4:18

Therefore: This word indicates that this verse is Paul’s final remark on this subject he discussed in 4:14–17. Here is another way to translate this word:

Because all this is true

encourage one another: The form of the Greek verb parakaleō, which the Berean Standard Bible translates as encourage, indicates a continuing action. So it is best translated as “continue encouraging” or “continually encourage.”

with these words: This refers to the whole message of 4:14–17. Paul was not telling the Thessalonians to repeat these words exactly to one another, but to remind each other about what he had said in 4:14–17, that is, that all believers, whether they had already died or were still alive when Christ returned, would meet him together.

(1) There is no real difference in meaning between the two words, and the whole expression is an idiom for “the day of the Lord” (see 5:2b).

(2) There is a difference between the two words. The word chronoi (times) refers to “duration of time.” The word kairoi (seasons) refers to “the significant events that happen before Jesus will return.” Here is one way to translate this possible sense of the expression:

times and occasions (Good News Translation)

It is not easy to decide between these two opinions. However, in this passage Paul’s main subject was “the day of the Lord.” So it is logical to assume that here he was referring to the time when the day of the Lord would occur. It is therefore recommended that you follow the first option (1).

brothers: See the note on 1:4.

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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.