1 Thessalonians 4:11-13
The Voice
11 and make it your goal to lead a peaceful life, mind your own business, and keep your hands busy in your work, as we have instructed you. 12 That way you will live peacefully with those on the outside, and all your needs will be met without depending on others.
What a beautiful, dramatic transformation! This is Paul’s progression from spoon-feeding people better moral choices to trusting them to live by love according to the conviction of the Spirit, their guide to becoming active participants in the kingdom of God. Paul is acknowledging that there is a power at work that is much greater than his pen. In fact, the same Spirit that inspires Paul’s words in these letters is teaching the believers in Thessalonica to live as true believers and teaches us still today.
13 Brothers and sisters, we want you to be fully informed about those who have fallen asleep in death so that you will not be overwhelmed with grief like those who live outside of the true hope.
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1 Thessalonians 4:11-13
New International Version
11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands,(A) just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders(B) and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.
Believers Who Have Died
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed(C) about those who sleep in death,(D) so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.(E)
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