Words in italic type have been added for clarity. They are not found in the original Hebrew or Aramaic.

II Thessalonians 3

Pray for Us

II Thessalonians 3:¹ Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you,

• Glorified is to be honored.

II Thessalonians 3:² and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for not all have faith.

II Thessalonians 3:³ But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.

II Thessalonians 3:⁴ And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do the things we command you.

II Thessalonians 3:⁵ Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.

• Perseverance because of faith.

Warning Against Idleness

II Thessalonians 3:⁶ But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he (they) received from us.

• Disorderly is the process of ignoring encouragements to follow righteousness.

II Thessalonians 3:⁷ For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;

II Thessalonians 3:⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s bread free of charge (Lit. for nothing), but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you,

• They labored to “give” rather than “take”; and to prove their motivation had no ulterior motives of becoming moochers.
• To be “chosen” by God is to become a servant of God and to serve others.

II Thessalonians 3:⁹ not because we do not have authority (the right to be sustained), but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

II Thessalonians 3:¹⁰ For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.

• Do not be an enabler for slothfulness.

II Thessalonians 3:¹¹ For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

• A busybody creates drama, conflict, and turmoil in relationships.

II Thessalonians 3:¹² Now those who are such we command and exhort (encourage) through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

• “Minding one’s own Business” and “Learning Appropriate Boundaries”.

II Thessalonians 3:¹³ But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.

II Thessalonians 3:¹⁴ And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle (letter), note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

II Thessalonians 3:¹⁵ Yet do not count him as an enemy but admonish (warn) him as a brother.

• Love without Enabling.

Benediction

II Thessalonians 3:¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace (rest) always in every way. The Lord be with you all.

II Thessalonians 3:¹⁷ The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle (letter); so I write.

II Thessalonians 3:¹⁸ The grace (the gift of love) of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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