Context shift
Paul moves from concern for the Thessalonians to direct exhortation.
Core appeal: “walk and to please God” – to do so abundantly.
Received instruction
They had already been taught “how ye ought to walk.”
Not a new path, but a continuation of what Paul delivered.
“As ye have received of us” anchors sanctification in Pauline teaching.
Not imagination or Israel’s law, but Paul’s instruction.
Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.”
Commandments of Christ
Verse 2 clarifies: Paul’s words are not opinions, but “commandments… by the Lord Jesus.”
Question: earthly ministry of Jesus or revelation from risen Christ?
Context favors the latter:
Thessalonians were not disciples during Jesus’ earthly ministry.
Their only source was Paul’s revelation from the risen Christ.
Cross-references:
Galatians 1:11–12 – gospel received “by revelation of Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 14:37 – Paul’s writings are “the commandments of the Lord.”
Application
This passage belongs in the blue doctrinal category (Body of Christ).
Our walk/ability to please God comes through Pauline revelation, not kingdom law.
Thessalonians—and we—are called to abound in this distinctive walk.
---------- Clear statement of God’s will
“This is the will of God, even your sanctification.”
Hagiasmos = quality of life set apart, not covenantal sainthood.
Definition of sanctification
Positive: “possess his vessel in sanctification and honour.”
Body treated with dignity, not indulgence.
Negative: avoid “lust of concupiscence” (epithymia = overpowering craving).
Root meanings: epi (upon, toward) + thymos (desire, passion).
Broader biblical usage includes all lustful dominance.
Contrast: Gentiles “which know not God” live in unrestrained lust.
Paul points to pagan society as negative example.
Warning against trespass
“No man go beyond and defraud his brother.”
“Go beyond” = stepping into another’s territory.
“Defraud” = overreach, take what is not one’s own.
Textual note
KJV: “in any matter” (italicized) vs. margin “in the matter.”
Greek definite article present – ambiguity between specific (sexual sin) and general (all dealings).
Reason given
“The Lord is the avenger of all such.”
Sexual sin: marriage/sexuality belongs to God.
Any matter: God defends His people from exploitation.
Avenging in age of grace: indirect through consequence, exposure, providence (Galatians 6:7).
Reminder
Thessalonians had already been forewarned.
Serious warning
Rejecting holiness = despising God, not man.
Paul’s instruction is God’s revealed will.
Spirit given
God “hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”
Apostolic age: Spirit empowered revelatory/miraculous gifts.
Current age: Spirit seals believers, sanctifies (Ephesians 1:13; 1 Corinthians 6:11).
Capitalization note (KJV)
“His holy Spirit” (not capitalized) emphasizes gift/operation rather than the Person.
“Holy Spirit” (capitalized) = the third Person of the Trinity (Luke 11:13).
“Holy Spirit” (lowercase holy only, e.g. Ephesians 4:30) = Spirit’s work/gift given.
“holy spirit” (lowercase both, e.g. Psalm 51:11) = spirit of a particular occasion described as holy.
