1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 KJV

For this is the will of God. The phrase, "the will of God," has two significations in Scripture: the one is the determination of God—his decree; the other is his desire, that in which he delights—a will, however, which may be frustrated by the perversity of his creatures. It is in this latter sense that the word is here employed. Even your sanctification ; complete consecration; holiness taken in its most general so. use. Our holiness is the great design of Christ's death, and is the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7

Holiness is the end aimed at in all the dispensations of God. 1 Thessalonians 4:9 - Brotherly love. 1. Its nature. It is a love to all believers as believers, as being the children of the same Father, the brethren of the same Savior, the members of the same family, the sharers of the same grace, and the expectants of the same glorious immortality. To all men we are related by a common humanity, but to Christians we are still more closely related by a common Christianity. 2. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:4

That every one of you should know how to possess. The word here rendered "possess" rather signifies "acquire." The R.V. renders the clause, "that each one of you know how to possess himself of;" hence it admits of the translation, "to obtain the mastery over." His vessel. This word has given rise to a diversity of interpretation. Especially two meanings have been given to it. By some it is supposed to be a figurative expression for "wife," in which sense the word is used, though rarely, by... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:5

Not in the lust of concupiscence — not in the passion of lust (R.V.)— even as the Gentiles which know not God ; and therefore from whom nothing better was to be expected. The moral sense of the heathen was so perverted, and their natures so corrupt, that they looked upon fornication as a thing indifferent. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:3

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification - It is the will or command of God that you should be holy. This does not refer to the purpose or decree of God, and does not mean that he intended to make them holy - but it means that it was his command that they should be holy. It was also true that it was agreeable to the divine will or purpose that they should be holy, and that he meant to use such an influence as to secure this; but this is not the truth taught here. This text,... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:4

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel - The word “vessel” here (σκεῦος skeuos), probably refers to the body. When it is so used, it is either because the body is frail and feeble, like an earthen vessel, easily broken 2 Corinthians 4:7, or because it is that which contains the soul, or in which the soul is lodged. Lucret. Lib. iii. 441. The word vessel also (Greek σκεῦος skeuos) was used by the latter Hebrews to denote a wife, as the vessel of her husband. Schoettg. Hor.... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:5

Not in the lust of concupiscence - In gross gratifications.Even as the Gentiles - This was, and is, a common vice among the pagan; see the Acts 15:20 note; Romans 1:29 note; Ephesians 4:17-18 notes, and the reports of missionaries everywhere.Which know not God - See the Romans 1:21, Romans 1:28 notes; Ephesians 2:12 note. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6

1 Thessalonians 4:3-6. For As we solemnly assured you, and charged you to keep continually in remembrance; this is the will of God, your sanctification That, as God hath chosen us from the rest of the world to be a people dedicated to his honour and service, we should not pollute ourselves with those abominations which are so common among the heathen, but that we should be perfectly holy in heart and life; and therefore, to mention one single branch of the contrary; that ye should... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

4:1-12 TEACHING ABOUT MARRIAGE AND WORKGod’s will is that there be continual progress in the lives of believers, leading them to increasing holiness. As they try more to please God, they will become increasingly different from those who do not know God (4:1-3a).For example, in relations between the sexes, Christians will not be uncontrolled as the pagans are, but will restrain their sexual passions (3b-5). If they commit immoral acts they shame themselves and harm others. They also sin against... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-18

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:3

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:4

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:5

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:3

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:4

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 4:5

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

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