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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJohn Bengel Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 4:11 - 4:11
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1Th 4:11. Φιλοτιμεῖσθαι ἡσυχάζειν) that you study (be ambitious) to be quiet) An Oxymoron.[15] Political ambition is ashamed to be quiet. Its opposite is περιεργάζεσθαι [to be busybodies, opposed to, with quietness-work], 2Th 3:11-12. It is therefore added here, πράσσειν τὰ ἴδια, to do your own business. There is, however, a strict propriety imparted to the word φιλοτιμεῖσθαι from 1Th 4:12, at the end.[16]-ἐργάζεσθαι, to labour) It was necessary to mention this to men who had acquired a taste for heaven. Men immersed in the world labour of their own accord. The admonition increases in force at 2Th 3:6-7.
[15] See App. The figure by which things contrary (as here ambition and quiet) are acutely and wisely joined together.
[16] i.e. “Having nothing which you need” to solicit ambitiously from others.-ED.