1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 - each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable ...

It is God's will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God;

For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication: That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor, not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God;

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Commentary

Sexual immorality or "fornication" (Greek: porneia) refers to all sexual indulgence outside marriage.

Did you know?

Pagan religions often condoned sexual immorality as part of their rites, and ancient Roman culture had few sexual boundaries. In contrast, Paul strongly urged the Thessalonians not to participate in any sexual activity outside of marriage. He reminded them that the human body is God's temple and should be kept holy (1 Cor. 6:18-20). The body should be honored as created by God and should be sanctified in keeping with its holy purpose.

Radmacher, E. D., Allen, R. B., & House, H. W. (1999). Nelson's new illustrated Bible commentary (1 Th 4:3-8). Nashville: T. Nelson Publishers.