To what does exhort refer?

The word used for the verb to exhort or encourage (Greek: παρακαλέω/parakaleō) is one of Paul’s favourites and appears fifty-four times in Paul’s letters. In Paul, the word generally has one of three meanings: (a) to comfort, in the sense of relieving the emotional pain associated with suffering (e.g., 2 Corinthians 1:4, 2 Corinthians 1:6); (b) to urge, exhort, in the sense of making an urgent appeal, especially regarding behaviour (e.g., Romans 12:1; Ephesians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:1); (c) to encourage, in the sense of inspiring a person with hope and courage (e.g., Ephesians 6:22; Colossians 2:2). The three meanings are related, yet they are distinct and should not be confused. In the present case, the third sense (to encourage) is the most appropriate since it is closely related to the idea of strengthening. This conclusion is supported by 2 Thessalonians 2:17, where the two verbs strengthen and encourage are also found together. Timothy was to strengthen the Thessalonian believers by encouraging them in relation to their faith.