2 Thessalonians 3

3:1-5 Before taking up the final topic of the letter (3:6-15), Paul requests prayer (3:1-2) and assures the Thessalonians of God’s providence in troubles (3:3-5).3:1 pray: The prayer that the gospel would spread rapidly recalls Ps 147:15. Paul merges the image with reference to the games (see 1 Cor 9:24-26; Gal 2:2) in which a victor was honored.

3:2 Paul, too, suffered for the Good News (2 Cor 6:5; 11:23-26; 1 Thes 2:2). His prayer to be rescued echoes Isa 25:4.

3:3 The sufferings the Thessalonians faced were caused by the evil one (or by evil; see 2:9; cp. 1:4-6; 1 Thes 1:6; 2:14).

3:5 The prayer that God would lead (literally make straight) their hearts reflects an Old Testament expression (1 Chr 29:18; Prov 23:19). Christians are expected to love as God loves and practice patient endurance as Christ endured.

3:6-15 In his previous letter, Paul had addressed the problem of lazy members of the church who refused to work (1 Thes 4:11-12; 5:14). Some had ignored his message and example, so he gives additional instruction for dealing with these members.3:6 Paul’s command is given by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thes 4:2). • Church members should shun Christians who live idle lives (see 2 Thes 3:7, 11-13; 1 Thes 5:14). To stay away from the lazy would make a strong impression on them (Matt 18:17; Rom 16:17; 1 Cor 5:9-13), promoting shame (2 Thes 3:14) and repentance, but stopping short of excommunication (3:15).

3:7 Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8; 1 Thes 2:9).

3:8 without paying for it: Although Paul taught that workers in the Christian church could receive pay for their labor (3:9; see Matt 10:10; 1 Cor 9:7-14; 1 Tim 5:17-18), he did not take advantage of that privilege (1 Thes 2:9; 2 Thes 3:6-10).

3:9 Paul had distanced himself from others in the culture who were motivated by fame and money (1 Thes 2:5).

3:10 Work is the appropriate way to gain a living (see Gen 3:17-19; Ps 128:2; Prov 10:4). Paul absolves the church of the responsibility of feeding other believers who refuse to work.

3:12 Paul underscores the strength of the command by appealing to the authority of the Lord Jesus (as in 3:6; 1 Thes 4:1-2). • settle down: i.e., lead a quiet life instead of being involved in meddlesome activities (see 1 Thes 4:11).

3:13 doing good: The Thessalonians were exhorted to reach out and help those in genuine need (see Gal 6:9-10), in contrast with those who are lazy and dependent (2 Thes 3:7-8, 10).

3:14 Paul hoped that the disobedient Christians would be ashamed and repent (see study note on 3:6) in response to being shunned by the community.

3:15 Don’t think of them as enemies: In the ancient world, social relations with enemies were broken off and punitive action was initiated against them. Paul warns the Thessalonians that discipline against disobedient Christians (3:14) should not result in this kind of attack. Rather, the church should treat them as members of the family, with the hope that they would correct their conduct (1 Thes 5:12, 14).

3:16 The final prayer echoes Jesus’ blessing in John 14:27 (cp. Num 6:26) and contrasts with the situation these believers faced in Thessalonica (2 Thes 1:4-10; 1 Thes 2:14). Paul was always conscious of the Lord Jesus’ presence with his people (Rom 15:33; Phil 4:9).

3:17 A secretary had written this letter for Paul (Rom 16:22; 1 Pet 5:12). Now Paul takes the pen to add a final greeting in his own hand (cp. 1 Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; Phlm 1:19). Because he suspected that a letter he had not written was circulating under his name (2 Thes 2:2), he emphasizes this authenticating procedure to prove this letter is from him.

3:18 Ancient letters frequently ended with a wish for health or prosperity, but Paul’s blessing is much grander: He calls on the Lord Jesus Christ to grant grace to the recipients (see 1 Thes 5:28).