a3:6-15
b1 Thes 4:11-12
c5:14
d3:6
e1 Thes 4:2
f2 Thes 3:7
g11-13
h1 Thes 5:14
iMatt 18:17
jRom 16:17
k1 Cor 5:9-13
l2 Thes 3:14
m3:15
n3:7
o3:8
p1 Thes 2:9
q3:8
r3:9
sMatt 10:10
t1 Cor 9:7-14
u1 Tim 5:17-18
v1 Thes 2:9
w2 Thes 3:6-10
x3:9
y1 Thes 2:5
z3:10
aaGen 3:17-19
abPs 128:2
acProv 10:4

‏ 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.
Copyright information for TNotes