Discovery Box1 Thessalonians 4:4-8 
Context4:4 that each of you know how to possess his own body 1 in holiness and honor, 4:5 not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God. 4:6 In this matter no one should violate the rights of his brother or take advantage of him, 2 because the Lord is the avenger in all these cases, 3 as we also told you earlier and warned you solemnly. 4:7 For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness. 4:8 Consequently the one who rejects this is not rejecting human authority 4 but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.
1 tn Grk “to gain [or possess] his own vessel.” “Vessel” is most likely used figuratively for “body” (cf. 2 Cor 4:7). Some take it to mean “wife” (thus, “to take a wife for himself” or “to live with his wife”), but this is less likely. See J. Smith, “1 Thess 4:4 – Breaking the Impasse,” BBR 10 (Fall 2000), who argues that “vessel” in this context is very likely a euphemism for the sexual organs.
2 tn Grk “not to transgress against or defraud his brother in the matter,” continuing the sentence of vv. 3-5.
3 tn Grk “concerning all these things.”
4 tn Grk “rejecting man.”
