Lesson 15

II Thess. 3:1–5

Paul is coming to the close of a very brief letter which he has sent to the Thessalonian church. He has really dealt with only one doctrinal matter in this letter and has given them the right view concerning the time immediately prior to the return of Christ. He has, of course, also spoken of the faith which these Christians had professed both by mouth and by life because it is a letter to a church he loves. In the latter part of this last chapter he will deal with the kind of life which does not proceed from faith and will give instructions to the church concerning this matter. However, in the first five verses of this chapter he deals with those things which are usually found in his closing words of a letter. In some of his epistles he then brings greetings of individuals or churches or asks that his greetings be given to various individuals. This he does not do at the close of this epistle. This may be due to the fact that these were the first epistles he wrote.

The word translated “finally” may also be translated “as for the rest.” There are other things concerning which he might write them. But, that must wait till another time. They had to be corrected in their thinking about the doctrine of the last things because their incorrect view could do real spiritual harm.

Request for Prayer

In closing he would ask them to remember him in their prayers. This is the kind of request which is always in place and often seems to be asked because that seems to be the proper thing today. However, the Apostle asks for the prayers of the church in deep seriousness. He is fully aware of the fact that his work cannot be accomplished in his own strength. The mind of Paul was one to be reckoned with by his opponents, but the winning of an argument does not convert! He asks for the prayers of the churches time and again in his epistles. The Lord must accomplish the work—Paul and his helpers are but instruments in God’s hand. He recognizes the power of the prayers of His people. God will hear them. No labors can be accomplished in one’s own strength and certainly not the labors for the Lord. How often are not his own prayers interwoven with his teaching? He asks them to pray for him and those with him continuously. And certainly, a church which is indeed the body of Christ will pray. He is not asking too much nor is it a casual request.

Prayer for Gospel Success

He not only asks them to pray for him, but is much more specific than only asking that the church should pray for a blessing on these laborers. He asks them to pray that the word of the Lord may “run.” This is a rather strange expression. From his other writings it becomes evident how often he uses figures of speech. So here. Nor is it only a Pauline expression. The Psalmist speaks of the word of the Lord “running” in Psalms 19 and 147. It means that it will quickly accomplish its task and that there be no barriers to the progress of that word. For this they must pray. The Apostle realizes that the time is short for the tremendous task which the church and the Apostles have received. May, therefore, the word of God travel like lightning to conquer the hearts of men.

Not only are they to pray that the word of the Lord may travel swiftly, they are also asked to pray that that same word may be glorified. Although the figurative language employed in the previous phrase is now dropped, he is still speaking in an unusual manner. How can the word be glorified? Is it not glorious in itself? The Apostle here emphasizes the purpose of the word. It is glorified when it accomplishes its purpose. When the word penetrates the hearts of men and leads them to faith and conversion the word is glorified. This is made clear when he adds “as also it is with you.” Among these Thessalonians the word of God had been crowned with glory when they believed and were formed into a church of Jesus Christ and bore witness to His grace. Let them continue to pray that the word of God may so operate in many other places.

Triumph Over Enemies

Let this be the first concern in their prayer for the Apostles that the word of the Lord may prosper. In that same connection they must also pray that the Apostles may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men. Paul is writing from the city of Corinth. He has suffered much here especially at the hands of the Jews. These people, though they were the Old Testament people of God to whom so many favors had been given, opposed the gospel more than any others. They are unreasonable, unrighteous, and evil men. They have “religion” but are evil! They are hindering the work of the Apostles and he asks that Christians pray for deliverance from such. But, this prayer is again for the welfare of the cause of the gospel and not, first of all, for his personal welfare. Paul finishes this verse with a typical Pauline understatement when he says: “for all have not faith.” No, this has become very evident not only in Corinth, but in all the places where he has come. And, those who do not possess faith are not satisfied with their lack of faith, but also seek to prevent others from believing! Theirs is a zeal born of hatred for the gospel. Paul asks the church to pray that he may be delivered from such men.

“God is Faithful”

There is always the danger that one can see only the impediments to the spread of the gospel and the evils they do to His servants. This leads to an unbalanced view of reality. Paul does not fall in to this error. All men may not have faith—but God is faithful He uses a play on words. God is the One who has given His promises to His people. He has worked faith through the gospel in the hearts of many. The eyes of His servants must be focussed on Him rather than upon the difficulties encountered in this world. Paul has no difficulty with this matter. It is amazing that a man who has suffered so much at the hands of his countrymen does not dwell more on the shameful way he has been treated by them. His eye is fixed on His God. He is only called to be faithful and to leave the results in the hand of his Sender. That Lord who is faithful will be with His people in Thessalonica. He will give them stability in the faith. They need not wonder what is going to become of them seeing He allows such difficulties in the life of His Apostle. Their faith is real and genuine and He will establish them in this faith more and more. He will also guard them from the evil one. It seems as though Paul is fighting against the evil one every moment in the person of unrighteous and evil men. Has God guarded him? Nothing shall separate him from his God. The Thessalonians must remember that they too shall be guarded from the evil one so that they will always be safe. The faith which has once been given them will not be taken from them by anyone!

Confidence in the lord

No biblical writer speaks as often of the confidence which he has as Paul. This man who had seen all things crumble during his lifetime speaks again and again of the confidence he has in the future. His whole manner of life had been changed radically at the time of his conversion. He could no longer count on the stability which the nation of Israel had exhibited in the past. Even his view of the law had been changed. He speaks of a change of masters in his life when he writes to the Romans. All his former hopes lie in ruins. His whole system of thought had been completely changed. One would think that such a man would have been so shaken to the roots of his being that he would become very cynical. However, the opposite is true. He now realizes that those things on which he had depended in the past gave no true stability to his life. His faith in Jesus Christ had changed everything. T his is the Lord who will finish what He has begun and will stand on the earth at the latter day. This is the Lord who is always faithful to His promise. Now it makes no difference what happens in the present—his Lord is in control.

Therefore in the Lord’s People

Seeing he has this firm confidence in his Lord, he can also speak of the confidence he may have in the people at Thessalonica. It belongs to the nature of man that he cannot be depended on, but these to whom he is writing are in the Lord! They are united with the Lord and as a result Paul can also have confidence in them. Their nature has been changed in their union with Jesus Christ. They are no longer tossed about but stand on a firm foundation.

The confidence which he has in them is in relation to the things they are doing and will do. He is going to give certain commands in the closing part of this chapter and is paving the way for these things. The Lord is faithful in all His works but His people are also called to responsible tasks. Everything is dependent on the Lord but this does not leave His people without responsibility. These seemingly contradictory teachings have often been a problem for God’s people. How can men still be responsible when God is in complete control? This is, however, never a problem to the Apostle. He does not look on these things in the abstract but always in the historic situation. Of course, God is in control over all things including the lives of His people! But, His people, who are in Him, are to live in obedient faith. The extent to which they are found to be obedient is an indication of their union with Christ. He knows the faith of these people and therefore has confidence in them that they will do those things which he commands them. He does not separate the work of God from the responsibility of the believer. So only can the two be harmonized, as this same author does in Phil. 2:12–13.

Loving Obedience

In the last section of this chapter he is going to speak of those who are not obedient to the word of God. These will have to be reproved and the members of the church will also play a role in the correction of these people. Therefore he must have confidence in the true believers at Thessalonica. He realizes that by nature they are subject to the same temptations as those who are to be reproved. They will not be able to uphold the honor of the Christ and the truth of the word by themselves. He therefore prays that their hearts may be directed into the love of God. So only will they be safe and so only will they be able to acquit themselves of their responsibility. He means the love which God has for them. They must not only contemplate that love but they are to live into it. When their hearts are filled with God’s love to them, they will be able to accomplish all that is asked. The love of God is powerful. It enables His people to do all things. Thus he has again come full circle. The Lord is faithful; His people must do the things which have been commanded them; and the love of God enables them to do it.

Perseverance

Paul has experienced all manner of opposition in his labors for the church of Christ. The Thessalonians have also experienced some of the opposition to their faith. These things can be expected from those who have been enemies of the cross from the beginning. However, when opposition comes from those who have confessed the same faith—it will be more difficult. The Apostle is going to address those in the church in the latter part of this chapter. May the Lord therefore direct the hearts of his true servants into the patience (or endurance) of Christ. They will need far more endurance than they have by nature. Only the Christ of God can be their example. He was rejected, He was despised, He was maligned—but He continued His work “to do thy will, O God.” The faith of these Christians will be tested—but he has confidence in them, provided that they live very close to their God. All obstacles must be removed so that their hearts may be filled with the love of God for them and that they may partake of the endurance of Christ.

So he has prepared them for the final words addressed to them. These words too must be spoken for the welfare of this church. He will speak bluntly so that there is no possibility of misunderstanding his intentions. But, the faith of His people must be protected! His pastoral heart is clearly revealed in these verses.

Questions for Discussion

1. Are we becoming too free with our asking for prayers? Discuss. Prayers are sometimes asked for a large number of Kingdom workers and their work. Do you think that those who ask for these prayers really expect the people to do so?

2. Are we to pray for the minister of the congregation every day or just on Sunday?

3. What do you understand by the words “that the word of the Lord may run?” Do you think this is often the burden of the prayer of God’s people?

4. What does the faithfulness of God mean in our lives?

5. Divine sovereignty and human responsibility are often spoken of as being an impossible problem for us. How does Paul deal with this question? Is the historical part of Scripture also doctrinal? Explain.

6. What does the love of God and the patience of Christ do for our practical everyday life?

7. Daring to speak the truth is noble. Can it also be damaging? Discuss.

     

Lesson 16

II Thes. 3:6–18

Before coming to the end of this epistle the Apostle has to deal with an important but touchy matter concerning the life of some in the church of the Thessalonians. He has paved the way for it in the preceding verses. It is a matter which he also touched upon in the first letter (4:11–12) but seemingly they have not listened to him and the situation has become worse. He has indeed been filled with joy when he sees the progress of this church in the faith, but there are a few who do not live the kind of life required of true believers.

On Christ’s Authority

It is not enough that he merely call attention to the way of life of some in this church. He uses stronger language than he had used in the previous epistle. He comes with his Apostolic command. His office is not one of service alone but he also comes with authority. It is an authority which has been given him by the King of the church in Whose employ he finds himself. He is the ambassador of Jesus Christ. He speaks in His name. He never considers his person to be important but he certainly realizes the importance of his office! The commands which he issues are in the name of the Lord Jesus. His word is the word of Christ. Let the people in Thessalonica therefore listen carefully to the commands he gives. He addresses the problem of the brother who walks in a disorderly manner and not after the traditions which they have received from Paul. He has given them the rule of life according to which they are to walk while he was with them. They are to believe in the gospel and so be united to the Christ and all His benefits. At the same time, they must live in gratitude for the salvation which they have received. Those were the traditions which he had given them. There is something wrong in their conception of the faith if they confess to belong to Him and walk in a disorderly manner. Later he will inform us what that disorderliness was.

Show Disapproval

He is addressing the true members of the church and is warning them about the lives of the disorderly. They must withdraw themselves from them. There are different views concerning the meaning of such a withdrawal. He does not ask them to shun such people entirely. He still calls such as walk in a disorderly manner brothers. It is therefore clear that they may not be completely shunned. However, those who so walk are a threat to the manner of life of others and something must be done to cause them to see the error of their way. Therefore, withdraw from them. Don’t have close contact with them. Do not show such friendliness to them that they come to the conclusion that you approve of their manner of life. It must become clear to such people that their manner of life is a hindrance to the full fellowship with other members of the church. One can do this while still counting them as brothers. This is an important principle which the church must not overlook.

Follow Paul’s Example

The traditions which had been given to this church by the Apostle were according to the demands of t he law and the gospel. These were the traditions which Paul and his associates also kept. He had advised them to imitate him. Is this a dangerous form of teaching? It could be. But, we must not forget that the manner of life which was required of those who professed their faith in Jesus Christ was so different from the manner of life to which these people were accustomed that an example had to be given them. Nowhere would they be able to find an example except in the lives of those who had led them to the faith! Paul is, therefore, not afraid to use his own life as an example for these people to follow. And if they follow his example and imitate his life, they will have a safe guide. We did not behave ourselves disorderly among you, he says. Life must correspond to the profession made. They did not only hear a message from Paul concerning a religion; he lived that religion which he brought to them.

Instead of living in a disorderly manner, Paul and his companions had lived an exemplary life before them. What did this consist of? They were not a burden to anyone. They did not live on the labors of others but on their own. This demanded long hours. It was with difficulty that they were able to do all that was required. Not only did they have to labor with their hands to make a living, the gospel also had to be proclaimed. They did both. As a result they had to work day and night; and they did this so that they might not be burdensome to any of the people there. Is this the approved way? Is this the standard for all others? No, he immediately adds that he had the right to ask for the support of this church so that he would not have had to labor day and night with his hands to make a living. He who brings the gospel has the right to live of the gospel. But, he purposely worked in this fashion so that he might be an example for them and that they might imitate him. Paul is always very much aware of his rights but is also ready to sacrifice these rights for a higher purpose. The gospel has to be proclaimed and the church of Jesus Christ must be built. To attain this purpose he will gladly spend himself and be spent. However, let not the church think that his manner of doing things in this particular church is to be of universal application. Therefore he reminds them of the rights he has which should be honored under normal conditions.

Idle Christians

He reminds them now that he had taught them in the short period of time he had been with them in Thessalonica how a person should live as a believer. Here he gives us the nature of the disorderliness of the lives of some. They refuse to work! It has been brought to his attention that, despite all the things he has taught them, there are a few among them who do not work at all but make themselves busy with other things which are none of their business. They are busybodies rather than busy workers. This brings a twofold difficulty. They cannot support themselves and they make themselves obnoxious to others. The Apostle has a very simple remedy for the first. If any will not work, neither let them eat! Doesn’t this sound harsh? So it indeed sounds to many today. However, we must remember that no one has spoken of love for the brethren and exhibited that love more in his own life than this Apostle. He is not only ready to slave for them but even to give his life for them. However, his love does not blind him to duty nor does he allow his love for others to trample the commandments of God! If they will not work, they have no right to food. If they will not work, they have no right to the support of others. They would then rob those who are really in need. Paul sees not only one aspect of the gospel, but the whole gospel. Those who think his comment here to be harsh do not take the whole counsel of God into consideration.

The reason these people do not work is not expressly stated in these verses. However, it is seemingly not due to a laziness which might be true concerning certain people in various churches. But in Thessalonica there was a belief that Christ would return soon. Why then work anymore? They became busybodies, i.e., they went about speaking to others concerning this imminent coming of Christ. This seemed to be much more “pious” than to work with their hands. Let them not eat and thus learn the lesson which, seemingly, nothing else can teach them.

Working Orders

He now addresses these disorderly ones specifically. They will hear this epistle read in the church as well as the other members of the church. He gives them his Apostolic command and at the same time urges them to leave their former way of life and do those things which they have been taught. This he again does in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is not coming to them with personal opinions but with the authority of Christ Himself. They are urged to work with quietness and eat their own bread. They have stirred up some of the others. They have been meddlesome. They have been a bad influence in the church. Let them now work calmly and they will then be able to provide their own needs. These things have been told them before, but it comes to them with a stronger emphasis now. The work-ethic which he holds before them is a fruit of the gospel and is therefore of great importance in the life of the believer.

The faithful members of the church are now addressed. They have seen the way in which some of the other members have conducted themselves. These seem to “have gotten away with it” till the present time. This can discourage the faithful members. What’s the use? The Apostle now speaks directly to them and counsels them not to become weary in well-doing. This is the natural requirement of the gospel. His commands are not grievous. Continue to do well.

Even though Paul is writing t he inspired word of God he is realist enough to realize that there may be some who will not obey the word which he is sending to them. What must the faithful believers do then? They must take notice of such a person. They should not assume an attitude as though nothing has happened. In verse six he had told them to “withdraw” themselves from such persons. Now he tells them to “have no company” with such a person. They must not take such a person into their intimate circle of friends. He must be made fully aware of the fact that his walk of life is offensive to the other members. They do not feel at home or comfortable with him. This is to be done in order that he may be ashamed of his own conduct. They are not to set up their own standards and say: “He now needs all our love” and thereby invite him into their intimate friendship. That would be contrary to the word of God as Paul writes it. The purpose of this attitude is to reform the one who has gone astray. When he has become ashamed he will turn to the manner of life approved of God and will again seek the fellowship of His people!

Proper Discipline

The way in which they are to deal with such an erring one is disciplinary but not to the extent of excommunicating him from the church of God. Even though he does not live the way he should and has not listened to the admonition of the word of God, he may not yet be counted as an enemy but must still be admonished as a brother! The others still have a responsibility toward him. If he continues along the path he has taken then the time will come when he can no longer be considered as a brother. But, that time is not yet. There is still the hope that he will become ashamed of his own ways. He has been taught the error of his way before and now again. Admonish him according to this word. A rift in the body of Christ is a ser ious matter and must be avoided as long as possible. Paul places responsibilities concerning this matter upon all believers but does not make a hero of the one who is erring!

Concluding Prayer

In closing the Apostle prays that the peace of the Lord of peace may be given them. There were so many things which had disturbed the peace in this church and certainly the things of which he had just spoken were not the least of these disturbances. God is the One, and the only one, who is able to give peace of heart. He is also the only One who will be able to give this peace at all times and in all ways. Doubts may arise in the hearts of the faithful in this church whether or not there shall ever be the true peace again in this place. God is able to give it and He will give it. They, however, must be true to His word and walk uprightly before Him.

“The Lord be with you all”; also with those who do not live as they should; also with those who have the wrong view concerning the doctrine of the last things. With you all! You all need it! He will be with you all!

No doubt, Paul dictated his letters to others. If someone else wrote the letters there could always be the possibility that such a secretary would say that it was from Paul even though it was not. There were evidently letters in circulation which were not the letters of Paul (Cf. II Thess. 2:2). This fact could undermine the authority of the Apostle. He therefore states in vs. 17 that he “autographs” each epistle. Though others may have been used to write the body of the epistle, he writes the closing words with his own hand. When the churches see his own handwriting at the end of the letter, they will thereby know that the whole letter is genuinely Pauline. It is mentioned at the conclusion of this particular epistle because the danger was present in this church that some might not believe this epistle to be authentic. At the same time we are then also taught that this is the mark which he has placed on all his writings, even though he doesn’t mention it after each letter.

The benediction is the same as at the conclusion of his first letter to this church except that the word “all” is added. The grace of God is needed by all believers and by all who stray.