1 Thessalonians 4:9

Modern

Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.

Traditional

But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

Literal

Now concerning brotherly love, you have no need for one to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.

Latin

De caritate autem fraternitatis non necesse habemus scribere vobis: ipsi enim vos a Deo didicistis ut diligatis invicem.

Greek

English

Now about brotherly love, you do not need anyone to write to you, because you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.

you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another (see Isaiah 54:13):

Paul answers questions from the Thessalonians (see 1 Corinthians 7:1), questions about:

The second part of the letter discusses Timothy's news about the church and the questions the Christians had for Paul.

Paul addresses:

the problem of sexual immorality (4:3–8) before responding to the Thessalonians’ questions about love for other Christians (4:9–12),
the fate of Christians who have died (4:13–18), and
the timing of "the Day of the Lord" (5:1–11).

Paul offers advice on topics such as leadership and community relations, the relationship with the Lord, and prophecy (5:12–22).

Theme notes and profiles

1 John 3:11
This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.
Romans 12:10
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Outdo yourselves in honoring one another.
1 John 3:23
And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us.
John 13:34–35
A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you also must love one another.
Hebrews 13:1
Continue in brotherly love.
1 John 4:21–5:1
And we have this commandment from Him: Whoever loves God must love his brother as well.
Acts 4:32
The multitude of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned.
1 John 2:10
Whoever loves his brother remains in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him.
1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
1 Thessalonians 5:1
Now about the times and seasons, brothers, we do not need to write to you.
John 14:26
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.
John 15:12–17
This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.