1 Thessalonians 4:12 - Ellicott's Commentary On The Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Honestly. — Not in our modern sense of the word, but “honourably,” “creditably.”

Toward — i.e., ”in reference to,” “in your connection with.” The heathen were certain to be watching the conduct of the members of the new religion, and it would bring down political suspicion if they were seen to be acting more like agitators for a secret society than honest citizens who worked at their handicraft and calling.

Of nothing. — Right: the marginal version is hardly consistent with the Greek. Two purposes will be fulfilled by their industry: (1) to allay heathen suspicion; (2) to be well supplied themselves. It seems as if they had been reduced to begging of other Churches in return for their own expensive charities.

1 Thessalonians 4:12

12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.