2 Thessalonians 3:6-10
Summary for 2Thess 3:6-15: 3:6-15 a In his previous letter, Paul had addressed the problem of lazy members of the church who refused to work (1 Thes 4:11-12 b; 5:14 c). Some had ignored his message and example, so he gives additional instruction for dealing with these members. 3:6 d Paul’s command is given by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thes 4:2 e).• Church members should shun Christians who live idle lives (see 2 Thes 3:7 f, 11-13 g; 1 Thes 5:14 h). To stay away from the lazy would make a strong impression on them (Matt 18:17 i; Rom 16:17 j; 1 Cor 5:9-13 k), promoting shame (2 Thes 3:14 l) and repentance, but stopping short of excommunication (3:15 m).
3:7 n Teaching by example was highly regarded in the ancient world. Paul himself provided an example by working for his own food (3:8 o; 1 Thes 2:9 p).
3:8 q without paying for it: Although Paul taught that workers in the Christian church could receive pay for their labor (3:9 r; see Matt 10:10 s; 1 Cor 9:7-14 t; 1 Tim 5:17-18 u), he did not take advantage of that privilege (1 Thes 2:9 v; 2 Thes 3:6-10 w).
3:9 x Paul had distanced himself from others in the culture who were motivated by fame and money (1 Thes 2:5 y).
3:10 z Work is the appropriate way to gain a living (see Gen 3:17-19 aa; Ps 128:2 ab; Prov 10:4 ac). Paul absolves the church of the responsibility of feeding other believers who refuse to work.
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