Bible Commentaries
2 Thessalonians 3

Verses 1-18

1. Thanksgiving and prayer (2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 )

2. Prayer for the Word and for deliverance (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 )

3. Exhortations (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 )

4. Conclusions (2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 )

2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

What blessed reasons are stated here to give thanks to God for what He has done for us and for all who believe! Brethren, beloved of the Lord, this is what believers are. Chosen we are to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. And glory is before all who have believed “the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” And that glory may burst upon us at any time. For this God’s people wait. Therefore we are “to stand fast and hold fast.” The word “traditions” means the instructions they had received from the apostle; that is, the truth of God. To stand fast and to hold fast the truth are the two necessary things for God’s people. He also prays for them that their hearts might be comforted and that they might be established in every good word and work.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

As in other Epistles, so here the apostle requests prayer for himself, “that the Word of the Lord may run and be glorified.” His great ambition was to spread the gospel and the Word of God everywhere. When sinners are saved by grace, are added as members to the body of Christ and walk in the Spirit, then the Word is glorified. Enemies were on all sides then, as they are now, obstructing and hindering the word, “for faith is not the portion of all.” He counted on the faithfulness of God to establish and keep them. It is a comfort for His people to know that their keeping rests in His hands. If God be for us, who can be against us? “And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.” Christ, in infinite patience, waits in heaven, and His people on earth wait for Him and with Him until the appointed time comes when His waiting and their waiting ends.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Exhortations follow. It seems there was considerable disorder among them. “For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.” This was no doubt the result of their unsettled condition brought about by the false teachers. He therefore exhorts them to withdraw from any brother who does not hearken to the instructions he has given and who continued in a disorderly walk. Once more he cites his own exemplary life among them (1 Thessalonians 2:9-10 ). “For we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought (as charity); but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you. Not because we have not authority, but that we might give you an example to imitate us.” He exhorts such who were disorderly, doing nothing but living in idleness, that with quietness they should work and no longer live from the labors of others, but eat their own bread. If there is refusal from the side of such, no obedience to this rule, he is to be noted and no company kept with him. Yet he is not to be treated as an enemy, but to be admonished as a brother. How well it would be if this course would always be followed.

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

“And the Lord of peace Himself give you peace continually in every way.” This is the final prayer in these two Epistles. It must be noticed how prominent prayer is in both of these Epistles. And the Lord, who is with His people, will give peace continually in every way, if they walk in obedience, subject to Himself.