1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
6 Now 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.
7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;
8 Neither 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:
9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.
10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.
14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
2 Thessalonians Chapter 3 is the concluding chapter of the Apostle Paul's second epistle to the Thessalonians. It is a chapter that focuses on two primary themes: prayer and work. Paul begins the chapter by asking for prayers from the Thessalonians, and then transitions into a discourse on the importance of work and the necessity of leading a disciplined life. He concludes the chapter with a prayer for peace and a final salutation. The chapter serves as a fitting conclusion to the epistle, with Paul imparting wisdom and advice to the Thessalonians while also seeking their support through prayer.
The chapter begins with Paul's request for prayer. He asks the Thessalonians to pray for him and his companions, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, and that they may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2). In making this request, Paul underscores the importance of prayer as a means of seeking divine intervention and support. He acknowledges that their ministry's success hinges not just on their efforts but also on the power of prayer.
Paul's request for prayer is also a manifestation of his humility. Despite being an apostle, he does not shy away from seeking the prayers of the Thessalonians. This shows that in the eyes of God, everyone is equal, and everyone's prayers hold value. Furthermore, it underscores the communal nature of the Christian faith, where believers are called to support one another through prayer.
The second half of the chapter is dedicated to the theme of work. Paul admonishes those who are living in idleness, urging them to earn their own bread (2 Thessalonians 3:10). He makes it clear that a life of idleness is not in keeping with the Christian faith. Instead, believers are called to work diligently and lead a disciplined life.
The call to work is not merely about earning a livelihood. It is also about contributing to the community and living a life of purpose. By working, believers can avoid becoming burdens to others. Moreover, work gives believers the opportunity to emulate the industriousness of Paul and his companions, who, despite their missionary work, still toiled night and day to not be a burden to anyone (2 Thessalonians 3:8).
In his discourse on work, Paul also touches on the importance of discipline. He instructs the Thessalonians to distance themselves from anyone who does not live according to the teachings they received from him (2 Thessalonians 3:6). This admonition serves as a reminder that the Christian faith calls for a disciplined life, where believers strive to live in accordance with the teachings of the Bible.
The call to discipline is also a call to accountability. Paul encourages the Thessalonians to take note of those who are living in idleness and not in accord with their instruction, and to admonish them as brothers (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). This demonstrates that within the Christian community, believers are called to hold each other accountable and to correct each other in love when they stray from the path.
The chapter concludes with Paul's prayer for peace and his final salutation. He prays that the Lord of peace Himself give the Thessalonians peace at all times and in every way (2 Thessalonians 3:16). This prayer serves as a reminder that peace is a divine gift that comes from God alone. It also underscores the fact that peace is not just the absence of conflict but a state of well-being that permeates all aspects of life.
Paul's final salutation, written in his own hand (2 Thessalonians 3:17), serves as a personal touch to the letter. It not only authenticates the letter but also conveys Paul's affection for the Thessalonians. It is a testament to the deep bond that existed between Paul and the Thessalonians, a bond forged through shared faith and mutual love.
In conclusion, 2 Thessalonians Chapter 3 is a powerful chapter that underscores the importance of prayer, work, and discipline in the Christian faith. It serves as a reminder that believers are called to support each other through prayer, to work diligently, and to lead a disciplined life. Furthermore, it highlights the fact that peace is a divine gift and that believers are bound together by a bond of shared faith and mutual love.
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