The word translated exhorted
(Greek παρακαλοῦντες/parakalountes) can have a number of different meanings, including encourage
(in the sense of providing comfort—e.g., 2 Corinthians 1:4–7), and strengthen
(e.g., 1 Thessalonians 3:2). This word can also refer to gospel preaching in which an appeal is made for people to respond to Christ and be reconciled to God (e.g., 2 Corinthians 5:20; 2 Corinthians 6:1, see also 1 Thessalonians 2:3). Closely related to this third meaning is the use of the word to refer to the ethical exhortation which is given to Christians. In this sense, the word is often found at the beginning of the ethical sections of Paul’s letters (Romans 12:1; Ephesians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:1), and has to do with appealing to, exhorting, and urging people to behave in a manner worthy of the gospel. Considering 1 Thessalonians 2:10–12 as a whole, this must be the sense of the word here: while in Thessalonica, Paul had urged and exhorted the new believers to live lives worthy of God.
1
12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.