“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:11 (ESV)
The Christian life is not a solitary journey. While personal devotion, prayer, and study of God’s Word are vital, Scripture consistently calls us to live in community, actively participating in the spiritual growth of our brothers and sisters in Christ. One of the most straightforward and most compelling exhortations to this effect is found in 1 Thessalonians 5:11. In this verse, the Apostle Paul urges believers to encourage and edify one another, a command rooted in the hope of Christ’s return and reflective of a broader biblical theme that our speech and actions should build others up. This blog post will explore this verse in depth, unpacking its meaning through exegesis, examining key terms in the original Greek, and connecting it to the biblical call to edify others. Along the way, we’ll consider practical ways to live out this calling in our daily interactions, ensuring that we don’t just work on our own spiritual lives but also invest in the spiritual vitality of those around us.
The Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:11
We need to understand its context to appreciate Paul’s instruction in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 fully. Paul wrote this letter to the church in Thessalonica, a young congregation he had planted during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:1-9). These believers were living in a hostile environment, facing persecution for their faith, yet they were commended for their “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:3, ESV). However, they also had questions and concerns, particularly about the return of Christ and the fate of those who had died before His coming.
In chapter 5, Paul addresses the “day of the Lord,” a future event when Christ will return suddenly and unexpectedly (1 Thessalonians 5:2). He assures the Thessalonians that, as children of light, they are destined for salvation, not wrath (5:5, 9). This hope becomes the foundation for the “therefore” in verse 11. Because of their secure future in Christ, they are to live differently in the present, supporting and strengthening one another as they await His return. This is not a passive waiting but an active, communal effort to grow in faith and godliness.
Exegesis of 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Let’s break down the verse phrase by phrase, using the English Standard Version (ESV) and digging into the original Greek to uncover its richness.
“Therefore encourage one another”
The verse begins with “therefore,” linking it to the preceding verses about salvation and the day of the Lord. Because believers have hope, they are to act in a way that reflects it. The word translated “encourage” is the Greek parakaleó (παρακαλέω), a compound of para (“beside”) and kaleó (“to call”). It means “to call alongside,” suggesting a range of actions: to exhort, to comfort, to encourage, or to urge someone forward. In this context, it carries the idea of coming alongside a fellow believer to offer support, whether through words of comfort in hardship or exhortation to persevere in faith.
This isn’t a passive suggestion—it’s an imperative, a command. Paul isn’t saying, “It’d be nice if you encouraged each other.” He’s saying, “Do this!” The reciprocal nature of “one another” (allélón, ἀλλήλων) emphasizes that this is a mutual responsibility. Every believer is both a giver and receiver of encouragement. Imagine a church where everyone is looking out for opportunities to lift each other up—how powerful that would be!
“And build one another up”
The second command is to “build one another up,” translated from the Greek oikodomeó (οἰκοδομέω). This word comes from oikos (“house”) and demo (“to build”), literally meaning “to build a house.” In a figurative sense, it refers to edifying or strengthening someone spiritually. Picture a construction site: each act of edification adds a brick to a believer's spiritual house, making them stronger and more resilient in their faith.
Like parakaleó, oikodomeó is an imperative and paired with “one another,” reinforcing the communal aspect. Edification isn’t the job of pastors or leaders alone—it’s the privilege and duty of every Christian. As D. Edmond Hiebert notes, “It is clear that in the primitive churches the care of souls was not delegated to an individual officer, or even the more gifted brethren among them; it was a work in which every believer might have a share.” This paints a picture of a church full of active participants, not passive spectators.
“Just as you are doing”
Paul ends with an affirmation: “just as you are doing.” The Thessalonians weren’t starting from scratch—they were already encouraging and edifying one another to some degree. This phrase acknowledges their efforts while gently urging them to continue and even deepen their practice. It’s both a commendation and a challenge: “You’re doing well—keep it up, and do it more!”
The Broader Biblical Theme is Speech That Edifies
The call to encourage and build up others in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 ties into a recurring biblical theme: our speech and actions should edify those around us. This principle is beautifully articulated in Ephesians 4:29:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (ESV)
Here, Paul uses oikodomé (οἰκοδομή), a noun form of oikodomeó, to describe speech that is “good for building up.” The contrast is stark: “corrupting talk” (sapros logos, σαπρὸς λόγος) tears down, while edifying speech strengthens and imparts grace. The phrase “as fits the occasion” reminds us to be thoughtful—our words should be timely and appropriate, tailored to the moment's needs.
Consider also Colossians 4:6:
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (ESV)
Gracious, salty speech—vivid, preserving, and appealing—builds others up and points them to Christ.
In the Old Testament, Proverbs 12:18 connects words to healing:
“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (ESV)
Rash words wound; wise words edify and restore.
This theme underscores that encouragement and edification aren’t optional extras—they’re central to how we reflect Christ’s love and build His body, the church.
Why This Matters Today
In the first century, the Thessalonians faced persecution and uncertainty, making mutual encouragement essential for survival. Today, the challenges may differ—discouragement, isolation, cultural pressures—but the need remains. We live in a world that often tears down rather than builds up. Social media amplifies criticism, comparison, and negativity. Even within the church, we can fall into patterns of gossip or indifference, neglecting our calling to edify.
Yet, as believers, we have a privilege and a responsibility: to be a source of hope and strength. When we encourage someone, we remind them of God’s promises. When we build them up, we help them grow closer to Christ. This isn’t just about making people feel good—it’s about participating in their sanctification, helping them become who God created them to be.
Paul’s affirmation, “just as you are doing,” suggests that encouragement and edification were already part of the Thessalonian church’s DNA. For us, it’s a call to evaluate: Are we doing this? Could we do it more intentionally? The potential for spiritual growth multiplies when we share in each other’s journeys.
Living Out 1 Thessalonians 5:11
So, how do we put this into practice? Here are some actionable steps to encourage and build up others, weaving spiritual vitality into our everyday interactions.
Be Intentional with Your Words
Ask Questions: “What has God been teaching you lately?” or “How can I pray for you today?” These open doors to spiritual conversation.
Affirm Faith: If you see someone living out their faith, tell them! “I admire how you trust God in this situation—it encourages me.”
Share Scripture: A timely verse can lift someone’s spirit. Text it, write it in a note, or speak it aloud.
Add Spiritual Depth to “Hanging Out”
Hanging out with friends is great—it’s restorative and fun. But why not elevate it? Over coffee or a meal, ask, “What did you get from the Word this week?” or “How’s your time with God going?” These don’t have to be heavy discussions—just relaxed, natural prompts that invite encouragement.
End with prayer. Even a brief, “Lord, thank You for this time—strengthen us to follow You,” deepens your connection.
Serve with a Purpose
Edification isn’t just words—it’s actions. Help a friend with a task, offer to babysit so they can rest, or join them in ministry. These acts say, “I’m with you, and I want you to thrive.”
Pray Together
Prayer builds spiritual bonds. Whether it’s a quick prayer after a chat or a regular prayer time with a small group, it’s a powerful way to encourage and edify. Ask, “Can we pray about that now?” and watch God work.
Be Reciprocal
Don’t just give encouragement—receive it. Share your struggles or insights and let others build you up. This mutuality creates a thriving community.
A Challenge
Who will you see today or this week that you could encourage? Maybe it’s a spouse, a coworker, a friend at church, or even someone online. Ask God to use you to strengthen them spiritually. It might initially feel awkward, but start small—God honors the effort.
The Power of a Community That Edifies
Imagine a church where everyone lives out 1 Thessalonians 5:11. Someone’s discouraged, and a friend calls them aside (parakaleó) with a word of hope. Another struggles with doubt, and a brother shares a truth that strengthens their faith (oikodomeó). A small group lingers after a meal, praying for each other’s needs. This isn’t a fantasy—it’s God’s design for His people.
When we edify one another, we don’t just grow individually—we become a stronger body. Ephesians 4:16 says the church grows “when each part is working properly,” building itself up in love. Our encouragement becomes a witness to the world, showing the transformative power of Christ’s love.
Conclusion
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” Paul’s words to the Thessalonians echo down to us today. From the Greek parakaleó and oikodomeó, we see a call to come alongside and construct—to comfort, exhort, and strengthen one another spiritually. Tied to the hope of Christ’s return and the biblical mandate that our speech edify others, this verse challenges us to move beyond selfish faith into a vibrant, supportive community.
Don’t settle for just working on your own spiritual life. Yes, pursue God personally, but also invest in those around you. Share in their growth, lift them up, and let them lift you. Ask God to show you opportunities to encourage and edify through a kind word, a shared prayer, or a simple act of service. As you do, you’ll find that your own faith deepens, and the body of Christ grows stronger, together, awaiting the day of the Lord.
So, who will you encourage today? Let’s step into this privilege and watch God use us to build His kingdom, one edifying moment at a time.
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