1 Thessalonians 4:1–9

Verse 1. In this chapter the apostle begins to remind them of their obligation of always striving to increase in virtue. Though he praises them through the whole epistle, he still thinks it necessary to warn them not to be surprised in uncleanness. He repeats what he had taught them before; first, that there is vengeance awaiting the workers of evil; and secondly, that the favour of God is the reward of those who deal with the brethren in simplicity, and preserve themselves from the defilements of the Gentiles. Saint Ambrose, Comment. hic.

Verse 4. His vessel. That is, his own body. See 1 Kennicott. 21:5. Witham.

literally, possess his own vessel

Verse 6. That no man overreach, nor deceive his brother in business. [1] The Prot. and Mr. N. even in their translations, add, in any matter, because some expound it of frauds and circumventions in any kind of business. But this addition of any, should be left out, seeing the best interpreters expound it of a prohibition of adultery, and the injury thereby done to another, and of sins of that kind only, which is confirmed by what follows and what goes before. See S. Jerom in c. iv. ad Ephes. tom. 4. p. 369. Saint John Chrysostom serm. 3 on this place. Here, says he, he speaks of adultery, as before of fornication, and so forth See Theodoret, Theophylact. Estius, Menochius, A. Lapide, and so forth Witham.