*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.
3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
3:6 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 he received of us.
3:7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 3:8 Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: 3:9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
3:10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
3:11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
3:12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
3:14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
3:15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
3:17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token