Abstract:
The author argues that 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 should be considered as one coherent
pericope. It shows that the term "holiest" does not refer to the god "Kabeiros", neither that
the Greek word "skeuos" means either "spouse" or referring to the male sexual organ. It
rather means "body". The article aims to argue that 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 is a passage in which Paul
urges the Thessalonians to be always pure in body and mind. Thus explained, the pericope fits in
with the preceding text about the Thessalonians' holiness at the parousia (3:13) and it prepares for
the next paragraph in which the parousia of the Lord with the holy people (3:13) is discussed more
thoroughly (1 Th 4:13-5:11).
