Three aspects of behavior demonstrate love for others. First, a person who leads a restful rather than a frantic life avoids disturbing the lives of others. He or she also enjoys life more himself or herself. Second, one who tends to his own affairs does not meddle in the business of others. Third, the person who works to provide for his or her own needs and the needs of his or her family does not put a burden on others to support him or her. Greek culture degraded manual labor, but Christianity together with Judaism viewed it as an honorable pursuit (cf. Ephesians 4:28; Colossians 3:17). [1][source]
". . . it was not Paul"s intent that the church disrupt society or overthrow governments. Rather, he encouraged Christians to be good citizens and exemplary members of their families and of their society but to do so in a manner consistent with the teachings of Christ. Only in this sense was the Pauline gospel intended to change society. It set out to change the individuals who made up society while awaiting that climactic event when the power of God would truly change the world forever." [2][source]
Context Summary
1 Thessalonians 4:9-18 - United Now And Hereafter In The Lord
It is suggested that God Himself is the teacher of love. Others may teach the lower classes in the school of grace, but the highest is reserved for the Supreme Teacher. Note that recurring more and more, 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:10. The distribution of goods in the early Church may have led to abuses, which the injunctions here given were intended to rectify. It is well to bring up every child to know one means of livelihood, and children are much more likely to grow up into noble and useful people, if they are encouraged to work for their living. Do something in the world!
These disciples anticipated the speedy return of the Lord and feared lest those who had died would be worse off than they: The Apostle bade them dismiss such fears, because they who remained alive until the coming of the Lord would have no precedence over others who had died. Paul assures them that they who had fallen asleep were with Jesus, and that they would accompany Him when He came again; To those who needed to be raised, Jesus would be "the Resurrection"; to those who were living, He would be "the Life." They that believed in Him, though they had died, yet would they live; and they who lived till He came would never die. [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Thessalonians 4
1He exhorts them to go forward in all manner of godliness; 6to live holily and justly; 9to love one another; 11and quietly to follow their own business; 13and last of all, to sorrow moderately for the dead 17followed by a brief description of the resurrection, and second coming of Christ to judgment
Greek Commentary for 1 Thessalonians 4:11
That ye study to be quiet [πιλοτιμεισται ησυχαζειν] First infinitive dependent on παρακαλουμεν parakaloumen (1 Thessalonians 4:10, we exhort you), the second on πιλοτιμεισται philotimeisthai (old verb from πιλοτιμος philotimos fond of honour, πιλοσ τιμη philosπρασσειν τα ιδια timē). The notion of ambition appears in each of the three N.T. examples (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Romans 5:20), but it is ambition to do good, not evil. The word ambition is Latin (ambitio from ambo, ire), to go on both sides to accomplish one‘s aims and often evil). A preacher devoid of ambition lacks power. There was a restless spirit in Thessalonica because of the misapprehension of the second coming. So Paul urges an ambition to be quiet or calm, to lead a quiet life, including silence (Acts 11:18). [source]
To do your own business [τα ιδια] Present infinitive like the others, to have the habit of attending to their own affairs This restless meddlesomeness here condemned Paul alludes to again in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 in plainer terms. It is amazing how much wisdom people have about other people‘s affairs and so little interest in their own. To work with your own hands (χερσιν ergazesthai tais chersin humōn). Instrumental case (chersin). Paul gave a new dignity to manual labour by precept and example. There were “pious” idlers in the church in Thessalonica who were promoting trouble. He had commanded them when with them. [source]
To work with your own hands [χερσιν] Instrumental case Paul gave a new dignity to manual labour by precept and example. There were “pious” idlers in the church in Thessalonica who were promoting trouble. He had commanded them when with them. [source]
Study [φιλοτιμεῖσθαι] PoMake it your aim. Comp. Romans 15:20(see note); 2 Corinthians 5:9. Often in Class. Lit. to be fond of honor: hence to strive for honor, to be ambitious. [source]
To be quiet [ἡσυχάζειν] Note the paradox, strive to be quiet. For similar instances see Romans 1:20, unseen things clearly seen: Romans 1:22, wise, be fooled (comp. Horace, Od. 1,34, 2, insaniens sapientia ): 2 Corinthians 8:2, poverty abounded unto riches: 2 Corinthians 7:10, repentance, not to be repented of. The disturbances rebuked in the second Epistle may have begun to show themselves, so that there is a possible allusion to the idle busybodies of 2 Thessalonians 3:11. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Thessalonians 4:11
Acts 17:4And of the devout Greeks a great multitude [των τε σεβομενων ελληνων πλητος πολυ] These “God-fearers” among the Gentiles were less under the control of the jealous rabbis and so responded more readily to Paul‘s appeal. In 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Paul expressly says that they had “turned to God from idols,” proof that this church was mainly Gentile (cf. also 1 Thessalonians 2:14). And of the chief women not a few (γυναικων τε των πρωτων ουκ ολιγαι gunaikōn te tōn prōtōn ouk oligai). Literally, “And of women the first not a few.” That is, a large number of women of the very first rank in the city, probably devout women also like the men just before and like those in Acts 13:50 in Antioch in Pisidia who along with “the first men of the city” were stirred up against Paul. Here these women were openly friendly to Paul‘s message, whether proselytes or Gentiles or Jewish wives of Gentiles as Hort holds. It is noteworthy that here, as in Philippi, leading women take a bold stand for Christ. In Macedonia women had more freedom than elsewhere. It is not to be inferred that all those converted belonged to the higher classes, for the industrial element was clearly large (1 Thessalonians 4:11). In 2 Corinthians 8:2 Paul speaks of the deep poverty of the Macedonian churches, but with Philippi mainly in mind. Ramsay thinks that Paul won many of the heathen not affiliated at all with the synagogue. Certain it is that we must allow a considerable interval of time between Acts 17:4,Acts 17:5 to understand what Paul says in his Thessalonian Epistles. [source]
Acts 17:4And of the chief women not a few [γυναικων τε των πρωτων ουκ ολιγαι] Literally, “And of women the first not a few.” That is, a large number of women of the very first rank in the city, probably devout women also like the men just before and like those in Acts 13:50 in Antioch in Pisidia who along with “the first men of the city” were stirred up against Paul. Here these women were openly friendly to Paul‘s message, whether proselytes or Gentiles or Jewish wives of Gentiles as Hort holds. It is noteworthy that here, as in Philippi, leading women take a bold stand for Christ. In Macedonia women had more freedom than elsewhere. It is not to be inferred that all those converted belonged to the higher classes, for the industrial element was clearly large (1 Thessalonians 4:11). In 2 Corinthians 8:2 Paul speaks of the deep poverty of the Macedonian churches, but with Philippi mainly in mind. Ramsay thinks that Paul won many of the heathen not affiliated at all with the synagogue. Certain it is that we must allow a considerable interval of time between Acts 17:4,Acts 17:5 to understand what Paul says in his Thessalonian Epistles. [source]
Romans 15:20Have I strived [φιλοτιμούμενον] The verb means originally to be fond of honor, and hence, from a love of honor, to strive, be ambitious. Compare 2 Corinthians 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:11. The correct sense is to prosecute as a point of honor. [source]
Romans 15:20Making it my aim [πιλοτιμουμενον] Present middle participle (accusative case agreeing with με me) of πιλοτιμεομαι philotimeomai old verb, to be fond of honour In N.T. only here and 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 5:9. A noble word in itself, quite different in aim from the Latin word for ambition (ambio, to go on both sides to carry one‘s point). Not where (ουχ οπου ouch hopou). Paul was a pioneer preacher pushing on to new fields after the manner of Daniel Boone in Kentucky. That I might now build upon another man‘s foundation For αλλοτριος allotrios (not αλλος allos) see note on Romans 14:4. For τεμελιον themelion see notes on Luke 6:48. and note on 1 Corinthians 3:11. This noble ambition of Paul‘s is not within the range of some ministers who can only build on another‘s foundation as Apollos did in Corinth. But the pioneer preacher and missionary has a dignity and glory all his own. [source]
2 Corinthians 5:9We labor [φιλοτιμούμεθα] Used by Paul only, here, Romans 15:20(note), 1 Thessalonians 4:11. Labor is a feeble translation, not bringing out the idea of the end contemplated, as the motive of the toil. Rev., we make it our aim.sa40 [source]
1 Thessalonians 4:1We beseech [ερωτωμεν] Not “question” as in ancient Greek, but as often in N.T. (1 Thessalonians 5:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; Philemon 4:3) and also in papyri to make urgent request of one. How ye ought (το πως δει υμας to pōs dei humās). Literally, explanatory articular indirect question (το πως to pōs) after παρελαβητε parelabēte according to common classic idiom in Luke (Luke 1:62; Luke 22:2,Luke 22:4,Luke 22:23,Luke 22:24) and Paul (Romans 8:26). That ye abound Loose construction of the ινα hina clause with present subjunctive after two subordinate clauses with κατως kathōs (as, even as) to be connected with “beseech and exhort.” More and more (μαλλον mallon). Simply more, but added to same idea in περισσευητε perisseuēte See also 1 Thessalonians 4:11. [source]
1 Thessalonians 4:1That ye abound [ινα περισσευητε] Loose construction of the ινα hina clause with present subjunctive after two subordinate clauses with κατως kathōs (as, even as) to be connected with “beseech and exhort.” More and more (μαλλον mallon). Simply more, but added to same idea in περισσευητε perisseuēte See also 1 Thessalonians 4:11. [source]
1 Thessalonians 4:11That ye study to be quiet [πιλοτιμεισται ησυχαζειν] First infinitive dependent on παρακαλουμεν parakaloumen (1 Thessalonians 4:10, we exhort you), the second on πιλοτιμεισται philotimeisthai (old verb from πιλοτιμος philotimos fond of honour, πιλοσ τιμη philosπρασσειν τα ιδια timē). The notion of ambition appears in each of the three N.T. examples (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Romans 5:20), but it is ambition to do good, not evil. The word ambition is Latin (ambitio from ambo, ire), to go on both sides to accomplish one‘s aims and often evil). A preacher devoid of ambition lacks power. There was a restless spirit in Thessalonica because of the misapprehension of the second coming. So Paul urges an ambition to be quiet or calm, to lead a quiet life, including silence (Acts 11:18). [source]
1 Peter 4:15A busybody in other men's matters [ἀλλοτριοεπίσκοπος] Only here in New Testament. Lit., the overseer of another's matters. One who usurps authority in matters not within his province. Rev., meddler. Compare Luke 12:13,Luke 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:11. It may refer to the officious interference of Christians in the affairs of their Gentile neighbors, through excess of zeal to conform them to the Christian standard. [source]
1 Peter 4:15As [ως] Charged as and being so. Two specific crimes (murderer, thief) and one general phrase Note η ως ē hōs (or as) = or “also only as” (Wohlenberg). The word was apparently coined by Peter (occurring elsewhere only in Dionys. Areop. and late eccles. writers) from αλλοτριος allotrios (belonging to another, 2 Corinthians 10:15) and επισκοπος episkopos overseer, inspector, 1 Peter 2:25). The idea is apparently one who spies out the affairs of other men. Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 224) gives a second-century papyrus with αλλοτριων επιτυμητης allotriōn epithumētēs a speculator alienorum. Epictetus has a like idea (iii. 22. 97). Biggs takes it to refer to “things forbidden.” Clement of Alexandria tells of a disciple of the Apostle John who became a bandit chief. Ramsay (Church in the Roman Empire, pp. 293, 348) thinks the word refers to breaking up family relationships. Hart refers us to the gadders-about in 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:11 and women as gossipers in 1 Thessalonians 5:13. It is interesting to note also that επισκοπος episkopos here is the word for “bishop” and so suggests also preachers meddling in the work of other preachers. [source]
What do the individual words in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 mean?
andto strive earnestlyto live quietlyto attend totheownto work withtheownhandsof youjust asyouwe commanded
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 1st Person Plural
Root: παραγγέλλω
Sense: to transmit a message along from one to another, to declare, announce.
What are the major concepts related to 1 Thessalonians 4:11?
Greek Commentary for 1 Thessalonians 4:11
First infinitive dependent on παρακαλουμεν parakaloumen (1 Thessalonians 4:10, we exhort you), the second on πιλοτιμεισται philotimeisthai (old verb from πιλοτιμος philotimos fond of honour, πιλοσ τιμη philosπρασσειν τα ιδια timē). The notion of ambition appears in each of the three N.T. examples (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Romans 5:20), but it is ambition to do good, not evil. The word ambition is Latin (ambitio from ambo, ire), to go on both sides to accomplish one‘s aims and often evil). A preacher devoid of ambition lacks power. There was a restless spirit in Thessalonica because of the misapprehension of the second coming. So Paul urges an ambition to be quiet or calm, to lead a quiet life, including silence (Acts 11:18). [source]
Present infinitive like the others, to have the habit of attending to their own affairs This restless meddlesomeness here condemned Paul alludes to again in 2 Thessalonians 3:11 in plainer terms. It is amazing how much wisdom people have about other people‘s affairs and so little interest in their own. To work with your own hands (χερσιν ergazesthai tais chersin humōn). Instrumental case (chersin). Paul gave a new dignity to manual labour by precept and example. There were “pious” idlers in the church in Thessalonica who were promoting trouble. He had commanded them when with them. [source]
Instrumental case Paul gave a new dignity to manual labour by precept and example. There were “pious” idlers in the church in Thessalonica who were promoting trouble. He had commanded them when with them. [source]
PoMake it your aim. Comp. Romans 15:20(see note); 2 Corinthians 5:9. Often in Class. Lit. to be fond of honor: hence to strive for honor, to be ambitious. [source]
Note the paradox, strive to be quiet. For similar instances see Romans 1:20, unseen things clearly seen: Romans 1:22, wise, be fooled (comp. Horace, Od. 1,34, 2, insaniens sapientia ): 2 Corinthians 8:2, poverty abounded unto riches: 2 Corinthians 7:10, repentance, not to be repented of. The disturbances rebuked in the second Epistle may have begun to show themselves, so that there is a possible allusion to the idle busybodies of 2 Thessalonians 3:11. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Thessalonians 4:11
These “God-fearers” among the Gentiles were less under the control of the jealous rabbis and so responded more readily to Paul‘s appeal. In 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Paul expressly says that they had “turned to God from idols,” proof that this church was mainly Gentile (cf. also 1 Thessalonians 2:14). And of the chief women not a few (γυναικων τε των πρωτων ουκ ολιγαι gunaikōn te tōn prōtōn ouk oligai). Literally, “And of women the first not a few.” That is, a large number of women of the very first rank in the city, probably devout women also like the men just before and like those in Acts 13:50 in Antioch in Pisidia who along with “the first men of the city” were stirred up against Paul. Here these women were openly friendly to Paul‘s message, whether proselytes or Gentiles or Jewish wives of Gentiles as Hort holds. It is noteworthy that here, as in Philippi, leading women take a bold stand for Christ. In Macedonia women had more freedom than elsewhere. It is not to be inferred that all those converted belonged to the higher classes, for the industrial element was clearly large (1 Thessalonians 4:11). In 2 Corinthians 8:2 Paul speaks of the deep poverty of the Macedonian churches, but with Philippi mainly in mind. Ramsay thinks that Paul won many of the heathen not affiliated at all with the synagogue. Certain it is that we must allow a considerable interval of time between Acts 17:4, Acts 17:5 to understand what Paul says in his Thessalonian Epistles. [source]
Literally, “And of women the first not a few.” That is, a large number of women of the very first rank in the city, probably devout women also like the men just before and like those in Acts 13:50 in Antioch in Pisidia who along with “the first men of the city” were stirred up against Paul. Here these women were openly friendly to Paul‘s message, whether proselytes or Gentiles or Jewish wives of Gentiles as Hort holds. It is noteworthy that here, as in Philippi, leading women take a bold stand for Christ. In Macedonia women had more freedom than elsewhere. It is not to be inferred that all those converted belonged to the higher classes, for the industrial element was clearly large (1 Thessalonians 4:11). In 2 Corinthians 8:2 Paul speaks of the deep poverty of the Macedonian churches, but with Philippi mainly in mind. Ramsay thinks that Paul won many of the heathen not affiliated at all with the synagogue. Certain it is that we must allow a considerable interval of time between Acts 17:4, Acts 17:5 to understand what Paul says in his Thessalonian Epistles. [source]
The verb means originally to be fond of honor, and hence, from a love of honor, to strive, be ambitious. Compare 2 Corinthians 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:11. The correct sense is to prosecute as a point of honor. [source]
Present middle participle (accusative case agreeing with με me) of πιλοτιμεομαι philotimeomai old verb, to be fond of honour In N.T. only here and 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 5:9. A noble word in itself, quite different in aim from the Latin word for ambition (ambio, to go on both sides to carry one‘s point). Not where (ουχ οπου ouch hopou). Paul was a pioneer preacher pushing on to new fields after the manner of Daniel Boone in Kentucky. That I might now build upon another man‘s foundation For αλλοτριος allotrios (not αλλος allos) see note on Romans 14:4. For τεμελιον themelion see notes on Luke 6:48. and note on 1 Corinthians 3:11. This noble ambition of Paul‘s is not within the range of some ministers who can only build on another‘s foundation as Apollos did in Corinth. But the pioneer preacher and missionary has a dignity and glory all his own. [source]
Used by Paul only, here, Romans 15:20(note), 1 Thessalonians 4:11. Labor is a feeble translation, not bringing out the idea of the end contemplated, as the motive of the toil. Rev., we make it our aim.sa40 [source]
Comp. Luke href="/desk/?q=lu+18:32&sr=1">Luke 18:32; Acts 14:5. This may have been added because προπαθόντες alone might denote the experience of something good; but it is more probably intended as an expansion and illustration of that word. Paul's sensitiveness to personal indignity appears in the narrative in 1Thessalonians href="/desk/?q=1th+1:5&sr=1">1 Thessalonians 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 1 Thessalonians 2:10, 1 Thessalonians 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 3:3, 1 Thessalonians 3:4, 1 Thessalonians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:1, 1 Thessalonians 4:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:6, 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:1, 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2 Thessalonians 3:2. [source]
Not “question” as in ancient Greek, but as often in N.T. (1 Thessalonians 5:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; Philemon 4:3) and also in papyri to make urgent request of one. How ye ought (το πως δει υμας to pōs dei humās). Literally, explanatory articular indirect question (το πως to pōs) after παρελαβητε parelabēte according to common classic idiom in Luke (Luke 1:62; Luke 22:2, Luke 22:4, Luke 22:23, Luke 22:24) and Paul (Romans 8:26). That ye abound Loose construction of the ινα hina clause with present subjunctive after two subordinate clauses with κατως kathōs (as, even as) to be connected with “beseech and exhort.” More and more (μαλλον mallon). Simply more, but added to same idea in περισσευητε perisseuēte See also 1 Thessalonians 4:11. [source]
Loose construction of the ινα hina clause with present subjunctive after two subordinate clauses with κατως kathōs (as, even as) to be connected with “beseech and exhort.” More and more (μαλλον mallon). Simply more, but added to same idea in περισσευητε perisseuēte See also 1 Thessalonians 4:11. [source]
Simply more, but added to same idea in περισσευητε perisseuēte See also 1 Thessalonians 4:11. [source]
First infinitive dependent on παρακαλουμεν parakaloumen (1 Thessalonians 4:10, we exhort you), the second on πιλοτιμεισται philotimeisthai (old verb from πιλοτιμος philotimos fond of honour, πιλοσ τιμη philosπρασσειν τα ιδια timē). The notion of ambition appears in each of the three N.T. examples (1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Corinthians 5:9; Romans 5:20), but it is ambition to do good, not evil. The word ambition is Latin (ambitio from ambo, ire), to go on both sides to accomplish one‘s aims and often evil). A preacher devoid of ambition lacks power. There was a restless spirit in Thessalonica because of the misapprehension of the second coming. So Paul urges an ambition to be quiet or calm, to lead a quiet life, including silence (Acts 11:18). [source]
See on study to be quiet, 1 Thessalonians 4:11. [source]
Only here in New Testament. Lit., the overseer of another's matters. One who usurps authority in matters not within his province. Rev., meddler. Compare Luke 12:13, Luke 12:14; 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:11. It may refer to the officious interference of Christians in the affairs of their Gentile neighbors, through excess of zeal to conform them to the Christian standard. [source]
Charged as and being so. Two specific crimes (murderer, thief) and one general phrase Note η ως ē hōs (or as) = or “also only as” (Wohlenberg). The word was apparently coined by Peter (occurring elsewhere only in Dionys. Areop. and late eccles. writers) from αλλοτριος allotrios (belonging to another, 2 Corinthians 10:15) and επισκοπος episkopos overseer, inspector, 1 Peter 2:25). The idea is apparently one who spies out the affairs of other men. Deissmann (Bible Studies, p. 224) gives a second-century papyrus with αλλοτριων επιτυμητης allotriōn epithumētēs a speculator alienorum. Epictetus has a like idea (iii. 22. 97). Biggs takes it to refer to “things forbidden.” Clement of Alexandria tells of a disciple of the Apostle John who became a bandit chief. Ramsay (Church in the Roman Empire, pp. 293, 348) thinks the word refers to breaking up family relationships. Hart refers us to the gadders-about in 1 Thessalonians 4:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:11 and women as gossipers in 1 Thessalonians 5:13. It is interesting to note also that επισκοπος episkopos here is the word for “bishop” and so suggests also preachers meddling in the work of other preachers. [source]