1 Thessalonians 4:12 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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

Walk - a continuous course.

Honestly - in the old English sense, 'becomingly:' as becomes your Christian profession: in contrast to "disorderly" (2 Thessalonians 3:6): not bringing discredit on it before the world, as if Christianity led to sloth and poverty (Romans 13:13; 1 Peter 2:12).

Them that are without - outside the Christian Church (Mark 4:11).

Have lack of nothing - not have to beg from others for your wants (cf. Ephesians 4:28). Ellicott, with Syriac and Vulgate, 'have need of no man.' So far from needing to beg from others, we ought to work, and get the means of supplying the needy. Freedom from pecuniary embarrassment is to be desired by the Christian on account of the liberty which it bestows.

1 Thessalonians 4:12

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