For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
Read it in contextDisorderly conduct corrected
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (2 Thessalonians 3:6 to 2 Thessalonians 3:15).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul contrasts the missionaries' example with unwillingness to work and instructs the church to correct the disobedient without treating them as an enemy.
3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
3:7For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
3:8Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:
3:9Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
3:10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
3:11For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
3:12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
3:13But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
3:14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
3:15Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Silvanus and Timothy as co-senders; the closing greeting identifies Paul's hand. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:17. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Thessalonians 1:1–3:18): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about persecution, confusion over the day of Christ, and disorderly conduct among some members. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians, encouraged in affliction and corrected about the day of the Lord and disorderly conduct. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Disorderly conduct corrected. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6 through 2 Thessalonians 3:15 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul contrasts the missionaries' example with unwillingness to work and instructs the church to correct the disobedient without treating them as an enemy. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter addresses continuing persecution and confusion concerning the day of Christ. It does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; the place of writing is not explicitly named. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Disorderly conduct corrected (2 Thessalonians 3:6 to 2 Thessalonians 3:15).
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 3:6. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The return of the Lord Jesus is joined with judgment, rest for the afflicted, and correction of misleading claims. Details should be read within this argument without asserting modern identifications as facts. See 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:2. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Stand fast, resist misleading claims, and continue responsible work. Anticipation of the Lord's coming is not presented as a reason to abandon ordinary obligations. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Thessalonians 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
Connection to the wholePaul requests prayer and expresses confidence in the Lord's establishing work, directing the church toward love and patient waiting for Christ.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts the missionaries' example with unwillingness to work and instructs the church to correct the disobedient without treating them as an enemy.
Connection to the wholeThe final prayer and Paul's own greeting close the letter with peace and a mark by which his letters may be recognized.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Thessalonians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.