1 Thessalonians 2:11-12
What is written? (ESV)
For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
What does it say?
You know that just as a father would with his children, we urged, motivated, even commanded you to live according to God’s desire, who continues to invite and beckon you into His kingdom and glory.
What is its immediate context?
In Paul’s extended introduction to the “church of the Thessalonians” (1:1), he is recalling the events around their first hearing Paul bring them the gospel (Acts 17 during his second missionary journey).
How 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 is applied across Bible answers
Does man have free will?
Our relationship with God is like children to a Father. A father can be an example, train, encourage, and charge, but not force their children's will.
Is there an inward call of God?
Paul exhorted, encouraged, and charged Christians to live (e.g. "walk") in a way that was worthy of God's call into His Kingdom and glory. God's "calling" is ongoing, regardless of the individual Christian's walk.
