the instructions we gave you
The "instructions" refer to the moral and ethical teachings that Paul and his companions, Silas and Timothy, provided to the Thessalonian believers. These instructions were likely related to living a life pleasing to God, as outlined in the broader context of the letter. The term "gave" suggests a sense of responsibility and authority in delivering these teachings, emphasizing the role of the apostles as spiritual leaders. This aligns with the Jewish tradition of rabbinic teaching, where disciples received guidance from their teachers.

by the authority of the Lord Jesus
This phrase underscores that the instructions were not merely human opinions but were given with the authority of Jesus Christ Himself. It highlights the divine origin and weight of the teachings, as Paul and his companions were acting as representatives of Christ. This authority is rooted in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), where Jesus commands His disciples to teach all nations. The invocation of Jesus' authority also serves to unify the teachings with the broader Christian doctrine, ensuring consistency and adherence to the truth revealed in Christ.

- Paul begins by appealing to what the Thessalonian believers already recognize—these truths are not new information but settled conviction in their hearts (2 Thessalonians 2:5; Philippians 4:9).

- Knowledge here is experiential: they have seen the fruit of obedience and the cost of disobedience lived out in Paul’s ministry (1 Thessalonians 1:5).

- This reminder encourages personal responsibility; they cannot plead ignorance when it comes to God’s will (James 4:17).

- “Instructions” are military-style orders, binding and non-negotiable (1 Timothy 1:18).

- Paul’s earlier visit included clear directives on holiness, love, and hope—topics he is about to revisit in verses 3–12 (Acts 15:28-29 for precedent of apostolic directives).

- Scripture never reduces God’s commands to suggestions; He speaks with absolute authority for the good of His people (Deuteronomy 30:11-14; Matthew 28:20).

- The plural “we” underscores the unified witness of Paul, Silas, and Timothy (1 Thessalonians 1:1; 3:2).

- Apostolic example reinforces apostolic teaching; they modeled obedience while preaching it (1 Thessalonians 2:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9).

- Receiving truth from trustworthy messengers is part of God’s design for building up the church (Ephesians 4:11-12).

- Authority is delegated power; it comes from a higher throne (2 Corinthians 10:8).

- Paul is careful to distinguish personal opinion from divine mandate (1 Corinthians 7:10-11).

- Accepting apostolic authority is ultimately an act of submission to God (Luke 10:16).

- Jesus is not merely an inspirational figure; He is “Lord,” possessing all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).

- Every command given through the apostles carries the weight of Christ’s Lordship (John 13:13-14; Colossians 3:24).

- Obedience to these instructions is therefore an act of worship and love toward Christ (John 14:15; 1 John 5:3).

1 Thessalonians 4:2 grounds Christian obedience in four solid pillars: the believers’ own experience of truth (“you know”), the binding nature of God’s directives (“the instructions”), the trustworthy channel of apostolic teaching (“we gave you”), and the ultimate source of all authority (“the Lord Jesus”). Recognizing these elements moves us from passive listening to active, joyful submission, confident that following Christ’s commands brings life, maturity, and readiness for His return.

By the Lord Jesus.--Not as if the Lord were the person who took the commandments from St. Paul to the Thessalonians, but the person by means of whose inspiration St. Paul was enabled to give such commandments.