11 With such a guarantee, the Thessalonians are now equipped to "encourage one another and build each other up." As in 4:18, "encourage" has more a consolatory than a hortatory meaning. Here is an unconditional pledge to strengthen even the weakest in faith. These teachings can also "build . . . up" Christians. This word was later to become one of Paul's favorite ways of writing about growth in the church (Eph 2:20-22; 4:12). An intellectual grasp of the provisions Paul has been describing leads to individual as well as collective growth of the body of Christ. Paul is quick to acknowledge progress along this line: "just as in fact you are doing." Yet he also looks forward to even greater attainments (cf. 4:1).

13 As he had done at the close of the first section in this chapter (v.5), Paul again expresses his desire that God will meet the needs of his readers. Although the subject of the last things has little formal place in Romans, its subjective counterpart, "hope", is mentioned more often than in any other of his letters, especially here (vv.4, 12-13).

The expression "the God of hope" (v.13) means the God who inspires hope in his children. He can be counted on to fulfill what yet remains to be accomplished for them (5:2; 13:11). Likewise, in the more immediate future and with the help of Paul's letter, they can confidently look to God for the working out of their problems, including the one Paul has been discussing. Hope does not operate apart from trust; in fact, it is the forward-looking aspect of faith (Gal 5:5; 1Pe 1:21). Paul expects a rich, abounding experience of hope along with an overflowing of love (Php 1:9; 1Th 3:12; 4:10), of pleasing God (1Th 4:1), and of thanksgiving (Col 2:7). Believers can count on God to enable them to increase in the manifestation of Christian graces "by the power of the Holy Spirit" who lives in them and fills the inner life.

29 Not only will Christians do "the good" (v.28); they will also speak "what is helpful." No unhealthy language will pass through their lips. "Unwholesome" is that which is itself rotten and disseminates rottenness. When joined with "talk", it may signify not simply bad language but malicious gossip and slander; anything that injures others and sparks dissension is covered by this expression. Christians, however, will only say what is calculated to build up the church (Eph 2:21-22; 4:12, 16) by encouraging its members. This is to be done whenever the need arises, so that those who hear may receive a blessing. The ultimate source of all blessing is God himself. The channel may be human, and so even the everyday conversation of Christians may become a means of grace to others.