2 Thessalonians 3

Paul begins by requesting prayers for the swift progress of the Lord's word and for his deliverance from wicked men, expressing confidence in God's faithfulness to establish the Thessalonians. He then commands the church to withdraw from disorderly, idle brethren, citing his own diligent example and the principle that those unwilling to work should not eat. The chapter concludes with a prayer for peace and a final benediction of grace.

The apostle Paul opens by requesting the Thessalonians' prayers for the unhindered advance and glorification of the Lord's word, and for his own deliverance from unreasonable men. He expresses firm confidence in the Lord's faithfulness to strengthen and guard the believers from evil, and in their obedience to his instructions. Paul then issues a strong command to separate from any brother who walks disorderly and fails to follow the traditions received. He reinforces this by recalling his own example of diligent labor, working day and night to avoid being a burden, and reiterates the principle that those unwilling to work should not eat. He specifically addresses reports of idle busybodies, exhorting them to work quietly. Finally, Paul instructs the church on how to deal with disobedient members, advising them to note such individuals and avoid their company to induce shame, yet always to admonish them as brothers, not enemies, before concluding with a prayer for peace and grace.

Paul commences by earnestly requesting the Thessalonians to pray for the unhindered progress and glorification of the Lord's word, mirroring its reception among them, and for his deliverance from the opposition of unreasonable and wicked men, acknowledging that not all possess faith. He then expresses unwavering confidence in the Lord's faithfulness to establish and preserve them from evil, and in their continued obedience to his apostolic commands. Paul further prays that the Lord would direct their hearts into the love of God and the patient waiting for Christ. A significant portion of the chapter is dedicated to a command, issued in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from any brother living disorderly and not adhering to the traditions they received from him. Paul reminds them of his own exemplary conduct while among them, emphasizing that he did not eat anyone's bread without earning it, but labored diligently day and night to avoid being a financial burden. This was not due to a lack of authority, but to provide an example for them to follow. He recalls his previous instruction: "if any would not work, neither should he eat." Paul reveals that he has heard of some among them who walk disorderly, not working at all, but instead becoming busybodies. He commands and exhorts such individuals, by the Lord Jesus Christ, to work quietly and earn their own sustenance. He encourages the faithful brethren not to grow weary in well-doing. For those who disobey his written word, Paul instructs the church to mark that man, and to avoid his company, with the aim of shaming him. However, he clarifies that such a person should not be regarded as an enemy, but rather admonished with brotherly love. The epistle concludes with a prayer from the Lord of peace himself to grant them peace always and by all means, a personal salutation from Paul's own hand as a mark of authenticity, and a final benediction of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ upon them all.