He may establish your hearts: This part of the verse states the purpose of 3:12a. One way to make this connection clear would be to begin the verse:

We^(excl) pray this so that He may establish your hearts

He may establish your hearts: The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as establish is the same verb that Paul used in 3:2b. The expression your hearts refers to the inner being—the thoughts, feelings, and purposes of a person (see the note on 2:4c). Paul was therefore asking God to strengthen the Thessalonians inwardly so they would do what pleased God.

3:13b

blamelessness: The word blamelessness here means “God will not accuse you of doing wrong.” See the note on 2:10b

holiness: See the note on “holy” in 2:10b. Although Paul used a different word here, the meaning is the same in this context.

our God and Father: See the note on 1:3a.

3:13c

at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints: This refers to the time when Jesus will return to earth to judge everyone.

His saints: In this context, commentators do not agree about how the Greek word hagioi, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints, should be translated. There are two possibilities:

(1) It refers to angels. If Paul is alluding to the Old Testament sense of “holy ones,” this would be the meaning.

(2) It refers to Christians, whom Paul often refers to as “saints.” This is how most English versions translate it.

These are both possible. Some English versions use a phrase that could include both meanings. For example:

all those who belong to him (Good News Translation)

If you decide to use a term in your translation that only means “angels” or that only means “Christians,” then it would be a good idea to include the other possibility in a footnote.

Paragraph 4:1–8

Paul reminded the Thessalonian believers that he had already taught them how to behave in order to please God. He then urged them to do even better than they had done already.

4:1a

Finally: The Greek word loipon, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as Finally, indicates that here Paul was beginning the second and last major part of his letter. As in many of his other letters, in this final part he instructs the Thessalonians about how Christians should behave. However, remember there are still two chapters left, so avoid using a term which would make it sound like Paul was ending his letter here.

In Greek, the verse begins with oun, “therefore.” Paul used this term to indicate that what he was about to write in chapters 4 and 5 was based on what he wrote in the first part of the letter, that is, chapters 1–3.

brothers: See the note on 1:4.

we ask and encourage you: The commentators disagree about whether there is any significant difference between the meaning of the two Greek verbs erōtaō (ask) and parakaleō (encourage). Paul often used two verbs instead of one with the second one emphasizing the first. In your translation you have a choice about how to translate these two verbs:

• Use two verbs with similar meaning. This is what almost every English version has done.

• Combine the two verbs into one expression, for example, “we strongly urge you.”

You should retain two verbs if it is possible to do so in your language. Otherwise, you can follow the second option.

in the Lord Jesus: This is a phrase that Paul often used in his letters. However, commentators disagree about what it means. The same expression is used in 2 Thessalonians 3:12. There are two possible meanings:

(1) It means “because we are united in Christ Jesus.” Paul was appealing to the common fellowship that he, his companions, and the Thessalonians had because they were all members of the family of God.

(Revised English Bible, Contemporary English Version, SSA)

(2) It means “because the Lord Jesus has authorized us.” This interpretation seems to be supported by the phrase “by the authority of the Lord Jesus” in 4:2.

(Good News Translation, King James Version, God’s Word, New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

Other English versions do not clearly indicate which of these interpretations they follow. However, it is recommended that you follow the first option (1), because in the context of this letter, Paul was emphasizing the Thessalonians’ love for him and God and Jesus, rather than his authority as an apostle.

4:1b

just as you have received from us: Paul was referring to instructions that he and his companions had given the Thessalonian believers while they were with them. He was not referring to the instructions in the previous part of this letter. Paul and his companions had already taught them how to behave as a Christian should.

4:1c

This is how you already live: This clause is omitted in King James Version because some Greek manuscripts omit it. But the UBS Handbook Greek text and other major English versions agree that it should be there. Therefore, you should include it in your translation. As he did in 1:6–9, Paul was recognizing that the Thessalonians were already behaving in the way he had mentioned in 4:1a.

4:1d

so you should do so all the more: This means “you should please God all the more.” Paul was never content that those whom he had helped to believe in Christ should do the minimum to prove they were Christians. He wanted them all to imitate Jesus as much as possible.

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.