*2 Thessalonians 3:1-18
Paul asks for prayer, addresses idleness within the church, and instructs believers to live righteously.
- Request for Prayer:
- Paul asks the Thessalonians to pray for the spread of the gospel and for protection from evil people who oppose it.
- He expresses confidence in the Lord’s faithfulness to strengthen and protect them from harm.
- Warning Against Idleness:
- Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his own example of hard work and refusal to be a burden on them while preaching the gospel.
- He instructs them to follow his example by working diligently to support themselves and not relying on others for their basic needs.
- Paul warns against idleness, noting that those who refuse to work should not be provided for by the church community.
- Exhortation to Perseverance:
- Paul encourages the Thessalonians not to grow weary in doing what is right.
- He admonishes them to take note of anyone who does not obey his instructions in this letter and to have no association with them, so they may be ashamed and repent.
- Final Greetings and Benediction:
- Paul concludes with a final greeting in his own handwriting, authenticating the letter as his.
- He prays for the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ to be with them all.