1 Thessalonians 4:4 - Printer Friendly

ESV: that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor,

NIV: that each of you should learn to control your own body in a way that is holy and honorable,

NASB: that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

CSB: that each of you knows how to control his own body in holiness and honor,

NLT: Then each of you will control his own body and live in holiness and honor —

KJV: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

NKJV: that each of you should know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

In this passage, Paul is reminding the Thessalonian Christians about the importance of holiness. The prior verse specifically mentioned maintaining sexual purity. In the Hellenistic (Greek) culture, this was no small task (1 Thessalonians 4:5). Here, Paul continues that theme by summoning his readers to practice self-discipline.

Controlling one's body is an important way to deny inappropriate sexual passions, and to honor God. It is a discipline that properly regards the body as dedicated to God as an honorable part of one's being. In Romans 12:1 Paul underscores the importance of offering one's body to God "as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God."

In 1 Corinthians 9:27 Paul even says "but I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." He did not mean by "disqualified" that he would lose his salvation. He meant being disqualified from receiving a reward in heaven, just as a runner who failed to abide by the rules would be disqualified from receiving a prize at the end of the race. As an aspiring athlete practices self-discipline to prepare his body for competition, believers need to practice self-discipline to finish the Christian race well (Hebrews 12:2).

First Thessalonians 4:1–8 urges the believers at Thessalonica to recall what Paul said when he was with them. He had taught them how to behave in such a way that they would please God. They were following these instructions well, but Paul challenges them to increasingly become more holy, for this was God's will for them. Each believer was obligated to avoid sexual immorality by controlling his own body, knowing the Lord avenges those who practice sin. Paul insists that to ignore this teaching about sexual immorality is tantamount to rejecting God.

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.