2 Thessalonians 3

     3:1-5.  Paul asks that they pray for the advance of the gospel (i.e., in Corinth, 1), and that he and the others be delivered from those who oppose the faith (probably Jewish opposition at this point).  Though men are not all faithful, the Lord is (3), therefore Paul is confident in their obedience, praying that God will direct their hearts into his love and into the steadfastness of Christ (5; cf.3, he is faithful; cf. Heb.12:2).

     3:6-15.  See the note at 2:15 on the tradition.  Whoever was leading a life not according to the rules (unruly) rather than according to the tradition and example of the apostles was not to be joined in their disobedience, but admonished and avoided, and this by the command and authority of Christ himself (6, 12, 14).

     One gets the impression that the people in question who were into “full time Christian ministry,” were becoming a burden by not supporting themselves, and were sticking their noses into other people’s business (11).  This was not at all the model they got from Paul’s example (8-9).  They may also have been spreading the speculations about the Lord’s coming, having confused his nearness and the suddenness of his appearing to mean an immediate return.  A roof top sitter is not likely to take much thought for a disciplined work life, quietly earning his own living so as to have the means to help those who truly need it.  They were a burden and a nuisance, but they were not the enemy.  The admonishments and shunning were meant to correct them as brothers (15).

     3:16-18.  Closing blessing.  Paul usually used a scribe, but was sure to write a signed greeting in his own hand to prove that the letter was truly from him (cf. 2:2, “a letter as if from us”).  When one wrote with the authority of Christ (6), it was no doubt irresistible for troublemakers to write their own letters in the apostle’s name.  One can easily imagine his hands busy at his trade as he dictated these letters.