Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
YOU CAN KEEP AT IT
2 Thessalonians 3:1–18
Praying for the Spread of the Gospel (1–2)
Paul began this chapter by asking for prayer from the Thessalonian believers. He and his companions had been spreading the gospel through missionary effort for quite a while. Paul knew God uses the prayers of His people to provide encouragement. Thus Paul, wanting the gospel to spread quickly, desired the support of the brothers’ prayers. This is an example for us to follow in that we are to be praying for missionaries, those who are committed to spreading the love of God through the gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world. Furthermore Paul asked to be delivered from evil men who reject the gospel message. The gospel brings about repentance in people, but it often brings out open hostility. This is evident even today when we hear of missionaries or converts being attacked in other areas of the world. We read that missionaries are beaten, tortured or kicked out of countries for preaching the gospel. We should be praying God would deliver these men and women and allow for the gospel message to be preached freely throughout the world.
Obeying Scriptural Commands (3–5)
Paul affirmed the faithfulness of God and His protection for His children. While we face trials and troubles in this world, we are always under the protection and care of God the Father. Even when we suffer death, we are eternally protected in that our salvation is secure in Christ. Paul expressed his confidence that the Thessalonian believers would heed his advice and reminded them of God’s love and Christ’s endurance so they would also be confident in the gospel and endure in their love for God.
Behaving in a Responsible Manner (6–12)
Paul now turned his attention to dealing with some Christians in Thessalonica who were being disruptive. There were some Christians who refused to work and were becoming a burden to the other believers. Instead of earning money by working, they decided to demand food from other believers. While it is not explicit in the text, many scholars believe these Christians stopped working because they believed Christ’s return was going to happen in the very near future. Hence there was no need to work. This lack of work, however, proved to be a burden to the rest of the church and as a result, was disrupting its fellowship. Paul explained this behavior was unacceptable and even used his own lifestyle as an example to follow. He and his companions did not depend upon the churches they visited. Rather they worked so they would not burden the believers, which could result in a hindrance to their message. Paul stated he had a right to depend upon the church for his support but did not want to add extra hardship to the community. As such, Paul and his companions set an example the Thessalonians could imitate. Being a Christian involves doing everything as unto the Lord, which means working diligently and with integrity. In the case of the Thessalonians who did not work, Paul advised they not be allowed to maintain their irresponsible behavior by demanding support from the church.
Persevering in Doing Good (13–18)
Paul encouraged the brothers in Thessalonica to persist in doing good. He then told the believers not to associate with the Christians who do not abide by his commands in the letter. Paul emphasized they were not to treat them as enemies, however, but remember they were brothers. The purpose in separation was to restore the fellowship. If the disobedient Christians realized their sinful behavior resulted in a break with fellowship, then they should be motivated to turn back to the Lord. Church discipline is never for the purpose of permanent excommunication, but instead the goal is to bring about a change of behavior in the sinner and a resulting restoration of fellowship. Paul finished his letter by affirming true peace is only available in Christ, since we have peace with God only through the redemption that comes from the atonement Christ achieved for us.
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