1Thessalonians 4:9-12 But as touching brotherly love you need not that I write unto you: for you yourselves are taught of God to love one another. And indeed you do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that you increase more and more; And that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; That you may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that you may have lack of nothing.
‘Brotherly love’ [Greek: Philadelphia] brotherly or sisterly love. Translated brotherly love (4:9; Rom. 12:10; Heb. 13:1); love of the brethren (1Pet. 1:22); and brotherly kindness (2Pet. 1:7).
‘Taught’ [Greek: theodidaktos] refers to the teaching of divine love among Christians (John 6:45). This God teaches by the example of giving His only Son (John 3:16; 1Jn. 3:1). This He did while we were yet rebels and enemies (Rom. 5:5-10). If God loved His enemies this much, surely Christians can love one another (1Jn. 3:11-23; 4:7-21).
‘That you increase more and more.’ Increase in the love of the brethren more and more (3:12; 2Cor. 9:10).
‘Study’ [Greek: philotimeomai] to be ambitious; pursue eagerly; strive and aspire to; prize above measure. Translated “study” (4:11); “strive” (Rom. 15:20); and “labour” (2Cor. 5:9).
‘Be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands.’ True Christian behaviour – [Greek: hesuchazo] Translated “be quiet” (4:11); “rest” (Luke 23:56); “cease” (Acts 21:14); and “hold one’s peace” (Luke 14:4; Acts 11:18). The thought is that of a disposition and life of peace, and contentment; even temperament; to be meek, and learn self-control in all things; not to permit anything to disturb or cause a display of temper tantrums or disturb the peace of others. There were a few idle, tattling people in this church, who, instead of working, went from place to place carrying on religious gossip, meddling with the business of others, and causing splits or divisions. Hence, the commands to quit such practices, to do their own business, let others alone, hold their peace, walk honestly toward the world, and work with their own hands so they would have no time to meander and gossip (4:11-12).
Living the Word 