Bible Commentaries
2 Thessalonians 3

Verse 1

1.

Pray for us. How often Paul asks this! Compare 1 Thessalonians 5:25. That the Lord’s message. He does not ask for the honor and power the world has to give. He is eager to have the Lord’s message spread rapidly. “May others be blessed by the Good News as we are!” Receive glory. Compare Acts 13:48. Just as it did among you. See 1 Thessalonians 1:9.

Verse 2

2.

Pray also. The wicked and evil men Paul speaks of, are beyond the hope of winning them to Christ. For a quick answer to this prayer, see Acts 18:9-10. These wicked and evil men may be the same as in 1 Thessalonians 2:14-16. For not all. Compare Matthew 10:34-36. People divide themselves by either believing or disbelieving Jesus Christ.

Verse 3

3.

But the Lord is faithful. “Some may be unbelievers and hostile to you, but God keeps every promise which he has made!” Keep you safe. From the power of Satan, who is the Evil One.

Verse 4

4.

Gives us confidence in you. “The Lord’s power and faithfulness gives us confidence in you – that you will continue to follow our instructions to you.”

Verse 5

5.

That is given by Christ. Endurance and boldness grow out of our sense of God’s love, which Christ teaches us. Compare 1 John 4:18.

Verse 6

6.

We command you. Like an army officer commanding his troops, Paul gives a strong word of command in the name of Christ! This shows how important it is to upgrade and develop the endurance [HUPOMONE] of 2 Thessalonians 3:5. Keep away from all brothers. Just as you avoid one who is a disease-carrier (1 Corinthians 5:6). Note this applies specifically to one who is a brother (or sister) in Christ (compare 1 Corinthians 5:9-13). A lazy life. Some, in their excitement over the Second Coming, which they thought was about to happen, quit working and became lazy loafers. This disorganized the life of the congregation, and was a serious threat to the future of the church!

Verse 7

7.

Just what we did. Paul and the other apostles can point to their own self-supporting and orderly lives as examples. See note on 1 Thessalonians 2:9.

Verse 8

8.

Instead, we worked and tolled. Compare note on Acts 18:3. Paul places strong emphasis on the moral discipline of work.

Verse 9

9.

To be an example. Paul had every right to be supported by the church, (and he did this some times, 2 Corinthians 11:8); but here conditions demanded he set them an example. But the Thessalonians must not misunderstand what he did!

Verse 10

10.

We told you. Some see work as a curse (Genesis 3:19), but it is also a blessing! “You can be so heavenly minded that you are no earthly good!” The Holy Spirit, through Paul, gives a strong work-ethic in Ephesians 4:28. The original divine ideas of the Creation are given real meaning in the gospel of Christ!

11

We say this because. He had heard of this serious problem. Compare 2 Thessalonians 3:6. The first persecution in Thessalonica had involved a crowd of lazy loafers (Acts 17:5). Who do nothing except meddle. Compare 1 Timothy 5:13. One who does not work actively to build up, will develop idle, fussy habits, meddle in other people’s business, and tear down!

Verse 12

12.

In the name of the Lord Jeans Christ. He is the source of Paul’s authority to make this command. Paul does not speak directly to the ones living lazy lives. But, they know who they are. By Christ’s command, they are to go to work, live quiet useful lives, and to help preserve the life of the messianic community.

Verse 13

13.

Must not get tired of doing good. Hard-working, dependable Christians are not to covet the idle life of the lazy loafers. “Don’t let evil men worry you; don’t be envious of them. A wicked man has no future – nothing to look forward to” (Proverbs 24:19-20).

Verse 14

14.

If so, take note of him. This is Paul’s last word on the matter. The church (as a group) must act to make him ashamed. But note Paul’s word of caution in 2 Thessalonians 3:15.

Verse 15

15.

Instead, warn him as a brother. Punishment has a way of getting out of hand! The whole point of it, is not to damn him to hell, but to save him in eternity!

Verse 16

16.

Who is the source of our peace. Peace – as contrasted with the fears and troubles the church is having! [Lord: see note on Romans 16:27. ]

Verse 17

17.

With my own hand I write this. This part in his own handwriting shows the whole thing is genuine. Compare notes on 2 Thessalonians 2:2; Romans 16:22.

Verse 18

18.

May the grace. This is his handwritten word of benediction.