2 Thessalonians 3:4

KJV

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.

American Standard Version

And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul expresses profound confidence, rooted not in human ability but in the Lord, that the Thessalonian believers are currently obeying and will continue to obey the specific instructions and teachings he and his companions had imparted to them. This verse serves as a bridge, transitioning from Paul's prayer for their protection and sanctification to practical exhortations regarding their conduct and adherence to apostolic commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the concluding section of Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians. Immediately preceding it, Paul has requested prayer for himself and his fellow workers, that the word of the Lord might spread rapidly and be honored, and that they might be delivered from wicked and evil men [2 Thessalonians 3:1-2](/2_thessalonians/3-1-2 "2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 - Paul's Request for Prayer"). He then offers a powerful affirmation of God's faithfulness, declaring that "the Lord is faithful, who will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one" [2 Thessalonians 3:3](/2_thessalonians/3-3 "2 Thessalonians 3:3 - The Lord's Faithfulness"). Building on this divine faithfulness, [2 Thessalonians 3:4](/2_thessalonians/3-4 "2 Thessalonians 3:4 - Paul's Confidence in the Thessalonians") pivots to express Paul's confidence in the Thessalonians' response to God's work in them. This statement of trust then naturally leads into Paul's subsequent instructions, particularly concerning the issue of idleness and disorderly conduct within the community [2 Thessalonians 3:6-12](/2_thessalonians/3-6-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 - Paul's Instructions on Idleness").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Thessalonica was a relatively young community, established by Paul during his second missionary journey. As a bustling port city and Roman colony, Thessalonica was a melting pot of cultures and religions, often hostile to the exclusive claims of Christianity. The Thessalonian believers faced significant external persecution [2 Thessalonians 1:4](/2_thessalonians/1-4 "2 Thessalonians 1:4 - Perseverance in Persecution") and internal challenges, including confusion about eschatology (the timing of the Lord's return) and a problem of idleness among some members who had ceased working, perhaps due to misunderstanding the imminence of Christ's return [2 Thessalonians 2:1-2](/2_thessalonians/2-1-2 "2 Thessalonians 2:1-2 - Concerning the Day of the Lord"); [2 Thessalonians 3:10-12](/2_thessalonians/3-10-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 - Work and Discipline"). Paul's letters served to correct these misunderstandings and provide pastoral guidance, reinforcing the authoritative nature of his apostolic teaching.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Thessalonians 3:4](/2_thessalonians/3-4 "2 Thessalonians 3:4 - Paul's Confidence in the Thessalonians") contributes to several overarching themes in the letter. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **apostolic authority and pastoral care**, as Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy confidently assert their role in giving commands that are to be obeyed. Secondly, it highlights **divine faithfulness and human responsibility**, illustrating that while God is faithful to strengthen and protect His people [2 Thessalonians 3:3](/2_thessalonians/3-3 "2 Thessalonians 3:3 - The Lord's Faithfulness"), believers are also expected to respond in active obedience. Thirdly, the phrase "both do and will do" emphasizes the **ongoing nature of Christian obedience and perseverance**, reinforcing that the Christian life is not merely an initial commitment but a continuous walk of faithfulness. This confidence in their present and future obedience sets the stage for the practical instructions that follow, demonstrating Paul's belief in their capacity to live out the gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **confidence (Greek, _peíthō_):** This verb signifies to be persuaded, to trust, or to have reliance upon something or someone. Here, it denotes a deep conviction or assurance. Paul's confidence is not a mere hope or wish, but a firm persuasion concerning the Thessalonians, rooted in a reliable source.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios_):** This term denotes supreme authority, mastership, and control. When applied to Jesus Christ, as it is here, it emphasizes His divine sovereignty and active involvement in the lives of believers. Paul's confidence is not in the Thessalonians' inherent strength or perfect track record, but in the Lord's power and faithfulness working within them.
* **command (Greek, _parangéllō_):** This verb means to transmit a message, to enjoin, or to give a charge. It conveys the idea of an authoritative instruction or directive. The "things which we command you" are not mere suggestions but authoritative apostolic teachings, understood as carrying the weight of divine truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And we have confidence in the Lord touching you,"**: Paul begins by expressing a deep sense of assurance regarding the Thessalonian believers. Crucially, this confidence is explicitly stated as being "in the Lord." This prepositional phrase indicates that the source and ground of Paul's assurance is not the Thessalonians' own merits or strength, but the sovereign power and faithfulness of God, who is actively working in and through them. It underscores a profound theological principle: Christian obedience is ultimately God's work in His people.
* **"that ye both do"**: This clause refers to the current state of the Thessalonians' obedience. Paul acknowledges their present adherence to the instructions and teachings they had received. It implies that, despite challenges and misunderstandings, they were, at the time of writing, generally living in accordance with the apostolic commands.
* **"and will do"**: This part of the phrase extends Paul's confidence into the future. It expresses an expectation and assurance that their obedience is not a fleeting phenomenon but a continuous and enduring commitment. This speaks to the importance of perseverance in the Christian walk, anticipating that God, who is faithful, will enable them to continue in obedience.
* **"the things which we command you."**: This final clause specifies the object of their obedience: the instructions, directives, and teachings that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had imparted to them, both verbally during their time in Thessalonica and through their previous and current letters. This highlights the authoritative nature of apostolic teaching, which was understood as the very word of God, guiding the life and conduct of the early church.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Emphasis** is achieved through the strategic placement of "in the Lord," highlighting that the ultimate source of confidence and the enabler of obedience is divine, not human. The phrase "both do and will do" utilizes a form of **Parallelism** or **Antithesis** (present vs. future action) to underscore the continuous and enduring nature of the Thessalonians' obedience, reinforcing the theme of perseverance. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Transitional Statement**, bridging Paul's theological affirmations of God's faithfulness (v.3) with the practical exhortations and commands that follow (v.6ff). This structural device creates a seamless flow from theological truth to practical application, characteristic of Paul's epistles.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's confidence in the Thessalonians' obedience, grounded "in the Lord," is a profound theological statement. It reveals that genuine Christian obedience is not merely a matter of human willpower or effort, but a Spirit-empowered response to God's faithfulness and active work within His people. This perspective shifts the focus from human perfection to divine enablement, reminding believers that God equips and sustains them for the good works He has prepared. This confidence also affirms the authority of apostolic teaching as divinely inspired instruction, essential for guiding believers in truth and conduct. The expectation of continued obedience ("will do") highlights the New Testament emphasis on perseverance and growth in sanctification, recognizing that the Christian life is a journey of ongoing transformation.

* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Completes His Work")
* [1 Thessalonians 2:13](/1_thessalonians/2-13 "1 Thessalonians 2:13 - Receiving God's Word")
* [Hebrews 13:20-21](/hebrews/13-20-21 "Hebrews 13:20-21 - God Equips for His Will")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[2 Thessalonians 3:4](/2_thessalonians/3-4 "2 Thessalonians 3:4 - Paul's Confidence in the Thessalonians") offers a powerful encouragement for believers today, both individually and corporately. It calls us to cultivate a confidence in God's ongoing work within ourselves and in the lives of our fellow believers. When we face challenges in obedience or witness struggles in others, this verse reminds us that our hope is not in human strength or perfection, but in the faithful Lord who empowers and sustains. It challenges us to embrace a posture of continuous obedience, recognizing that the Christian journey is one of perseverance, where we are called to "both do and will do" the things that align with God's word. This requires a diligent engagement with sound biblical teaching, receiving it not as mere human wisdom but as the authoritative word of God that shapes our lives and directs our paths.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my confidence in God's faithfulness impact my expectation of obedience in my own life and in the lives of other believers?**
* **In what specific areas am I currently "doing" God's commands, and where do I need to grow in "will doing" them consistently?**
* **How do I receive and apply the authoritative teachings of Scripture in my daily life, and what steps can I take to deepen my commitment to them?**

### FAQ
**What does "confidence in the Lord" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Confidence in the Lord" means that Paul's assurance regarding the Thessalonians' obedience is not based on their inherent moral strength, past perfect behavior, or his own persuasive abilities. Instead, his conviction is firmly rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ's power, faithfulness, and active work within them. It signifies a trust that God, who has begun a good work in them, will continue to empower and enable them to live in obedience to His commands. It's a theological statement emphasizing divine enablement over human effort as the ultimate source of spiritual fruitfulness.

**What "things" did Paul command the Thessalonians?**

Answer: The "things which we command you" refers to the body of apostolic teaching and practical instructions that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had imparted to the Thessalonians. These commands covered a range of issues, including sound doctrine (especially concerning the Lord's return, as seen in [2 Thessalonians 2](/2_thessalonians/2 "2 Thessalonians 2 - The Man of Lawlessness")), moral conduct, brotherly love, and practical matters of daily living. A significant command addressed in this letter is the instruction to work diligently and not be idle, as some were living disorderly lives and burdening others [2 Thessalonians 3:6-12](/2_thessalonians/3-6-12 "2 Thessalonians 3:6-12 - Paul's Instructions on Idleness"). These commands were understood as authoritative directives from God through His apostles.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[2 Thessalonians 3:4](/2_thessalonians/3-4 "2 Thessalonians 3:4 - Paul's Confidence in the Thessalonians") finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Christ. Paul's confidence that the Thessalonians "both do and will do the things which we command you" is not a mere optimistic wish, but a profound theological conviction rooted in the Person and work of Jesus Christ. It is because Christ is the sovereign [Lord](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Tongue Confess Jesus as Lord") that Paul can have such assurance. Our ability to obey, to persevere, and to live a life pleasing to God flows directly from our union with Christ. He is the Vine, and we are the branches; apart from Him, we can do nothing [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ"). It is Christ who works in us, "both to will and to work for his good pleasure" [Philippians 2:13](/philippians/2-13 "Philippians 2:13 - God Works in You"). The commands given by the apostles are expressions of Christ's will for His church, and His Spirit empowers believers to walk in them. Thus, Paul's confidence is ultimately a Christ-centered confidence: a trust that the One who began a good work in them through the gospel will bring it to completion, enabling them to live out the obedience of faith until the day of Christ Jesus [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Completes His Work"). He is the author and perfecter of our faith [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Looking to Jesus, Author and Perfecter of Faith").

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.

Cross-References

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.