*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.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 teaches us to keep working hard, stay away from distractions, and trust God to guide us. Paul reminds us not to be lazy but to do our part and help others when we can. He also encourages us to rely on God’s strength and peace in all situations. We can apply this by staying focused on what God has called us to do, being responsible in our work and daily life, and trusting Him to give us the strength to keep going.
2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 (WEB)
3:1 Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and into the perseverance of Christ.6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion and not after the tradition which they received from us. 7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, 8 neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you. 9 This was not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.” 11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness and eat their own bread.13 But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right. 14 If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man and have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. 15 Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter. This is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.