2 Thessalonians 3 - Printer Friendly

This final chapter of 2 Thessalonians begins with a prayer request and ends with a benediction. In between, Paul assures his readers that the Lord would accomplish his purposes in the lives of the Thessalonian believers and gives some final exhortations.

Paul's initial prayer request centers around the successful spread of the gospel. This ties directly into a wish that he and his companions, as well as the Thessalonian believers, would be kept safe from evil. Paul also indicates his confidence that the faithful Christians of Thessalonica are following his teachings (2 Thessalonians 3:1–5).

The letter then turns to address the issue of laziness. While charity is a crucial aspect of Christian living, it is not meant to be given out blindly or foolishly. Paul says in no uncertain terms that those who claim to be believers yet exhibit laziness or "idleness" should be avoided, not enabled. As a counter-example, Paul points to his own testimony among the believers of Thessalonica. He demonstrated a selfless work ethic. He provided for himself as much as possible. His instruction is clear: those who are able, but unwilling, should not be coddled by giving them charity (2 Thessalonians 3:6–15).

The final passage of 2 Thessalonians contains Paul's sincere prayer for peace in the lives of these Christian believers. It also makes a point of establishing Paul's identity. This might refer to a literal signature, or his distinctive handwriting in that particular sentence. Though the letter began with a condemnation of those who persecuted the church, it ends with an invocation of grace (2 Thessalonians 3:16–18).

Second Thessalonians 3:1–5 requests prayer that, as Paul spread the gospel, it would bear fruit as it had when the Thessalonians received it. His appeal also includes a hope that he would be delivered from wicked men. He expresses confidence that the Lord would strengthen his readers and protect them from Satan. He is certain the Thessalonian believers would obey his commands, and he prays that they would love God and adhere to Paul's teachings.

Second Thessalonians 3:6–15 addresses the sin of idleness. Paul calls on the church at Thessalonica to avoid any brother who makes idleness habitual. He reminds his readers that he and his associates were not idle when they were in Thessalonica. They did not assume they'd be pampered, rather they refused to eat without paying for the meal. They had the right to receive financial and material support for their ministry, but they chose to labor to the point of exhaustion so they would not burden anyone. Their hard work served as an example for the Christians to follow. Paul explains that idleness had turned some members of the church into busybodies, and he prescribes the disciplinary action the church should follow to put an end to idleness.

Second Thessalonians 3:16–18 concludes Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians with a prayer, an assurance that his letter is authentic and not a forgery, and a benediction. The letter began with a condemnation of the church's persecutors, but it ends with a commendation, as Paul commends the church to the Lord and His grace.

Paul expresses confidence that the Thessalonians would do what he commanded. He addresses the sin of idleness in the lives of some of the believers at Thessalonica, commanding the church to avoid an idle brother. Paul also points to his own example of diligence, when he refused to rely on charity. Paul clearly separates charity for the needy from foolishly supporting those who are merely lazy: If anyone is not willing to work, don't feed him. The letter ends with a prayer for peace among the Thessalonian believers. Paul also assures his readers that 2 Thessalonians is authentic because it bears his signature.

The prior chapter explained the events which would precede the ''day of the Lord:'' a time of severe judgment. Among these were a time of deep spiritual rebellion and the rise of a figure referred to as the ''man of lawlessness.'' Chapter 2 ended with a reference to the Thessalonians being established in good works. This chapter continues that theme, focusing on the need for Christians to exhibit a strong work ethic. This extends to the way the church applies charity, not wasting it on those who are capable of work, but simply choose not to. These thoughts complete Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians.

Second Thessalonians follows Paul's earlier letter to the same group of Christian believers. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul had praised them for their faithfulness and given them reassurances about the day of the Lord. This included teachings on the rapture and a description of death as ''sleep'' from a Christian viewpoint. In this second letter, Paul corrects possible misunderstandings about those ideas. Among his teachings here are the importance of a good work ethic and God's impending judgment on sin, including judgment on those who persecute the Christian church. Paul also provides the Thessalonians with reassurances that they have not somehow missed out on Christ's return.