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2 Thessalonians 3

World English Bible

WEB

1Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you, 2and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. 3But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. 4We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command. 5May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and into the perseverance of Christ. 6Now 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. 7For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, 8neither 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. 9This was not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. 10For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.” 11For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. 12Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness and eat their own bread. 13But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right. 14If 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. 15Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 16Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. 17I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter. This is how I write. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

2 Thessalonians Chapter 3 addresses the practical aspects of Christian living and the importance of maintaining faith and order within the church. The Apostle Paul begins by requesting prayer for himself and his companions, emphasizing the need for the message of the Lord to spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was among the Thessalonians (#Paul, #Thessalonians). He reassures them that the Lord is faithful and will strengthen and protect them from the evil one, reminding them of the power of God in their lives. This assurance serves to encourage the believers to remain steadfast in their faith amidst challenges and opposition.

Paul then shifts to a call for discipline within the church, addressing the issue of idleness among some members. He instructs the Thessalonians to follow his example, as he worked diligently while among them, not being a burden to anyone. He warns against those who refuse to work, stating that they should not eat, highlighting the principle of personal responsibility (#idleness, #work). Paul encourages the church to admonish the idle and encourage them to return to productive lives, reinforcing the idea that faith must be accompanied by action.

The chapter concludes with a blessing of peace and grace from the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul emphasizes the importance of maintaining the teachings he has given them, urging the church to stand firm in their faith and to be aware of the authority of his letters. This chapter serves as a reminder of the balance between faith and works, the necessity of community accountability, and the assurance of God’s faithfulness in the life of every believer.

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