A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Thessalonians 4

Finally (λοιπον). Accusative of general reference of λοιπος, as for the rest. It does not mean actual conclusion, but merely a colloquial expression pointing towards the end (Milligan) as in 2 Corinthians 13:11; 2 Timothy 4:8. So το λοιπον in 2 Thessalonians 3:1; Php 3:1; 4:8.

We beseech (ερωτωμεν). Not "question" as in ancient Greek, but as often in N.T. (1 Thessalonians 5:12; 2 Thessalonians 2:1) and also in papyri to make urgent request of one.

How ye ought (το πως δε υμας). Literally, explanatory articular indirect question (το πως) after παρελαβητε according to common classic idiom in Luke (Luke 1:62; 22:2,4,23,24) and Paul (Romans 8:26).

That ye abound (ινα περισσευητε). Loose construction of the ινα clause with present subjunctive after two subordinate clauses with καθως (as, even as) to be connected with "beseech and exhort."

More and more (μαλλον). Simply

more , but added to same idea in περισσευητε. See also verse 11.

What charge (τινας παραγγελιας). Plural, charges or precepts, command (Acts 16:24), prohibition (Acts 5:28), right living (1 Timothy 1:5). Military term in Xenophon and Polybius.

Your sanctification (ο αγιασμος υμων). Found only in the Greek Bible and ecclesiastical writers from αγιαζω and both to take the place of the old words αγιζω, αγισμος with their technical ideas of consecration to a god or goddess that did not include holiness in life. So Paul makes a sharp and pointed stand here for the Christian idea of sanctification as being "the will of God" (apposition) and as further explained by the epexegetic infinitive

that ye abstain from fornication (απεχεσθα υμας απο της πορνειας). Pagan religion did not demand sexual purity of its devotees, the gods and goddesses being grossly immoral. Priestesses were in the temples for the service of the men who came.

That each one of you know how (ειδενα εκαστον υμων). Further epexegetic infinitive (second perfect active), learn how and so know how (learn the habit of purity).

To possess himself of his own vessel (το εαυτου σκευος κτασθα). Present middle infinitive of κταομα, to acquire, not κεκτησθα, to possess. But what does Paul mean by "his own vessel"? It can only mean his own body or his own wife. Objections are raised against either view, but perhaps he means that the man shall acquire his own wife "in sanctification and honour," words that elevate the wife and make it plain that Paul demands sexual purity on the part of men (married as well as unmarried). There is no double standard here. When the husband comes to the marriage bed, he should come as a chaste man to a chaste wife.

Not in the passion of lust (μη εν παθε επιθυμιας). Plain picture of the wrong way for the husband to come to marriage.

That know not God (τα μη ειδοτα τον θεον). Second perfect participle of οιδα. The heathen knew gods as licentious as they are themselves, but not God. One of the reasons for the revival of paganism in modern life is professedly this very thing that men wish to get rid of the inhibitions against licentiousness by God.