2 Thessalonians3
New King James Version
1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,
2and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.
3But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.
4And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.
5Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
6But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.
7For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;
8nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,
9not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.
10For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.
11For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.
12Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.
13But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.
14And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all.
17The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.
18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 2 Thessalonians 3.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: 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).
vv1-5
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.
vv6-15
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.
vv16-18
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.
Key Words
λοιπόν (loipón): something remaining (adverbially)
ἀδελφός (adelphós): a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α))
προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai): to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship
περί (perí): properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period)
ἡμῶν (hēmōn): of (or from) us
ἵνα (hína): compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
λόγος (lógos): something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, (with the article in John) the Divine Expression (i.e. Christ)
κύριος (kýrios): supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)
τρέχω (tréchō): compare G2359 (θρίξ)); which uses (the base of G1408 (δρόμος)) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figuratively)
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
2 Thessalonians 3Paul's identical description of his manual labor (night and day, not to be chargeable) in Thessalonica.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
The Greek for 'have free course' ('run') echoes the word of the Lord running swiftly.
Supported by JFB
Direct thematic link on God's faithfulness to establish and keep the believers.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
The earlier instruction to warn the unruly/disorderly (ataktous), now escalated to withdrawal.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Parallel instruction on church discipline: separating from and having no company with disorderly brothers.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Paul's parallel prayer request to be delivered from unbelieving/unreasonable men in Judea.
Supported by John Calvin
Paul's defense of his apostolic right ('power') to be supported, though he voluntarily waived it.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
The command to work with quietness and eat their own bread echoes the first epistle.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Verbal parallel on not growing weary in well-doing.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Another instance of Paul explicitly noting his own signature hand as a token of authenticity.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Echo of the Lord's Prayer request to 'deliver us from evil' (or the evil one).
Supported by JFB
The Thessalonians' practice of following/imitating Paul and his companions' godly example.
Supported by JFB
The foundational creation principle that man must work to eat, echoing Paul's labor rule.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Warning against being a busybody in other men's matters.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Restoring a brother in a spirit of gentleness rather than treating him as an enemy.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin