2 Thessalonians 3
2 Thessalonians 3 is part of “Prayer Request and Confidence in the Lord” (3:1–5) in the outline of 2 Thessalonians.
2 Thessalonians 3 summary
In the close of the foregoing chapter, the apostle had prayed earnestly for the Thessalonians, and now he desires their prayers, encouraging them to trust in God, to which he subjoins another petition for them (Th2 3:1-5). He then proceeds to give them commands and directions for correcting some things he was informed were amiss among them (Th2 3:6-15) and concludes with benedictions and prayers (Th2 3:16-18).
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in 2 Thessalonians 3
2 Thessalonians 3 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Request for Prayer
1Furthermore, brethren, pray for vs, that the worde of the Lord may haue free passage and be glorified, euen as it is with you, 2And that we may be deliuered from vnreasonable and euill men: for all men haue not fayth. 3But the Lord is faithfull, which wil stablish you, and keepe you from euill. 4And we are perswaded of you through the Lord, that ye both doe, and will doe the things which we warne you of. 5And the Lord guide your hearts to the loue of God, and the waiting for of Christ.
Warning Against Idleness
6We warne you, brethren, in the Name of our Lord Iesus Christ, that ye withdrawe your selues from euery brother that walketh inordinately, and not after the instruction, which hee receiued of vs. 7For ye your selues know, how ye ought to follow vs: for we behaued not our selues inordinately among you, 8Neither tooke we bread of any man for nought: but we wrought with labour and trauaile night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you. 9Not because we haue not authoritie, but that we might make our selues an ensample vnto you to follow vs. 10For euen when we were with you, this we warned you of, that if there were any, which would not worke, that he should not eate. 11For we heare, that there are some which walke among you inordinately, and worke not at all, but are busie bodies. 12Therefore them that are such, we warne and exhort by our Lord Iesus Christ, that they worke with quietnes, and eate their owne bread. 13And ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14If any man obey not this our saying in this letter, note him, and haue no company with him, that he may be ashamed: 15Yet count him not as an enemie, but admonish him as a brother.
Final Greetings and Benediction
16Now the Lord himselfe of peace giue you peace alwayes by all meanes. The Lord be with you all. 17The salutation of me Paul, with mine owne hand, which is ye token in euery Epistle: so I write, 18The grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with you all, Amen. ‘The second Epistle to the Thessalonians, written from Athens.’