2
Thessalonians 3
New
American Standard Bible (NASB)
Exhortation
3
Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will [a]spread rapidly
and be glorified, just as it did also with you; 2 and that we will be rescued
from [b]perverse and evil men; for not all have [c]faith. 3 But the Lord is
faithful, [d]and He will strengthen and protect you [e]from the evil one. 4 We
have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will
continue to do what we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love
of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.
6
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you
[f]keep away from every brother who [g]leads an [h]unruly life and not
according to the tradition which [i]you received from us. 7 For you yourselves
know how you ought to [j]follow our example, because we did not act in an
undisciplined manner among you, 8 nor did we eat [k]anyone’s bread [l]without
paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so
that we would not be a burden to any of you;
9 not because we do not have the
right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you
would [m]follow our example. 10 For even when we were with you, we used to give
you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat,
either.
11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life,
doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we
command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat
their own bread. 13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.
14
If anyone does not obey our [n]instruction [o]in this letter, take special note
of that person [p]and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to
shame. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but [q]admonish him as a brother.
16
Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every
[r]circumstance. The Lord be with you all!
17
[s]I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing
mark in every letter; this is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ be with you all.
The
Bible Panorama
2
Thessalonians 3
V
1–2: IMPORTANT INTERCESSION Paul asks for prayer regarding two matters. He asks
that God’s word may ‘run swiftly’ (meaning ‘have free influence on people’) and
‘be glorified’. He seeks deliverance for his companions and himself from
unreasonable, wicked and faithless men
.
V 3–4: CONFIDENT COMMAND He underlines his confidence that his faithful Lord
will establish and guard them from the evil one, and that they will obey God’s
commands given through him to them.
V
5: GOD’S GUIDANCE He prays that God will direct their hearts into love and
patience from the Lord Himself.
V 6–12: WISE WITHDRAWAL Paul commands that the
church withdraw from disorderly brethren and from those who are too lazy to
work. Those who can work should do, so that they are self-supporting and not
burdensome. He himself has set an example in this.
V
13–15: DISCIPLINE’S DESIGN While Christians continue to do good, they should
withdraw from anyone who is disobedient to God’s word, so that the offender may
be ashamed, and, by implication, repent and be restored. He is not to be
counted as an enemy to fight, but as a brother to admonish.
V 16: PERPETUAL PEACE Paul prays for perpetual
peace from God for the church.
V 17–18: SPECIAL SIGN In leaving the
Christians to the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, Paul authenticates the letter
by the special sign of his own signature.
The
Bible Panorama. Copyright © 2005 Day One Publications.
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