3:3 3:3

2 Thessalonians 3:4

3:5 3:5

Bible Versions

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
And {G1161} we have confidence {G3982} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962} touching {G1909} you {G5209}, that {G3754} ye both {G2532} do {G4160} and {G2532} will do {G4160} the things which {G3739} we command {G3853} you {G5213}.
Yes, united with the Lord we are confident about you, that you are doing the things we are telling you to do, and that you will keep on doing them.
And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command.

Context of 2 Thessalonians 3:4

This verse comes towards the end of Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica, a community he deeply cared for and had established. The letter addresses several issues, including eschatological confusion, false teachings, and a significant problem of idleness among some members (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Prior to this verse, Paul has just requested prayer for himself and his companions, and for the swift spread of the gospel, while also expressing trust in the Lord to protect the Thessalonians from evil (2 Thessalonians 3:3). In 2 Thessalonians 3:4, Paul pivots from his prayer for them to an expression of his own deep conviction regarding their faithfulness and obedience.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Apostolic Confidence in the Lord: Paul's assurance is not based on the Thessalonians' inherent strength or perfect track record, but "in the Lord." This highlights a profound theological truth: Christian growth and obedience are ultimately God's work in His people. Paul's confidence stems from his belief that God, who began a good work in them, will continue to bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).
  • Present and Future Obedience: The phrase "both do and will do" emphasizes the continuous nature of their obedience. It acknowledges their current adherence to the apostolic instructions and expresses an expectation of their continued faithfulness. This speaks to the importance of perseverance in the Christian walk, not just an initial commitment.
  • Authority of Apostolic Teaching: The "things which we command you" refers to the specific teachings and directives Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had given them, both verbally and through their letters. This underscores the authoritative nature of the apostles' message, which was understood as the very word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "confidence" here is pepoithēsis (πεποίθησις), which signifies a strong persuasion, assurance, or trust. It's a deep conviction that something is true or will happen. When Paul states this confidence is "in the Lord," he is emphasizing that his assurance about the Thessalonians' obedience is rooted not in their perfect character, but in the Lord's active work within them and His faithfulness to sustain them.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Thessalonians 3:4 offers several important lessons:

  • Trust in God's Work: We can have confidence, like Paul, that God is at work in the lives of fellow believers and in our own lives, enabling us to obey His commands. Our assurance is in His power, not solely our own effort.
  • Embrace Ongoing Obedience: The Christian life is not a one-time decision but a journey of continuous obedience and growth. We are called to "do and will do" the things that align with God's word, persevering even when it's difficult (Galatians 6:9).
  • Value Sound Teaching: Just as the Thessalonians were to heed the apostles' commands, believers today are called to respect and obey sound biblical teaching. This involves studying God's Word and applying its truths to daily life (2 Timothy 3:16).
Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Philippians 1:6

    Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:10

    And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more;

  • Philemon 1:21

    Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:3

    And I wrote this same unto you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy is [the joy] of you all.

  • Philippians 2:12

    ¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    ¶ Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort [you] by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, [so] ye would abound more and more.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:2

    For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
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