1Th 4:3-7 | RWP | e4.org | Your sanctification ( ο αγιασμος υμων ). Found only in the Greek Bible and ecclesiastical writers from αγιαζω and both to take the place of the old words αγιζω, αγισμος with their technical ideas of consecration to a god or goddess that did not include holiness in life. So Paul makes a sharp and pointed stand here for the Christian idea of sanctification as being "the will of God" (apposition) and as further explained by the epexegetic infinitive that ye abstain from fornication ( απεχεσθα υμας απο της πορνειας ). Pagan religion did not demand sexual purity of its devotees, the gods and goddesses being grossly immoral. Priestesses were in the temples for the service of the men who came.

‏ 1 Thessalonians 4:3-7

Your sanctification ( ο αγιασμος υμων ). Found only in the Greek Bible and ecclesiastical writers from αγιαζω and both to take the place of the old words αγιζω, αγισμος with their technical ideas of consecration to a god or goddess that did not include holiness in life. So Paul makes a sharp and pointed stand here for the Christian idea of sanctification as being "the will of God" (apposition) and as further explained by the epexegetic infinitive

that ye abstain from fornication ( απεχεσθα υμας απο της πορνειας ). Pagan religion did not demand sexual purity of its devotees, the gods and goddesses being grossly immoral. Priestesses were in the temples for the service of the men who came.

That each one of you know how ( ειδενα εκαστον υμων ). Further epexegetic infinitive (second perfect active), learn how and so know how (learn the habit of purity).

To possess himself of his own vessel ( το εαυτου σκευος κτασθα ). Present middle infinitive of κταομα, to acquire, not κεκτησθα, to possess. But what does Paul mean by "his own vessel"? It can only mean his own body or his own wife. Objections are raised against either view, but perhaps he means that the man shall acquire his own wife "in sanctification and honour," words that elevate the wife and make it plain that Paul demands sexual purity on the part of men (married as well as unmarried). There is no double standard here. When the husband comes to the marriage bed, he should come as a chaste man to a chaste wife.

Not in the passion of lust ( μη εν παθε επιθυμιας ). Plain picture of the wrong way for the husband to come to marriage.

That know not God ( τα μη ειδοτα τον θεον ). Second perfect participle of οιδα. The heathen knew gods as licentious as they are themselves, but not God. One of the reasons for the revival of paganism in modern life is professedly this very thing that men wish to get rid of the inhibitions against licentiousness by God.

That no man transgress ( το μη υπερβαινειν ). Old verb to go beyond. Final use of το (accusative of general reference) and the infinitive (negative μη ), parallel to απεχεσθα and ειδενα κτασθα above.

And wrong his brother ( κα πλεονεκτειν τον αδελφον αυτου ). To take more, to overreach, to take advantage of, to defraud.

In the matter ( εν τω πραγματ ). The delicacy of Paul makes him refrain from plainer terms and the context makes it clear enough as in 2Co 7:11 ( τω πραγματ ).

An avenger ( εκδικος ). Regular term in the papyri for legal avenger. Modern men and women need to remember that God is the avenger for sexual wrongs both in this life and the next.

Not for uncleanness, but in sanctification ( επ ακαθαρσια αλλ' εν αγιασμω ). Sharp contrast made still sharper by the two prepositions επ (on the basis of) and εν (in the sphere of). God has "called" us all for a decent sex life consonant with his aims and purposes. It was necessary for Paul to place this lofty ideal before the Thessalonian Christians living in a pagan world. It is equally important now.