1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

Context

1 Thessalonians is a letter from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1). Beginning in chapter 4, the letter turns to exhortations about daily conduct. This passage follows exhortations to holy living (4:1-8) and to brotherly love (4:9-10), and it is immediately followed by teaching on the coming of the Lord and on believers who have already died (4:13-18). The phrase "as we commanded you" indicates that Paul had already taught these things when he founded the church. Paul writes that he himself labored night and day while preaching the gospel in Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:9).

Interpretation

• Eschatological reading: Many commentators hold that some members of the Thessalonian church, believing the Second Coming to be imminent, had stopped working and were living off other believers. Two points are offered in support: the teaching on the Second Coming follows directly after this passage, and 2 Thessalonians speaks even more forcefully: "if any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
• Social-historical reading: Some scholars read the passage against the background of patronage in Greco-Roman society, that is, the practice of living in dependence on wealthy patrons. It is also read as a response to the prevailing disdain for manual labor. On this reading, the heart of the exhortation is self-reliance rather than dependence on others.
• Reading as the practice of love: Another interpretation reads the passage together with the immediately preceding exhortation to brotherly love (4:9-10). On this view, carrying one's own share and not becoming a burden to the community is a concrete way of practicing love.

The Greek expression rendered "study to be quiet" (Korean Revised Version jongyonghayeo; New Korean Revised Version joyonghi, "quietly") means something close to "strive to live quietly," or more literally, "make it a point of honor to live quietly." It is usually understood as an instruction not to meddle in others' affairs or stir up trouble. "Them that are without" refers to people outside the church. The expression reflects a concern that believers' conduct affects the church's reputation in the wider society.

Questions of Application

The passage is not a point of sharp disagreement among denominations. Opinions differ, however, on whether "be quiet" may be extended to mean that Christians should stay out of social and political issues. Those who emphasize social engagement regard the passage as an exhortation addressing the practical problems of a particular community. Others take it as a general principle of restrained conduct that Christians should observe. The passage is also cited in explanations of the Protestant understanding of vocation and the work ethic.

In the Korean Church

The passage is frequently cited in sermons on working life and the work ethic. Because the Korean Revised Version's word jongyonghayeo is no longer in common use, the New Korean Revised Version replaced it with joyonghi ("quietly").

Related Passages

• 1 Thessalonians 2:9
• 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9
• 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12
• Ephesians 4:28
• Acts 20:34-35