1 Thessalonians 4:8

“He therefore that despiseth, etc.] The Vulgate Latin adds, “these things”; these exhortations now delivered, the commandments given by the Lord Jesus Christ, and the will of God above declared; he that rejects these things with contempt, takes no notice of them, and acts not according to them, despiseth not man; not men only, the apostles of Christ, and ministers of the Gospel; for, by despising these exhortations, they themselves were despised, though not alone: but God; Father, Son, and Spirit; God the Father, whose will was their sanctification, even to abstain from fornication, and every act of uncleanness, which, if not attended to, was a despising of him; and the Lord Jesus Christ, by…”

“despiseth, &c.--Greek, "setteth at naught" such engagements imposed on him in his calling, Th1 4:7; in relation to his "brother," Th1 4:6. He who doth so, "sets at naught not man (as for instance his brother), but God" (Psa 51:4) is used of despising or rejecting God's minister, it may mean here, "He who despiseth" or "rejecteth" these our ministerial precepts. who hath also given unto us--So some oldest manuscripts read, but most oldest manuscripts read, "Who (without 'also') giveth (present) unto you" (not "us"). his Spirit--Greek, "His own Spirit, the Holy (One)"; thus emphatically marking "holiness" (Th1 4:7) as the end for which the Holy (One) is being given. "Unto you," in the Greek,…”

“He therefore that despiseth - Margin, “rejecteth.” That is, he who disregards such commands as these which call him to a holy life, is really rejecting and disobeying God. Some might be disposed to say that these were merely the precepts of man, and that therefore it was not important whether they were obeyed or not. The apostle assures them in the most solemn manner, that, though communicated to them by man, yet they were really the commands of God. Who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit - This is a claim to inspiration. Paul did not give these commands as his own, but as taught by the Spirit of God; compare notes on 1 Corinthians 7:40. return to 'Top of Page'”

“He that despiseth - The commandments we gave. Despiseth God - Himself. Who hath also given you his Holy Spirit - To convince you of the truth, and enable you to be holy. What naked majesty of words! How oratorical, and yet with what great simplicity! - a simplicity that does not impair, but improve, the understanding to the utmost; that, like the rays of heat through a glass, collects all the powers of reason into one orderly point, from being scattered abroad in utter confusion. 1 Thessalonians 4:9”

“4:8 Rejecting Paul’s teaching on these matters was the same as rejecting God. • The Holy Spirit empowers Christians to live in accord with God’s will (Ezek 36:27; Rom 8:1-4; Gal 5:16; 1 Jn 3:24).”

“despiseth: or, rejecteth, Sa1 8:7, Sa1 10:19; Joh 12:48 despiseth not: Pro 1:7, Pro 23:9; Isa 49:7, Isa 53:10; Luk 10:16; Act 13:41; Jde 1:8 who: Neh 9:30; Act 5:3, Act 5:4; Co1 2:10, Co1 7:40; Pe1 1:12; Pe2 1:21; Jo1 3:24 1 Thessalonians 4:9”