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2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

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. 7. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 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: 9. Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. 11. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 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. 13. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 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. 15. Yet count [him] not as an enemy, but admonish [him] as a brother.

2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:6

Theological / Devotional

Now we command you. With this phrase Paul begins to record his explicit directives to the Thessalonians (cf. on v. 4). In his first epistle he had appealed to the church to warn the fanatical faction in their midst (1 Thess. 5:14). His appeal appears to have been only partially successful, for he now resorts to stronger measures, and issues commands (cf. on 1 Thess. 4:2, 11).

Our. Textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the omission of this word. For comment on the significance of the phrase, “In the name of our Lord,” see on Acts 3:6; 1 Cor. 5:4. Paul invokes the Lord’s name as support for the commands he himself is now giving to the believers (cf. on 1 Thess. 4:2; 2 Thess. 3:12).

Withdraw. Gr. stellomai, “to keep away,” “to set oneself from,” “to withdraw.” This breaking off of intimate intercourse on the part of reliable church members was to bring the erring ones to their senses, in order that they might “be ashamed” (v. 14), and turn from their evil ways. It was a necessary step in church discipline (cf. Matt. 18:15–17), but it was not excommunication. That final act was reserved for more serious offenses (see on 1 Cor. 5:5).

Every brother. Paul’s instruction is comprehensive; he wants all cases to be dealt with.

Disorderly. Gr. ataktōs (see on 1 Thess. 5:14).

Tradition. Gr. paradosis (see on ch. 2:15).

He received. Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “they received.” Important textual evidence may be cited for the reading “ye received,” and this has strong support from the context (v. 7).

By SdaBc