Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Thessalonians 4:12

"that ye may walk becomingly toward them that are without, and may have need of nothing." — 1 Thessalonians 4:12 (ASV)

Honestly.—Not in our modern sense of the word, but “honourably,” “creditably.”

Toward—i.e., “in reference to,” “in your connection with.” The non-Christians were certain to be watching the conduct of the members of the new religion, and it would bring down political suspicion if they were seen to be acting more like agitators for a secret society than honest citizens who worked at their handicraft and calling.

Of nothing.—Right: the marginal version is hardly consistent with the Greek. Two purposes will be fulfilled by their industry:

1. To allay non-Christian suspicion;
2. To be well supplied themselves.

It seems as if they had been reduced to begging from other Churches in return for their own expensive charities.