Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

These exhortations find a twofold purpose. (1) The Thessalonians will “win the respect of outsiders,” i.e., those who have no connection with Christ and hence are outside the family of God. Such people readily recognize proper conduct and are repelled by those who do not carry their share of social responsibility. (2) They will not “be dependent on anybody.” Of course, independence in an absolute sense is neither possible nor even desirable. We must understand Paul’s admonitions not to be dependent in the light of the situation described in this section.