A small workshop opening onto a street at dawn, its wooden shutters folded back and a leatherworker’s bench laid out with simple tools and folded goat-hair cloth.

The Book of

2 Thessalonians 3

The letter comes down to everyday life: pray, work quietly, and keep on doing good. The Lord is faithful.

18 verses≈ 3 min1 personBSB

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In this chapter

Where we are

1ComfortSuffering now, justice to come
2Stand firmThe day of the Lord hasn't come
3Back to workPray, work quietly, do goodChapter 3

Request for Prayer

pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor

2 Thessalonians 3:1

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And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone holds to the faith.

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

2 Thessalonians 3:5

Pray

Pray for the word to run

Paul does not ask for comfort or an easier road. He asks the church to pray “that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor.” Think of someone who tells others about Jesus: a pastor, a missionary, a friend. Pray for them by name today, and thank God that “the Lord is faithful,” to them and to you.

A Warning against Idleness

Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.

Paul

If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.

2 Thessalonians 3:10

For we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives, accomplishing nothing, but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.

A woman seen from behind weaving at an upright loom in a sunlit courtyard corner, clay loom weights hanging, a child’s sandals by the wall.

2 Thessalonians 3:13

Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Not as an enemy

Whiteboard

Paul’s hardest instruction has a warm goal. Stepping back is “so that he may be ashamed” and come back, and even then the church is to “not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” The door stays open, and the family keeps speaking to him.

Question

Quick question

Paul could have asked the Thessalonians to feed him while he preached. He chose to work instead.

Why does Paul say he worked night and day in Thessalonica?

Signature and Final Greetings

The Thermaic Gulf at evening from the shore below Thessalonica, the water perfectly still, a small fishing boat drawn up on the pebbles and lamps lit in low doorways.

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

0:06

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

A man’s hand, seen close, holding a reed pen over a clean, blank papyrus sheet by lamplight, a clay ink pot beside it.

From PaulTo the church of the Thessalonians

This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

2 Thessalonians 3:17–18

Live it

Tired of doing good?

After a hard word about idleness, Paul turns to the faithful: “do not grow weary in well-doing.” Doing good can be tiring, especially when others are not pulling their weight. What good thing are you tempted to give up on right now? Write it down, and write one small step you will take this week to keep at it, “working quietly.”

You’ve experienced

2 Thessalonians 3

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A verse to carry with you

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one.

2 Thessalonians 3:3

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