1 Thessalonians 4:12 - Printer Friendly

ESV: so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.

NIV: so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

NASB: so that you will behave properly toward outsiders and not be in any need.

CSB: so that you may behave properly in the presence of outsiders and not be dependent on anyone.

NLT: Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others.

KJV: That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

NKJV: that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing.

The prior verse described three traits which Paul meant to encourage in the Thessalonian believers. These included being peaceful towards others, not butting into the business of other people, and a productive work ethic. Paul affirms in this verse that the peaceful, diligent lifestyle he described in verse 11 leads to an effective testimony before the lost and avoids a life of dependence on others. This is not primarily meant to impress non-believers, but so that they'll be more receptive to the gospel.

Perhaps some members of the church at Thessalonica needed these exhortations more than others. Later verses indicate they struggled with confusion about the return of Christ, and therefore saw no reason to work. As a result of this indolence, non-Christians would have a negative attitude toward the gospel.

The book of Proverbs offers wise instruction in favor of diligence and against laziness. That book indicates that, "Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense" (Proverbs 12:11). "The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied," according to Proverbs 13:4. Likewise, Proverbs 20:13 says we ought to, "Love not sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes, and you will have plenty of bread."

First Thessalonians 4:9–12 applauds the Thessalonian believers for their love for one another. After this, Paul gives them several exhortations. He exhorts them to increase their love, to lead a peaceful life, to mind their own business, and to be industrious. By heeding these exhortations the believers would establish a good testimony before their non-Christian neighbors, and they would be self-reliant.

Chapter 4 starts with an encouragement for the Thessalonian believers to continue their spiritual growth. Their conduct is exemplary, but they need to seek to do even more. Paul especially emphasizes the importance of sexual purity, as well as the need for believers to live peaceful, polite, and productive lives. Paul then begins to discuss the subject of Christ's return. This begins with a reassurance that believers who have died prior to the return of Christ will be the first ones raised when He comes back for His people. Next will be those still living, all of whom will meet Jesus ''in the air.'' Knowledge of our eternal destiny should be encouraging!

Chapters 1—3 had a lot to say about the good reputation of the Thessalonian church. Chapter 4 begins to address points Paul wants to clarify. First of these is the need to grow in good works, and to avoid immoral living. Paul then begins to explain ''the rapture'': the moment when Christ will retrieve believers from this earth. Paul's explanation seems to be intended to dispel rumors. In the final chapter, Paul will further explain the nature of the ''day of the Lord,'' correcting what might have been said by false teachers.

The apostle Paul's second missionary journey included a visit to the prominent Greek city of Thessalonica. This stood alongside a major land route and boasted a busy seaport. A number of individuals believed Paul's message (Acts 17:1–4), but an angry mob forced Paul to leave the city after his brief stay. Later, while in Athens, Paul received a glowing report: the believers at Thessalonica were growing spiritually and serving God fervently. However, they had questions about the Lord's return, including what happens to a believer who dies before that day. And, as all churches do, they had some areas in which they were falling short. In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, written about AD 51, he addresses these developments. Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonian believers' spiritual progress, and frequently makes references to Christ's impending return.