12. by—The oldest manuscripts read, "IN the Lord Jesus." So the Greek, 1Th 4:1, implying the sphere wherein such conduct is appropriate and consistent. "We exhort you thus, as ministers IN Christ, exhorting our people IN Christ."
with quietness—quiet industry; laying aside restless, bustling, intermeddling officiousness (2Th 3:11).
their own—bread earned by themselves, not another's bread (2Th 3:8).