2 Thessalonians Chapter 3
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you,
2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command.
5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love, and into the perseverance of Christ.
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.
7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn't behave ourselves rebelliously amongst you,
8 neither did we eat bread from anyone's hand without paying for it, but in labour and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you,
9 not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone is not willing to work, don't let him eat."
11 For we hear of some who walk amongst you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness and eat their own bread.
13 But you, brothers, don't be weary in doing what is right.
14 If any man doesn't obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed.
15 Don't count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
17 The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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2 Thessalonians Chapter 3 Guide
In conclusion the apostle urged them to pray for him that the preaching of the Word in other places might be with power and victory. He affirmed his confidence in them, and expressed his desire for their continual patience.
In a very practical way he rebuked those who were neglecting their earthly calling, making themselves chargeable to the care of others. As he had not withdrawn himself from the ordinary avocation of his life while ministering the Word to them, it was of the utmost importance that they should walk by the same rule. The true attitude of "waiting for the Son" is ever unceasing fidelity to all the responsibilities of the present.
In view of this, the apostle laid down the principle that "if any will not work, neither let him eat." Any view of life which makes work distasteful and causes its neglect is wrong.
The letter closes with the apostle's words of tender desire for these Thessalonian Christians. He does not forget their troublous circumstances, and he supremely desires peace for them. However, for him, peace is associated only with the Lordship of Jesus, whom he here speaks of as the "Lord of peace," and whose presence he evidently considers will assure the Thessalonians that very blessing.
The personal salutation and the apostle's declaration that such signature is guarantee of the genuineness of his writing were for their safeguarding against spurious communications, such as had caused them trouble in the matter of the Advent. There is the addition of one little word in this final benediction as compared with its form in the first Epistle. It is the word "all." Thus the apostle takes in those whom he had been rebuking and correcting, and so reveals the greatness of his heart and his love.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
2 Thessalonians Chapter 3 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The apostle expresses confidence in the Thessalonians, and prays for them. -- (1-5)
- He charges them to withdraw from disorderly walkers, particularly from the lazy and busybodies. -- (6-15)
- And concludes with a prayer for them, and a greeting. -- (16-18)
Verses 1-5
Those who are far apart still may meet together at the throne of grace; and those not able to do or receive any other kindness, may in this way do and receive real and very great kindness. Enemies to the preaching of the gospel, and persecutors of its faithful preachers, are unreasonable and wicked men. Many do not believe the gospel; and no wonder if such are restless and show malice in their endeavours to oppose it. The evil of sin is the greatest evil, but there are other evils we need to be preserved from, and we have encouragement to depend upon the grace of God. When once the promise is made, the performance is sure and certain. The apostle had confidence in them, but that was founded upon his confidence in God; for there is otherwise no confidence in man. He prays for them for spiritual blessings. It is our sin and our misery, that we place our affections upon wrong objects. There is not true love of God, without faith in Jesus Christ. If, by the special grace of God, we have that faith which multitudes have not, we should earnestly pray that we may be enabled, without reserve, to obey his commands, and that we may be enabled, without reserve, to the love of God, and the patience of Christ.
Verses 6-15
Those who have received the gospel, are to live according to the gospel. Such as could work, and would not, were not to be maintained in idleness. Christianity is not to countenance slothfulness, which would consume what is meant to encourage the industrious, and to support the sick and afflicted. Industry in our callings as men, is a duty required by our calling as Christians. But some expected to be maintained in idleness, and indulged a curious and conceited temper. They meddled with the concerns of others, and did much harm. It is a great error and abuse of religion, to make it a cloak for idleness or any other sin. The servant who waits for the coming of his Lord aright, must be working as his Lord has commanded. If we are idle, the devil and a corrupt heart will soon find us somewhat to do. The mind of man is a busy thing; if it is not employed in doing good, it will be doing evil. It is an excellent, but rare union, to be active in our own business, yet quiet as to other people's. If any refused to labour with quietness, they were to note him with censure, and to separate from his company, yet they were to seek his good by loving admonitions. The Lords is with you while you are with him. Hold on your way, and hold on to the end. We must never give over, or tire in our work. It will be time enough to rest when we come to heaven.
Verses 16-18
The apostle prays for the Thessalonians. And let us desire the same blessings for ourselves and our friends. Peace with God. This peace is desired for them always, or in every thing. Peace by all means; in every way; that, as they enjoyed the means of grace, they might use all methods to secure peace. We need nothing more to make us safe and happy, nor can we desire any thing better for ourselves and our friends, than to have God's gracious presence with us and them. No matter where we are, if God be with us; nor who is absent, if God be present. It is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we hope to have peace with God, and to enjoy the presence of God. This grace is all in all to make us happy; though we wish ever so much to others, there remains enough for ourselves.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.