Deeper Reflection
PAUL EXHORTS THE THESSALONIANS TO WALK “TO PLEASE God” (v.1) – particularly in holiness and specifically to “abstain from sexual immorality” (v.3). Verse 4a is “the most difficult phrase in the whole letter”⁴, which can be translated as “living with his wife (skeous) in holiness and honour”⁵ or “to control his own body (skeous)”. The “great majority of modern commentators”⁶ take the former translation, which fits the context with Paul warning against transgressing and wronging one’s brother through sexual immorality (v.6).Sexual laxity and promiscuity was prevalent in the Graeco-Roman world.⁷ It was “widely accepted that men either could not or would not limit themselves to their wife as their only sexual partner”⁸. Men would have mistresses, slaves who could become their concubines easily, and casual gratification readily available from harlots.⁹ For the Thessalonians, the temptation to conform to such immoral culture, environment and lifestyle was so great that it required Paul’s solemn forewarning and repeated warning (v.6).Paul gives very strong theological impetus for his warning against sexual immorality: “to please God” (v.1), “the will of God” (v.3), “know God” (v.5), “God has called us to holiness” (v.7) and “God, who gives His Holy Spirit” (v.8). Immoral living is an affront to God Himself: “whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God” (v.8). God will judge His people: “the Lord is an avenger in these things” (v.6). That “Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thess 1:10) does not mean that God will not judge us of our sins at the present time.

---

⁴ John R. W. Stott, The Message of Thessalonians, The Bible Speaks Today (IVP, 1991), 82 ⁵ G. K. Beale, 1-2 Thessalonians, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (IVP Academic, 2003), 118 ⁶ John R. W. Stott, 83 ⁷ John R. W. Stott, 81 ⁸ John R. W. Stott, 83 ⁹ F. F. Bruce, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, Word Biblical Commentary (Nelson, 1982), 82