ISB ~ 1 Thessalonians 4 v4

his own body:Literally, “his own vessel”. Both ancient and modern interpreters are divided over the precise meaning of the term “vessel”, which could refer to one’s body (2 Cor 4:7) or one’s wife (1 Pet 3:7). If the former, Paul is advocating chastity and self-control in contrast to the lust of the pagans (Tertullian, St. John Chrysostom); if the latter, Paul is advocating the honorable pursuit of marriage, not as an outlet for lust, but as a pure and holy partnership in the Lord (St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas). Either way, Paul is urging readers to master the passions associated with human sexuality.