<p>4:18 <i>Therefore, comfort one another with these words</i>- The implication could be that they were indeed grieving as others who had no hope; see on :13 for the implications of this. The same word for &quot;comfort&quot; is used of how Paul comforted the Thessalonians whilst with them (2:11), how Timothy comforted them on his follow up visit (3:2), and how Paul comforted them in his letter (4:1,10). But the sign of true maturity amongst converts is when they can comfort each other (as also in 5:11), without needing letters and personal visits. This kind of spiritual autonomy amongst converts should be the aim of all missionary endeavour.</p>