2 Thessalonians Chapter 3 — Prayer and Perseverance
Paul asks for prayer for the gospel's spread and instructs the community on the importance of hard work and avoiding idleness.
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.
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
2 Thessalonians 3:3
“But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.”
This verse offers a promise of divine protection and stability for the community of believers.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
“For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: 'If anyone is not willing to work, don't let him eat.'”
This is a direct instruction on the importance of personal responsibility and labor within the community.
2 Thessalonians 3:13
“But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right.”
Paul encourages the faithful to persist in good conduct despite the challenges or bad examples they may encounter.
Chapter Summary
In the final chapter of his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul begins by asking for prayers so that the Lord's word may spread quickly and be honored. He expresses confidence in God's protection against evil and encourages the believers to remain steady in God's love and Christ's perseverance. A significant portion of the chapter addresses the issue of idleness within the church. Paul reminds the believers of his own example, working night and day so as not to be a burden. He establishes the rule that those unwilling to work should not eat and warns against being busybodies. He advises the church to distance themselves from those who are disobedient but to treat them as brothers rather than enemies, aiming for their restoration. The letter concludes with a prayer for peace and a personal greeting from Paul to verify the letter's authenticity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Paul asks the church to pray that the word of the Lord spreads rapidly and is honored elsewhere as it was with them. He also asks for prayer to be delivered from unreasonable and evil people.
Paul provides the clear instruction that if someone is not willing to work, they should not be allowed to eat. This was meant to address those in the community who were being idle and acting as busybodies.
Paul instructs the believers to withdraw from those who are disobedient to the tradition and instructions given. However, he specifies they should not be treated as enemies, but rather admonished as brothers to encourage their restoration.
Study Note
The mention of Paul writing the greeting with his own hand in verse 17 served as a authentication mark to distinguish his genuine letters from forgeries.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.