2 Thessalonians 3:15

Yet count [him] not as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.

Yet {G2532} count {G2233} him not {G3361} as {G5613} an enemy {G2190}, but {G235} admonish {G3560} him as {G5613} a brother {G80}.

But don’t consider him an enemy; on the contrary, confront him as a brother and try to help him change.

Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

And yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Commentary

In 2 Thessalonians 3:15, the Apostle Paul provides crucial guidance on how to treat a fellow believer who is living a disorderly life, particularly those he describes as idle or disobedient in the preceding verses. This verse strikes a vital balance between necessary church discipline and the enduring bond of Christian fellowship, emphasizing a restorative approach rather than outright condemnation.

Context

This verse concludes a section where Paul addresses specific issues within the Thessalonian church. He had previously instructed the community to "withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly" (2 Thessalonians 3:6), particularly those who were idle and becoming busybodies (2 Thessalonians 3:11). The withdrawal was intended to shame them into repentance, but Paul clarifies that this action should not lead to treating them as outsiders or enemies of the faith. Instead, the ultimate goal is their restoration and spiritual well-being within the Christian community.

Key Themes

  • Restorative Discipline: The primary message is that correction within the Christian community should always aim for restoration, not alienation. The purpose of "shaming" (from verse 14) is to lead to repentance, not to drive the individual away permanently.
  • Brotherly Love: Despite their disobedience, the individual is still to be regarded as a "brother." This underscores the enduring bond of Christian love and the importance of maintaining a loving attitude even when administering difficult truths. This contrasts sharply with how one might treat an actual "enemy" of the gospel or an outsider.
  • Accountability and Edification: The verse highlights the church's responsibility to hold its members accountable, but to do so in a way that builds them up and brings them back into conformity with Christ's teachings, rather than tearing them down. It’s an act of care, not condemnation.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "admonish" translates the Greek term noutheteite (νουθετεῖτε). This word implies more than just a harsh rebuke; it carries the sense of warning, counseling, instructing, or putting sense into someone's mind. It's about corrective teaching and loving persuasion, aimed at the mind and will, to bring about a change in behavior and attitude. It emphasizes gentle but firm instruction, rather than punitive action. The contrast with "enemy" (Greek polemion) further highlights the internal, family-like nature of this correction.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless wisdom for how believers and churches should approach internal conflicts and discipline.

  • Approach with Love: Any form of correction, whether formal church discipline or personal rebuke, must be rooted in genuine love and concern for the other person's spiritual health, not anger or judgment.
  • Focus on Restoration: The goal is always to see the erring brother or sister return to a right relationship with God and the community, not to ostracize them. This aligns with the broader biblical principle of restoring those caught in sin with a spirit of gentleness (Galatians 6:1).
  • Maintain Communication: Even when withdrawing fellowship, the door for communication and reconciliation should remain open. This is not excommunication, but a plea for repentance. This principle is also echoed in the steps for church discipline outlined in Matthew 18:15-17.

2 Thessalonians 3:15 serves as a powerful reminder that while accountability is vital within the Christian community, it must always be seasoned with grace and aimed at the ultimate good of the individual and the glory of God.

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Cross-References

  • Titus 3:10

    A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:14

    Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all [men].

  • 1 Corinthians 5:5

    To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

  • 1 Corinthians 4:14

    ¶ I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn [you].

  • Proverbs 9:9

    Give [instruction] to a wise [man], and he will be yet wiser: teach a just [man], and he will increase in learning.

  • Proverbs 25:12

    [As] an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, [so is] a wise reprover upon an obedient ear.

  • Galatians 6:1

    ¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.