1 THESSALONIANS 4:4 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;”
That each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor — the Greek (skeuos) typically refers to the body as the 'vessel' through which the soul operates; self-mastery over the body is prerequisite to holiness. 'In honor' (en timē) elevates bodily discipline beyond mere asceticism to reverent stewardship. The body is not the enemy but the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Church Fathers on 1 Thessalonians 4:4
He says, “That each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel.” It is, then, a matter to be learned, and that diligently, not to be wanton. But we possess our vessel, when it is pure; when it is impure, sin possesses it. And reasonably. For it does not do the things which we wish, but what sin commands. “Not in the passion of lust,” he says. Here he shows also the manner, according to which one ought to be temperate; that we should cut off the passions of lust.…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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