1 Thessalonians 4:11
Verse
Context
Living to Please God
10And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more11and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.12Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
Sermons
J.R. Miller
John Gill
St. Benedict of Nursia
Ed Wrather
St. John ChrysostomSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye study to be quiet - Though in general the Church at Thessalonica was pure and exemplary, yet there seem to have been some idle, tattling people among them, who disturbed the peace of others; persons who, under the pretense of religion, gadded about from house to house; did not work, but were burdensome to others; and were continually meddling with other people's business, making parties, and procuring their bread by religious gossiping. To these the apostle gives those directions which the whole Church of God should enforce wherever such troublesome and dangerous people are found; viz.: That they should study to be quiet, ἡσυχαζειν, to hold their peace, as their religious cant will never promote true religion; that they should do their own business, and let that of others alone; and that they should work with their own hands, and not be a burden to the Church of God, or to those well meaning but weak and inconsiderate people who entertain them, being imposed on by their apparent sanctity and glozing conversation. An idle person, though able to discourse like an angel, or pray like an apostle, cannot be a Christian; all such are hypocrites and deceivers; the true members of the Church of Christ walk, work, and labor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
study to be quiet--Greek, "make it your ambition to be quiet, and to do your own business." In direct contrast to the world's ambition, which is, "to make a great stir," and "to be busybodies" (Th2 3:11-12). work with your own hands--The Thessalonian converts were, it thus seems, chiefly of the working classes. Their expectation of the immediate coming of Christ led some enthusiasts among them to neglect their daily work and be dependent on the bounty of others. See end of Th1 4:12. The expectation was right in so far as that the Church should be always looking for Him; but they were wrong in making it a ground for neglecting their daily work. The evil, as it subsequently became worse, is more strongly reproved in Th2 3:6-12.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that ye study to be quiet,.... To live peaceably in their own families, and to give no disturbance to other families, by talebearing, whispering, and backbiting; to behave with quietness in the neighbourhood, town, or city, they dwell in, and to seek the peace thereof; and to lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty, in the commonwealth, and under the government to which they belong; and not to create and encourage factions, divisions, animosities, and contentions, in their own church, or in any of the churches of Christ; and it becomes saints to make this their study, to be very solicitous for it, to strive for it, and pursue after it: the word used signifies to be ambitious of it, as what is a man's glory and honour, to emulate and strive to outdo each other, as who shall have the honour of being the quietest person, and the most peaceable member in the community: and to do your own business: or private business, or what is proper and peculiar to a man's self; to abide every man in his own calling wherein he is called, and attend the business of it, and not thrust himself into other families, and officiously take upon him, under a pretence of zeal, affection, and friendship, to inspect, direct, or manage the business of others: in short, he should not meddle with other people's business, but mind his own: and this is what the Jews call , "the way of the earth", or the business of life: "there are four things, (they say (a)) in which a man should employ himself continually, with all his might, and these are they, the law, and good works, and prayer, and the business of life;'' upon which the gloss has this note by way of explanation, "if a man is an artificer (let him attend) to his art; if a merchant to his merchandise, and if he is a soldier to war;'' and which may serve to illustrate the apostle's sense: and to work with your own hands; the reason of this is, because there were some among them, who would not work at all; see Th2 3:11 and by this instruction it appears, that the members of this church, in common, were such as were brought up to handicraft trades and businesses, and were poor and mean; and this was the general case of the primitive churches: it pleased God to choose and call the poor of this world, to whom the Gospel was preached, and they received it; few of the rulers among the Jews believed in Christ, and not many mighty, rich, or noble among the Gentiles were called; some there were, and in this church there were some of the chief women of the city, Act 17:4, and though these and others of the better sort, as well as ministers of the Gospel among them, who laboured in the word and doctrine, were not obliged by this to perform manual work and labour, yet were not exempted from all concern in the exhortation; it being proper and necessary, that all sorts of persons be employed in one sort of business or another, and to use diligence and application in it: the apostle's view being chiefly to inveigh against sloth and idleness, and to exhort to labour and industry as the most effectual method to preserve peace and quietness, and to keep persons from being troublesome and hurtful, in families, churches, and commonwealths: the reasons enforcing this follow in this and the next verse, as we commanded you; and the command of an apostle carries weight and authority with it, and ought to be obeyed; yea, they not only strictly enjoined a diligent application to business, but set them an example themselves, see Th1 2:9. (a) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 32. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:11 To live a quiet life is to be respectable and not cause problems in the community. • working with your hands: Paul had previously instructed through his teaching (see 2 Thes 3:10) and personal example (2 Thes 3:7-9) that they should earn their own living.
1 Thessalonians 4:11
Living to Please God
10And you are indeed showing this love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers, to excel more and more11and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.12Then you will behave properly toward outsiders, without being dependent on anyone.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Bristol Conference 1977-03 Msg,and Man of Model Ch.
By Stan Ford41745:42JHN 13:34JHN 14:1ROM 14:81TH 4:111TH 5:182TH 3:10JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of living a life that pleases God. He then moves on to discuss the need for believers to bring comfort to others and to offer thanks to the Lord. The sermon then transitions to chapter four of 1 Thessalonians, where the speaker focuses on our attitude towards the present and our assurance of the future. The speaker highlights the belief in the resurrection of Jesus and the promise that those who sleep in Jesus will be brought with Him. The sermon concludes with an exhortation to encourage one another with these words.
The Blessing of Quietness
By J.R. Miller0The Power of SilencePeace in GodPSA 46:10PRO 15:1PRO 17:28PRO 21:23ECC 3:7ISA 30:15PHP 4:71TH 4:11JAS 1:191PE 3:4J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound blessings of quietness, illustrating how it benefits both the individual and those around them. He highlights the biblical wisdom that encourages silence, noting that while speaking has its place, there are times when being quiet is far more valuable. Miller draws on scriptural examples, such as the life of Christ and the teachings of the apostles, to advocate for a quiet spirit and the importance of thoughtful speech. He warns against the dangers of careless words and gossip, urging believers to cultivate a spirit of peace and restraint in their interactions. Ultimately, he concludes that true strength lies in the ability to remain silent in the face of provocation and to find peace in God's presence.
1 Peter 4:15
By John Gill0Righteous LivingAccountabilityGEN 9:6EXO 22:1PRO 28:13MAT 7:1GAL 6:51TH 4:112TH 3:111TI 5:13JAS 4:111PE 4:15John Gill emphasizes that Christians should not suffer for wrongdoing, such as murder, theft, or being a busybody in others' affairs. He explains that the consequences of such actions are severe, as outlined in the law of God, and that suffering for these reasons is disgraceful for a believer. Instead, Christians are called to live righteously and focus on their own responsibilities rather than meddling in the lives of others. Gill warns against the dangers of covetousness and the pursuit of others' goods, which can lead to moral failure. Ultimately, he encourages believers to uphold their integrity and character in all circumstances.
Idleness Is the Enemy of the Soul
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 14:23ECC 9:10COL 3:231TH 4:112TH 3:10St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of staying occupied with both manual labor and sacred reading to combat idleness, which is seen as the enemy of the soul. He provides a structured daily routine for the sisters, balancing work, reading, rest, and prayer, with an emphasis on moderation and living by the labor of their hands. This disciplined approach is aimed at fostering a monastic life dedicated to both physical and spiritual growth.
Stealing the Shower
By Ed Wrather0PRO 10:2PRO 22:1EPH 4:28PHP 4:191TH 4:11Ed Wrather preaches about the importance of ceasing from stealing and instead working with one's hands to provide for oneself and others in need. He emphasizes that stealing goes against Christian values of giving, servanthood, kindness, and goodness, diminishing self-worth and devaluing others. Wrather acknowledges the challenges some face in finding legitimate employment but encourages faith in God's provision and guidance to transition away from dishonest means of living. He shares personal experiences of trusting in God's faithfulness when faced with uncertainty, highlighting the need to believe in God's promises and rely on His sufficiency.
1 Thessalonians 4:9, 10
By St. John Chrysostom01TH 4:11John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of love among brethren, highlighting that God Himself teaches us to love one another, making it unnecessary to write about it. He encourages the congregation to excel in love and to work diligently, emphasizing the significance of industry over idleness. Chrysostom addresses the sorrow for the departed, urging believers not to grieve like those without hope but to find comfort in the promise of the Resurrection and the eternal life in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye study to be quiet - Though in general the Church at Thessalonica was pure and exemplary, yet there seem to have been some idle, tattling people among them, who disturbed the peace of others; persons who, under the pretense of religion, gadded about from house to house; did not work, but were burdensome to others; and were continually meddling with other people's business, making parties, and procuring their bread by religious gossiping. To these the apostle gives those directions which the whole Church of God should enforce wherever such troublesome and dangerous people are found; viz.: That they should study to be quiet, ἡσυχαζειν, to hold their peace, as their religious cant will never promote true religion; that they should do their own business, and let that of others alone; and that they should work with their own hands, and not be a burden to the Church of God, or to those well meaning but weak and inconsiderate people who entertain them, being imposed on by their apparent sanctity and glozing conversation. An idle person, though able to discourse like an angel, or pray like an apostle, cannot be a Christian; all such are hypocrites and deceivers; the true members of the Church of Christ walk, work, and labor.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
study to be quiet--Greek, "make it your ambition to be quiet, and to do your own business." In direct contrast to the world's ambition, which is, "to make a great stir," and "to be busybodies" (Th2 3:11-12). work with your own hands--The Thessalonian converts were, it thus seems, chiefly of the working classes. Their expectation of the immediate coming of Christ led some enthusiasts among them to neglect their daily work and be dependent on the bounty of others. See end of Th1 4:12. The expectation was right in so far as that the Church should be always looking for Him; but they were wrong in making it a ground for neglecting their daily work. The evil, as it subsequently became worse, is more strongly reproved in Th2 3:6-12.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And that ye study to be quiet,.... To live peaceably in their own families, and to give no disturbance to other families, by talebearing, whispering, and backbiting; to behave with quietness in the neighbourhood, town, or city, they dwell in, and to seek the peace thereof; and to lead a quiet and peaceable life, in all godliness and honesty, in the commonwealth, and under the government to which they belong; and not to create and encourage factions, divisions, animosities, and contentions, in their own church, or in any of the churches of Christ; and it becomes saints to make this their study, to be very solicitous for it, to strive for it, and pursue after it: the word used signifies to be ambitious of it, as what is a man's glory and honour, to emulate and strive to outdo each other, as who shall have the honour of being the quietest person, and the most peaceable member in the community: and to do your own business: or private business, or what is proper and peculiar to a man's self; to abide every man in his own calling wherein he is called, and attend the business of it, and not thrust himself into other families, and officiously take upon him, under a pretence of zeal, affection, and friendship, to inspect, direct, or manage the business of others: in short, he should not meddle with other people's business, but mind his own: and this is what the Jews call , "the way of the earth", or the business of life: "there are four things, (they say (a)) in which a man should employ himself continually, with all his might, and these are they, the law, and good works, and prayer, and the business of life;'' upon which the gloss has this note by way of explanation, "if a man is an artificer (let him attend) to his art; if a merchant to his merchandise, and if he is a soldier to war;'' and which may serve to illustrate the apostle's sense: and to work with your own hands; the reason of this is, because there were some among them, who would not work at all; see Th2 3:11 and by this instruction it appears, that the members of this church, in common, were such as were brought up to handicraft trades and businesses, and were poor and mean; and this was the general case of the primitive churches: it pleased God to choose and call the poor of this world, to whom the Gospel was preached, and they received it; few of the rulers among the Jews believed in Christ, and not many mighty, rich, or noble among the Gentiles were called; some there were, and in this church there were some of the chief women of the city, Act 17:4, and though these and others of the better sort, as well as ministers of the Gospel among them, who laboured in the word and doctrine, were not obliged by this to perform manual work and labour, yet were not exempted from all concern in the exhortation; it being proper and necessary, that all sorts of persons be employed in one sort of business or another, and to use diligence and application in it: the apostle's view being chiefly to inveigh against sloth and idleness, and to exhort to labour and industry as the most effectual method to preserve peace and quietness, and to keep persons from being troublesome and hurtful, in families, churches, and commonwealths: the reasons enforcing this follow in this and the next verse, as we commanded you; and the command of an apostle carries weight and authority with it, and ought to be obeyed; yea, they not only strictly enjoined a diligent application to business, but set them an example themselves, see Th1 2:9. (a) T. Bab. Beracot, fol. 32. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:11 To live a quiet life is to be respectable and not cause problems in the community. • working with your hands: Paul had previously instructed through his teaching (see 2 Thes 3:10) and personal example (2 Thes 3:7-9) that they should earn their own living.