1 Thessalonians 4:10 – Superabounding Yet More

10 …to all the brethren who are in the whole of Macedonia. Now we are entreating you, brethren, to be superabounding yet more,

In the preceding verse, Paul wrote that the Thessalonians had been taught by God Himself to love one another. Now he confirms that this teaching is indeed bearing fruit. The love God has poured into their hearts does not remain hidden but finds expression in how they treat others. Paul simply says, “you are doing it also.” God’s teaching proves to be operating!

Moreover, that love is not limited to their own local ecclesia. Paul speaks of “all the brethren who are in the whole of Macedonia.” This was the Roman province that included Thessalonica, Philippi, and Berea, among other cities. Apparently, the Thessalonians also maintained warm relationships with believers elsewhere. Paul does not mention how their love was expressed in practice. But he emphatically underscores its reach: all the brethren in the whole of Macedonia.

Paul encourages them to be superabounding yet more. This is characteristic of his thinking. Again and again, he speaks of abundance: of expectation (Rom. 15:13), consolation (2 Cor. 1:5), grace (2 Cor. 9:8), and love (Phil. 1:9). But that abundance is not a demand God places on us. It is what He gives! God’s grace knows no bounds, and His love is never exhausted. That is why there is no endpoint to loving others. There can always be more!

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