I Thessalonians 4:6
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and no one should ever violate or exploit his brother in this regard, because the Lord will avenge all such acts, as we have already told you and solemnly warned you.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
go beyond--transgress the bounds of rectitude in respect to his "brother." defraud--"overreach" [ALFORD]; "take advantage of" [EDMUNDS]. in any matter--rather as Greek, "in the matter"; a decorous expression for the matter now in question; the conjugal honor of his neighbor as a husband, Th1 4:4; Th1 4:7 also confirms this view; the word "brother" enhances the enormity of the crime. It is your brother whom you wrong (compare Pro 6:27-33). the Lord--the coming Judge (Th2 1:7-8). avenger--the Righter. of all such--Greek, "concerning all these things;" in all such cases of wrongs against a neighbor's conjugal honor. testified--Greek, "constantly testified [ALFORD].
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle gives earnest exhortations to abound in holiness, with a caution against uncleanness, enforced with several arguments (Th1 4:1-8). He then mentions the great duties of brotherly love, and quietness with industry in our callings (Th1 4:9-12). And concludes with comforting those who mourned for their relations and friends that died in the Lord (Th1 4:13-18).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, or his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”
Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.”
You shall not steal.
The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.
He who robs his father or mother, saying, “It is not wrong,” is a companion to the man who destroys.
But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court?
and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
For he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not carry the sword in vain. He is God’s servant, an agent of retribution to the wrongdoer.
But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear the One who, after you have been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear Him!