1 Thessalonians 4:4 NIV

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Thessalonians 4:4

(4) Should know.—The clause is simply parallel to the last, and, with it, explains the word “sanctification.” The Bulgarian Father, Theophylact, says pointedly in reference to the word “to know” or “understand,” “He indicates that chastity is a matter that requires self-discipline and study.” (Comp. Ephesians 5:17.)To possess his vessel.—The word rendered “to possess” should rather be translated, to procure, win, gain possession of. The word “vessel” here has been interpreted in two ways: (1)... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

The True End of Man 1 Thessalonians 4:3 The will of God called all things into being, and conserves all things in existence by its power. And the message to our fainting souls today, is that this Almighty will is on our side in the great battle with evil; that this will is concerned in our salvation. I. Before we proceed to a further consideration of the text, there are two words in it which we must examine carefully. The words 'will' and 'sanctification'. To take the latter first, what... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Chapter 9PERSONAL PURITY1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 (R.V.)THE "finally" with which this chapter opens is the beginning of the end of the Epistle. The personal matter which has hitherto occupied us was the immediate cause of the Apostle’s writing; he wished to open his heart to the Thessalonians, and to vindicate his conduct against the insidious accusations of his enemies; and having done so, his main purpose is fulfilled. For what remains-this is the meaning of "finally"-he has a few words to say... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

IV. THE SEPARATED WALK AND THE BLESSED HOPE CHAPTER 4 1. The separated walk 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 ) 2. The coming of the Lord for His saints 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 ) 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12 “Furthermore, then, brethren, we beg you and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, even as ye received from us, how ye ought to walk and please God, even as ye also do walk, that ye would abound still more. For ye know what charges we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, even your... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:4

4:4 {3} That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;(3) Another reason, because it defiles the body. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

The end of Chapter 3 has encouraged their abounding love. Here the apostle adds to this the entreaty that they abound in obedience. No amount of love can make up for a disobedient walk, for love and obedience necessarily go together. A child's love for its parent is only convincing where there is an obedient character. They had seen consistent Christianity in the example of the servants of God and had received godly instruction by word of mouth. This had already taken good effect, but we must... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

HORTATORY AND INSTRUCTIVE Timothy reported some things that called for exhortation and instruction. In the first place, fornication was indulged in by some who had no proper understanding of its sinfulness (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 ). This inconsistency is probably explained by the circumstance that the church was composed of Gentiles chiefly, rather than Jews. (See Acts 17:0 and compare such passages in the epistle as 1 Thessalonians 1:9 .) Paganism, out of which they came, knew not the... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

Apostolic Prayers 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:01 Thessalonians 5:0 "But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you" ( 1Th 4:9 ). We have just heard the Apostle express a wish in prayer that he might see the face of his friends in Thessalonica, that he might perfect that which was lacking in their faith. Here he says there was nothing lacking in their love. Why, this is the supreme test of faith and righteousness: "We know that we have passed from death unto life"... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

(1) ¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. (2) For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. (3) For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: (4) That everyone of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; (5) Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the... read more

George Haydock

George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:4

His vessel. That is, his own body. See 1 Kings xxi. 5. (Witham) read more