II Thessalonians 3 Commentary
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.
This chapter concludes Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, building upon the themes of the previous chapters. After addressing the confusion surrounding the Day of the Lord in chapter 2, Paul now shifts his focus to practical Christian living, emphasizing the importance of prayer, diligence, and proper conduct within the church. He encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and to avoid idleness, while also offering a final prayer for peace and grace. This chapter offers timeless wisdom for believers seeking to live faithfully in a challenging world.
Prayer for the Gospel and Protection (II Thessalonians 3:1-5)
Paul begins this chapter with a direct and heartfelt request: "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you" (II Thessalonians 3:1). He understands the vital role of prayer in the advancement of the gospel. Just as he needed prayer, so do all who serve in ministry. Paul asks for prayer that the message of Christ would spread rapidly and be received with honor. This echoes his desire to see God's purposes fulfilled.
He also requests prayer for protection: "and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not all have faith" (II Thessalonians 3:2). Paul recognizes the spiritual battle he and his companions face. He understands that opposition to the gospel is real and that not everyone embraces faith. This reminds us that proclaiming the gospel often involves encountering resistance and hostility. Paul's request highlights the need for discernment, as some may profess faith without genuinely possessing it, and their hypocrisy can be detrimental. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens."
Despite the challenges, Paul expresses confidence in God's faithfulness: "But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one" (II Thessalonians 3:3). While people may be unreliable, God remains steadfast. He promises to strengthen and protect believers from the schemes of the evil one. This underscores the importance of being in fellowship with other believers, where we can experience God's presence and find mutual encouragement.
Paul's confidence extends to the Thessalonians themselves: "And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command" (II Thessalonians 3:4). He trusts that they are obedient to his teachings. He prays that God would "direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ" (II Thessalonians 3:5). This prayer reveals Paul's desire for the Thessalonians to not only obey outwardly but also to have their hearts deeply rooted in God's love and Christ's perseverance.
Addressing Idleness in the Church (II Thessalonians 3:6-15)
Paul then turns to a practical issue within the Thessalonian church: idleness. He commands them "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us" (II Thessalonians 3:6). Paul is clear that this matter is serious. He instructs the Thessalonians to distance themselves from those who are idle and not living according to the teachings they received.
He points to his own example as a model of diligence: "For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle among you" (II Thessalonians 3:7). Paul reminds them that he and his companions worked hard to provide for themselves, refusing to be a burden to anyone. He emphasizes, "nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you" (II Thessalonians 3:8). This wasn't because they lacked the right to receive support, but to set an example.
Paul then states a firm principle: "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (II Thessalonians 3:10). This is not a license to neglect the truly needy, but a rebuke to those who are able but unwilling to work. It's a crucial reminder that while charity is essential, it should not enable laziness. We must consider the whole counsel of God and not simply pick verses for convenience.
Paul addresses a specific problem: "For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at all, but busybodies" (II Thessalonians 3:11). He rebukes those who are not only idle but also meddling in the affairs of others. He commands them "to work quietly and to earn their own living" (II Thessalonians 3:12). This highlights the importance of personal responsibility. If we don’t occupy our time with the right thing, we’re going to occupy it with the wrong thing.
Paul provides instructions for dealing with those who disobey his teaching: "If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, note that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed" (II Thessalonians 3:14). This is not to be done out of malice, but for the purpose of correction. He clarifies, "Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother" (II Thessalonians 3:15). Sometimes, a brother needs a lesson. This is a reminder that those who won’t take personal responsibility and obey the Word of God need to experience legitimate guilt.
This passage emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic and the need for the church to address idleness responsibly. It highlights the balance between providing for the needy and encouraging personal responsibility. There are four tiers of responsibility: personal, family, church, and finally, state responsibility, which should be the very last resort.
A Final Prayer for Peace and Grace (II Thessalonians 3:16-18)
Paul concludes his letter with a prayer for peace: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all" (II Thessalonians 3:16). He invokes God as the "Lord of peace," desiring that they experience His peace continually and in every aspect of their lives. This peace is internal harmony that remains regardless of external circumstances.
He also offers a final word of authentication: "I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write" (II Thessalonians 3:17). This confirms the authenticity of the letter and assures the Thessalonians that it truly comes from him.
Finally, Paul closes with a benediction of grace: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all" (II Thessalonians 3:18). He prays that the undeserved favor of God would be upon them. Grace is God doing for you what you don’t deserve and can’t earn. It is His unmerited favor. This final blessing encapsulates the essence of the gospel and leaves the Thessalonians with a powerful reminder of God's love and provision. God is always present, and He gives us the grace needed for each day.
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.
This chapter concludes Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, building upon the themes of the previous chapters. After addressing the confusion surrounding the Day of the Lord in chapter 2, Paul now shifts his focus to practical Christian living, emphasizing the importance of prayer, diligence, and proper conduct within the church. He encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and to avoid idleness, while also offering a final prayer for peace and grace. This chapter offers timeless wisdom for believers seeking to live faithfully in a challenging world.
Prayer for the Gospel and Protection (II Thessalonians 3:1-5)
Paul begins this chapter with a direct and heartfelt request: "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you" (II Thessalonians 3:1). He understands the vital role of prayer in the advancement of the gospel. Just as he needed prayer, so do all who serve in ministry. Paul asks for prayer that the message of Christ would spread rapidly and be received with honor. This echoes his desire to see God's purposes fulfilled.
He also requests prayer for protection: "and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not all have faith" (II Thessalonians 3:2). Paul recognizes the spiritual battle he and his companions face. He understands that opposition to the gospel is real and that not everyone embraces faith. This reminds us that proclaiming the gospel often involves encountering resistance and hostility. Paul's request highlights the need for discernment, as some may profess faith without genuinely possessing it, and their hypocrisy can be detrimental. As Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens."
Despite the challenges, Paul expresses confidence in God's faithfulness: "But the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and guard you against the evil one" (II Thessalonians 3:3). While people may be unreliable, God remains steadfast. He promises to strengthen and protect believers from the schemes of the evil one. This underscores the importance of being in fellowship with other believers, where we can experience God's presence and find mutual encouragement.
Paul's confidence extends to the Thessalonians themselves: "And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command" (II Thessalonians 3:4). He trusts that they are obedient to his teachings. He prays that God would "direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ" (II Thessalonians 3:5). This prayer reveals Paul's desire for the Thessalonians to not only obey outwardly but also to have their hearts deeply rooted in God's love and Christ's perseverance.
Addressing Idleness in the Church (II Thessalonians 3:6-15)
Paul then turns to a practical issue within the Thessalonian church: idleness. He commands them "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us" (II Thessalonians 3:6). Paul is clear that this matter is serious. He instructs the Thessalonians to distance themselves from those who are idle and not living according to the teachings they received.
He points to his own example as a model of diligence: "For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle among you" (II Thessalonians 3:7). Paul reminds them that he and his companions worked hard to provide for themselves, refusing to be a burden to anyone. He emphasizes, "nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you" (II Thessalonians 3:8). This wasn't because they lacked the right to receive support, but to set an example.
Paul then states a firm principle: "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat" (II Thessalonians 3:10). This is not a license to neglect the truly needy, but a rebuke to those who are able but unwilling to work. It's a crucial reminder that while charity is essential, it should not enable laziness. We must consider the whole counsel of God and not simply pick verses for convenience.
Paul addresses a specific problem: "For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at all, but busybodies" (II Thessalonians 3:11). He rebukes those who are not only idle but also meddling in the affairs of others. He commands them "to work quietly and to earn their own living" (II Thessalonians 3:12). This highlights the importance of personal responsibility. If we don’t occupy our time with the right thing, we’re going to occupy it with the wrong thing.
Paul provides instructions for dealing with those who disobey his teaching: "If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, note that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed" (II Thessalonians 3:14). This is not to be done out of malice, but for the purpose of correction. He clarifies, "Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother" (II Thessalonians 3:15). Sometimes, a brother needs a lesson. This is a reminder that those who won’t take personal responsibility and obey the Word of God need to experience legitimate guilt.
This passage emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic and the need for the church to address idleness responsibly. It highlights the balance between providing for the needy and encouraging personal responsibility. There are four tiers of responsibility: personal, family, church, and finally, state responsibility, which should be the very last resort.
A Final Prayer for Peace and Grace (II Thessalonians 3:16-18)
Paul concludes his letter with a prayer for peace: "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all" (II Thessalonians 3:16). He invokes God as the "Lord of peace," desiring that they experience His peace continually and in every aspect of their lives. This peace is internal harmony that remains regardless of external circumstances.
He also offers a final word of authentication: "I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write" (II Thessalonians 3:17). This confirms the authenticity of the letter and assures the Thessalonians that it truly comes from him.
Finally, Paul closes with a benediction of grace: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all" (II Thessalonians 3:18). He prays that the undeserved favor of God would be upon them. Grace is God doing for you what you don’t deserve and can’t earn. It is His unmerited favor. This final blessing encapsulates the essence of the gospel and leaves the Thessalonians with a powerful reminder of God's love and provision. God is always present, and He gives us the grace needed for each day.