‏ 1 Thessalonians 4

1:4 knowing, (a-1) Oida, 'know consciously,' as throughout 1 and 2Thess., except 1Thess. 3.5.4:1 please (e-29) I do not say 'to please,' because then pleasing God would be a distinct object. Here it is rather 'to walk so as to please.' The point is, the 'how,' that is, the manner of doing it, not that it ought to be an object, however true that may be. 4:3 will (f-5) The article is not before 'will' in Greek, and the force is much increased thereby. It is not merely the fact that God wills so, but it is a matter of God's will. God is looked at as a person in authority (not merely a divine Being), but the will is looked at characteristically, not merely as a fact that he so wills. This is of such a character that God himself wills it. sanctification, (g-10) Hagiasmos. See Note i at Rom. 1.4. 4:4 sanctification (g-13) Hagiasmos. See Note i at Rom. 1.4. possess (h-8) The Greek is not, I think, 'acquire,' but 'come into possession of,' the difference being great in moral things. What I possess myself of, I possess when the action is complete and permanent. Thus Luke 18.12; 21.19. You cannot say 'acquire your souls by patience.' 'Keep,' 'preserve,' is a kindred sense of the word. 4:6 matter, (i-12) A mild expression for intercourse with a female, as his wife or another's. 4:7 sanctification. (g-11) Hagiasmos. See Note i at Rom. 1.4. to (k-7) Epi, the characterizing condition. see Rom. 10.19. 4:12 one. (l-15) Or 'of nothing.'