1 Thessalonians 4:12
Verse
Context
Sermons
Svend Christensen
George Fox
John GillGeorge FoxGeorge FoxSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye may walk honestly - Ευσχημονως· Becomingly, decently, respectably; as is consistent with the purity, holiness, gravity, and usefulness of your Christian calling. Them that are without - The unconverted Gentiles and Jews. See this expression explained at large on Col 4:5. That ye may have lack of nothing - That ye may be able to get your bread by honest labor, which God will ever bless; and be chargeable to no man. He that is dependent on another is necessarily in bondage; and he who is able to get his own bread by the sweat of his brow, should not be under obligation even to a king. I do not recollect whether, in any other part of this work, I have given the following story from the Hatem Tai Nameh. Hatem Tai was an Arabian nobleman, who flourished some time before the Mahommedan era; he was reputed the most generous and liberal man in all the east. One day he slew one hundred camels, and made a feast, to which all the Arabian lords and all the peasantry in the district were invited. About the time of the feast he took a walk towards a neighboring wood, to see if he could find any person whom he might invite to partake of the entertainment which he had then provided. Walking along the skirt of the wood, he espied an old man coming out of it, laden with a burden of faggots; he accosted him and asked if he had not heard of the entertainment made that day by Hatem Tai. The old man answered in the affirmative. He asked him why he did not attend and partake with the rest. The old man answered: "He that is able to gain his bread even by collecting faggots in the wood, should not be beholden even to Hatem Tai." This is a noble saying, and has long been a rule of conduct to the writer of this note.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
honestly--in the Old English sense, "becomingly," as becomes your Christian profession; not bringing discredit on it in the eyes of the outer world, as if Christianity led to sloth and poverty (Rom 13:13; Pe1 2:12). them . . . without--outside the Christian Church (Mar 4:11). have lack of nothing--not have to beg from others for the supply of your wants (compare Eph 4:28). So far from needing to beg from others, we ought to work and get the means of supplying the need of others. Freedom from pecuniary embarrassment is to be desired by the Christian on account of the liberty which it bestows.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye may walk honestly,.... Decently, in good credit and reputation, providing things honest in the sight of all men, for themselves and families, and honestly paying every man his own; on which account it became them to mind their own business, and work at their trades; otherwise their walk and conversation would be scandalous, and not honest and honourable: toward them that are without: the men of the world, who were without the church; see Co1 5:12 profane sinners, unconverted Gentiles, that were without Christ and hope, and God in the world, and were aliens and strangers; and yet care should be taken that no occasion be given to such to reproach the name of God, the ways of Christ, and the doctrines of the Gospel: and that ye may have lack of nothing; but have wherewith to supply the necessaries of life, and give to them also that stand in need, which is more blessed and honourable than to receive; or might not need any such instruction and exhortation, or any reproof for sloth and idleness; or not stand in need of "any man", as the Syriac version renders it; of the help and assistance of any, of any of those that are without, which would be dishonourable; or of them that are within, of the church, which might be burdensome. The Vulgate Latin version renders it, "that ye may not desire anything of anyone"; as the slothful man covets greedily all the day long what is another's, and this desire kills him, Pro 21:25 he covets an evil covetousness, and craves in a scandalous way the bread of others; when it would be more honourable for him to work with quietness, and eat his own bread got by honest labour, and not be beholden to another.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:12 Self-sufficiency and decorum would win the recognition and respect of people who are not believers (see Rom 13:13; 1 Cor 5:12-13; Col 4:5).
1 Thessalonians 4:12
Living to Please God
11and 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
Studies in Song of Solomon 01 His Head as Fine Gold
By Svend Christensen72445:411TH 1:91TH 2:71TH 4:11TH 4:121TH 5:8In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of 1 Thessalonians and highlights five key themes. Firstly, he discusses the progression of the Thessalonians' spiritual growth, comparing it to the stages of infancy, where they turned away from idols, were nurtured by Paul, and stood firm in their faith. Secondly, he emphasizes the importance of walking in a way that pleases God and being a good example to those outside the faith. Thirdly, he encourages believers to fight against spiritual battles by putting on the armor of God. The speaker then discusses the three-fold result of the Thessalonians' faith, as they became followers of God, examples to others, and witnesses of the gospel. Finally, he highlights the three-fold call for the Thessalonians to turn to God, serve Him, and eagerly await the return of Jesus. Throughout the sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of faith, salvation, and the need for a personal relationship with God.
Epistle 340
By George Fox0Godly ConductLiving in UnityDEU 28:5PSA 24:1PSA 139:3JER 9:31CO 3:7PHP 1:271TH 4:122PE 1:6George Fox addresses the community in New Jersey, urging them to remain in the fear of God and to keep the Lord at the forefront of their lives and actions. He emphasizes the importance of living in a manner that reflects the gospel, as their conduct will be observed by others, including the local Indians. Fox encourages the establishment of worship meetings and the cultivation of love and unity among the members, advising against disputes over material matters. He highlights the necessity of virtues such as temperance, patience, and brotherly love, which will foster a strong, supportive community under Christ's guidance. Ultimately, he reassures them that by adhering to these principles, they will experience God's blessings in all aspects of their lives.
1 Peter 2:12
By John Gill0Witnessing to Non-BelieversChristian ConductMAT 5:16ROM 12:172CO 8:21PHP 2:15COL 4:51TH 4:121TI 3:7TIT 2:7HEB 13:181PE 2:12John Gill emphasizes the importance of living an honest and upright life among non-believers, as instructed in 1 Peter 2:12. He explains that Christians, particularly Jewish converts, must conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the Gospel, especially when surrounded by those who may accuse them of wrongdoing. By demonstrating good works, believers can counteract false accusations and ultimately glorify God, whether in times of judgment or mercy. Gill highlights that the integrity of a Christian's life can lead others to recognize God's goodness and grace.
Epistle 349
By George Fox0GEN 3:15PRO 6:14JHN 8:44ROM 14:17ROM 16:11CO 4:201TH 4:12HEB 10:20JAS 1:27JAS 3:17REV 3:14REV 22:13George Fox preaches about the importance of staying in the Lord's power to maintain His kingdom in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, free from the devil's influence of strife and discord among brethren. He emphasizes the need to walk in the new and living way, separate from the dead ways of the world, and to uphold the pure religion established centuries ago to remain undefiled before God. Fox encourages adherence to the gospel of Christ, ensuring that men's and women's meetings are ordered by the wisdom of God, promoting peace and gentleness.
Epistle 309
By George Fox0PeaceRighteousnessEXO 23:1ISA 26:4ISA 28:16EZK 38:23MAT 5:9MAT 18:7LUK 2:49PHP 4:81TH 4:12HEB 7:2George Fox emphasizes the importance of seeking peace among all people, which is found in Christ and cannot be taken away by the world. He highlights the blessings for peacemakers and warns against causing strife and offense. Fox encourages believers to act and speak in the righteousness of Christ, ensuring that their actions reflect God's love and truth. He advises against spreading evil reports and stresses the need for careful judgment and virtuous conduct in all interactions. Ultimately, he calls for a focus on the presence and wisdom of God to maintain righteousness and peace within the community.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
That ye may walk honestly - Ευσχημονως· Becomingly, decently, respectably; as is consistent with the purity, holiness, gravity, and usefulness of your Christian calling. Them that are without - The unconverted Gentiles and Jews. See this expression explained at large on Col 4:5. That ye may have lack of nothing - That ye may be able to get your bread by honest labor, which God will ever bless; and be chargeable to no man. He that is dependent on another is necessarily in bondage; and he who is able to get his own bread by the sweat of his brow, should not be under obligation even to a king. I do not recollect whether, in any other part of this work, I have given the following story from the Hatem Tai Nameh. Hatem Tai was an Arabian nobleman, who flourished some time before the Mahommedan era; he was reputed the most generous and liberal man in all the east. One day he slew one hundred camels, and made a feast, to which all the Arabian lords and all the peasantry in the district were invited. About the time of the feast he took a walk towards a neighboring wood, to see if he could find any person whom he might invite to partake of the entertainment which he had then provided. Walking along the skirt of the wood, he espied an old man coming out of it, laden with a burden of faggots; he accosted him and asked if he had not heard of the entertainment made that day by Hatem Tai. The old man answered in the affirmative. He asked him why he did not attend and partake with the rest. The old man answered: "He that is able to gain his bread even by collecting faggots in the wood, should not be beholden even to Hatem Tai." This is a noble saying, and has long been a rule of conduct to the writer of this note.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
honestly--in the Old English sense, "becomingly," as becomes your Christian profession; not bringing discredit on it in the eyes of the outer world, as if Christianity led to sloth and poverty (Rom 13:13; Pe1 2:12). them . . . without--outside the Christian Church (Mar 4:11). have lack of nothing--not have to beg from others for the supply of your wants (compare Eph 4:28). So far from needing to beg from others, we ought to work and get the means of supplying the need of others. Freedom from pecuniary embarrassment is to be desired by the Christian on account of the liberty which it bestows.
John Gill Bible Commentary
That ye may walk honestly,.... Decently, in good credit and reputation, providing things honest in the sight of all men, for themselves and families, and honestly paying every man his own; on which account it became them to mind their own business, and work at their trades; otherwise their walk and conversation would be scandalous, and not honest and honourable: toward them that are without: the men of the world, who were without the church; see Co1 5:12 profane sinners, unconverted Gentiles, that were without Christ and hope, and God in the world, and were aliens and strangers; and yet care should be taken that no occasion be given to such to reproach the name of God, the ways of Christ, and the doctrines of the Gospel: and that ye may have lack of nothing; but have wherewith to supply the necessaries of life, and give to them also that stand in need, which is more blessed and honourable than to receive; or might not need any such instruction and exhortation, or any reproof for sloth and idleness; or not stand in need of "any man", as the Syriac version renders it; of the help and assistance of any, of any of those that are without, which would be dishonourable; or of them that are within, of the church, which might be burdensome. The Vulgate Latin version renders it, "that ye may not desire anything of anyone"; as the slothful man covets greedily all the day long what is another's, and this desire kills him, Pro 21:25 he covets an evil covetousness, and craves in a scandalous way the bread of others; when it would be more honourable for him to work with quietness, and eat his own bread got by honest labour, and not be beholden to another.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:12 Self-sufficiency and decorum would win the recognition and respect of people who are not believers (see Rom 13:13; 1 Cor 5:12-13; Col 4:5).