1 Thessalonians 4
Living to Please God
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. References Jesus: 2 Peter 3:18. References God: 2 Corinthians 13:11, Colossians 1:10, 2 Thessalonians 1:3, Hebrews 13:16. References Lord: 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Ephesians 4:1. Parallel theme: Job 17:9, Philippians 1:9, 1 John 3:22 +5
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. Word: Ezekiel 3:17. Parallel theme: Matthew 28:20
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: References God: 1 Thessalonians 5:23, Romans 12:2, Hebrews 13:4, 1 Peter 4:2, 1 John 2:17. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 4:4, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 5:17, Colossians 3:5, Revelation 21:8 +5
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Parallel theme: Acts 9:15, Romans 1:24, 6:19, 12:1, 1 Corinthians 6:15, 7:2, 7:9, Hebrews 13:4, 1 Peter 3:7 +4
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. References Lord: Romans 12:19, James 5:4. Parallel theme: Exodus 20:15, 20:17, Proverbs 28:24, Ezekiel 22:13, Luke 12:5, Romans 13:4, Hebrews 13:4, James 2:6 +5
7 For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. Holy: Leviticus 11:44, 19:2, Ephesians 1:4, 2 Timothy 1:9, Hebrews 12:14. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 2:3, Galatians 5:19, Ephesians 4:1, 4:19, 2 Peter 2:10 +5
8 He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.
Brotherly Love
9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.
10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 1:7, 3:12, Philippians 1:9, 2 Thessalonians 1:3
11 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; Parallel theme: Proverbs 17:1, Ecclesiastes 4:6, Lamentations 3:26, 1 Corinthians 4:12, 2 Corinthians 5:9, Ephesians 4:28, 1 Timothy 2:2, 5:13, Titus 3:14, 1 Peter 3:4 +5
12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.
The Coming of the Lord
13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. Hope: Ezekiel 37:11, Ephesians 2:12. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 4:15, 5:10, Daniel 12:2, Acts 7:60, 13:36, Romans 1:13, 1 Corinthians 15:6, 2 Peter 3:4 +5
14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will GodGod: Θεός (Theos). The Greek Theos (Θεός) refers to deity, used both for the one true God and false gods. Context determines whether it denotes the Father specifically or the Godhead generally. bring with him.
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the LordLord: Κύριος (Kurios). The Greek Kurios (Κύριος) means 'lord' or 'master,' used both for human masters and divinely for God the Father and Jesus Christ. Its application to Jesus affirms His deity, as it translates YHWH in the Septuagint. himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. References Lord: 1 Thessalonians 4:15, Acts 8:39. Parallel theme: Daniel 7:13, John 12:26, 14:3, 17:24, Acts 1:9, 1 Corinthians 15:52, Revelation 1:7, 11:12 +5
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. Parallel theme: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 5:14, Luke 21:28