2 Thessalonians3

Paul begins by requesting prayers for the swift progress of the Lord's word and for his deliverance from wicked men, expressing confidence in God's faithfulness to establish the Thessalonians. He then commands the church to withdraw from disorderly, idle brethren, citing his own diligent example and the principle that those unwilling to work should not eat. The chapter concludes with a prayer for peace and a final benediction of grace.
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Request for Prayer and Divine Guidance

1
Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as alsoit iswith you; ​
2
and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for all have not faith. ​
3
But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and guard you from the evil one.
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And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command.
5
And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ. ​

Command to Discipline the Disorderly

6
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 they received of us. ​
7
For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8
neither did we eat bread for nought at any man’s hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you: ​
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not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us.
10
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. ​
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For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. ​
12
Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13
But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing. ​
14
And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. ​
15
And yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. ​

Final Benediction and Greeting

16
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. ​
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The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. ​
18
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Study Notes for 2 Thessalonians 3

Verse 1

Paul concludes his letter by asking the Thessalonians to pray for the success and rapid spread of the gospel ('free course') and for his own safety in ministry.

Verse 2

The 'unreasonable and wicked men' likely refers to persistent opponents of the gospel in Corinth or elsewhere, whose hostility was rooted in their lack of true faith or fidelity.

Verse 5

This verse is a final prayer of blessing, asking God to direct the believers into two core virtues: the active love of God and the patient, enduring hope ('patient waiting') required while anticipating Christ’s return.

Verse 6

The term 'disorderly' (*ataktos*) refers to those who are idle, unwilling to work, and thus disrupt the community. Paul commands the church to separate from such behavior to maintain order.

Verse 8

Paul defends his own conduct, stressing that he worked diligently (likely as a tentmaker) to support himself. His labor served as an example, ensuring he was not a financial burden on the fledgling church.

Verse 10

This famous maxim establishes a fundamental principle: Christian charity is intended for the truly needy, not for those who are able but unwilling to work. This countered the idleness potentially caused by misguided eschatology.

Verse 11

Idleness often led to meddling. Those who were not 'working at all' became 'busybodies' (*periergazomai*), interfering in the affairs of others and causing discord within the community.

Verse 13

Paul encourages the faithful majority not to grow weary in carrying out their responsibilities and helping those who are genuinely in need, despite the problems caused by the disorderly.

Verse 14

To 'note that man' means to identify and publicly recognize the lack of obedience. Withdrawal of fellowship was a form of social pressure intended to induce shame and prompt repentance, not permanent judgment.

Verse 15

This verse provides the necessary balance to the disciplinary action. The goal of church discipline is always restoration; the disorderly person must be warned and corrected with brotherly love, not treated as an outsider or enemy.

Verse 16

Paul invokes God as the 'Lord of peace,' asking for complete peace and wholeness (*shalom*) to be granted to the community continually and in every circumstance.

Verse 17

Paul adds this personal authentication in his own handwriting, signaling the letter's genuineness. This was crucial given the church’s previous confusion over forged letters claiming apostolic authority (2 Thess 2:2).

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