2 Thessalonians Chapter 3 concludes Paul’s second letter with practical instructions and encouragement for the Thessalonian believers. Paul begins by asking for their prayers, that the word of the Lord would spread rapidly and be honored, and that he and his companions would be protected from wicked and evil people, since not everyone has faith. He expresses confidence in the Lord that the Thessalonians are doing and will continue to do what he has instructed them, and prays that the Lord would direct their hearts toward the love of God and the endurance that comes from Christ.
Paul then addresses the issue of idleness within the community, instructing believers to avoid those who live in idleness and refuse to work, rather than following the teaching passed down from Paul and his companions. He reminds them of his own example while he was with them, working hard to support himself so as not to be a burden, even though he had the right to receive support as an apostle. He urges those who are idle to settle down, work quietly, and earn their own living rather than being a burden to others or interfering in matters that do not concern them. Paul cautions against growing weary in doing good and instructs the community to correct those who refuse to listen to his teaching through the letter, treating them firmly but still as fellow believers rather than enemies. He closes the letter with a prayer that the Lord of peace would give them peace in every circumstance, followed by his personal greeting and a blessing of grace for all of them.
Chapter 3 (BBE)
1 For the rest, my brothers, let there be prayer for us that the word of the Lord may go forward with increasing glory, even as it does with you;
2 And that we may be made free from foolish and evil men; for not all have faith.
3 But the Lord is true, who will give you strength and keep you safe from evil.
4 And we have faith in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things about which we give you orders.
5 And may your hearts be guided by the Lord into the love of God and quiet waiting for Christ.
6 Now we give you orders, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from all those whose behaviour is not well ordered and in harmony with the teaching which they had from us.
7 For you yourselves are used to taking us as your example, because our life among you was ruled by order,
8 And we did not take food from any man for nothing, but were working hard night and day not to be a trouble to any of you:
9 Not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, so that you might do the same.
10 For even when we were with you we gave you orders, saying, If any man does no work, let him not have food.
11 For it has come to our ears that there are some among you whose behaviour is uncontrolled, who do no work at all, but are over-interested in the business of others.
12 Now to such we give orders and make request in the Lord Jesus, that, working quietly, they get their living.
13 And you, my brothers, do not get tired of well-doing.
14 And if any man does not give attention to what we have said in this letter, take note of that man, and keep away from him, so that he may be shamed.
15 Have no feeling of hate for him, but take him in hand seriously as a brother.
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. May the Lord be with you all.
17 These words of love to you at the end are in my writing, Paul’s writing, and this is the mark of every letter from me.
18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Important Verses
2 Thessalonians 3:1-2 Paul asks for prayer that the word of the Lord would spread and that he would be protected from wicked people.
2 Thessalonians 3:5 Paul prays that the Lord would direct the Thessalonians’ hearts toward the love of God and the endurance of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:7-8 Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his own example of hard work, so as not to be a burden to anyone.
2 Thessalonians 3:10 Paul instructs that those unwilling to work should not expect to be supported by others.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 Paul prays that the Lord of peace would grant the Thessalonians peace in every circumstance.
