In this article, I will first interpret 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15, including discerning the main point and providing an outline of the passage. Then I will show how the passage can be applied to modern Christians, while concluding with a prayer that is based on the passage.
2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 Text
6Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. 7For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you, 8nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. 9It was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate. 10For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 13As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 (ESV)
Interpretation of 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15
Topic and Main Point of 2 Thess 3:6–15
The topic of 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 is the apostolic tradition of working to support oneself. The topic is easily discerned because everything in the passage is related to the tradition of working to support oneself. Note the following.
- The command to disassociate with those who are not working to support themselves (v 6).
- An explanation of the tradition to work to support oneself, culminating in the command “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (vv 7–10).
- An admission and accusation that some Christians in Thessalonica are not working to support themselves (v 11).
- The command for those who are not working to work and support themselves (v 12).
- A command for those who are working to continue doing good, which in context means to continue working to support themselves (v 13).
- A reiteration of the command to disassociate with those who are not working to support themselves (vv 14–15)
I label working to support oneself an “apostolic tradition” because the apostles call it “the tradition that you received from us” in verse 6.
There are two related main points of 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15, both which come from explicit commands. The first main point is aimed at those who are not working to support themselves. This main point is ‘work to support yourself!’ Verse 10 issues the command to work for the purpose of supporting oneself: “For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” This command is supported by the illustration of the apostles who worked in order to support themselves while in Thessalonica (3:7–9). Further, the command to work to support oneself is reiterated in verse 12: “Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” In short, 3:7–12 are focused on commanding the errant Christians to repent by working for the purpose of supporting themselves.
The second main point is aimed at the Christians in Thessalonica who are working and supporting themselves, who are living correctly. This main point is to disassociate with any believer who refuses to work and support himself. The passage (3:6–15) begins and ends with the command to disassociate from believers who refuse to work: “Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us” (3:6); “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed” (3:14).
An easy way to discern the main point of a passage is to look for commands. Most of the time, the command will be the main point of the passage and the rest of the passage will expand upon the command, stating either the reason for the command, who should do it, how to fulfil it, where to do it, or even offering further explanation as to what the command is. We see this very clearly in the two main commands of 3:6–15. Christians should work to support themselves because it is Jesus’ command passed on by the apostles. Christians should disassociate from Christians who will not work to support themselves so that the erring Christians will be shamed into repentance.
2 Thessalonians 3:6
The command in 3:6 is to keep away from any Christian who is living an unruly life and not according to the tradition given by Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: “we command you, brothers . . . that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us” (3:6).
We know that verse 6 is a command because the apostles use the phrase “we command you.” The command is given to the “brothers,” who are Christians that are living in accordance with apostolic tradition. The command is specifically to “keep away” from the erring Christians. The term “keep away” can also be understood as “withdraw,” “disassociate,” or even “shun.”
The command is about “brothers,” who are also Christians, but these Christians are not living correctly. The apostles describe these Christians in two ways: (1) they walk (or “live”) “disorderly,” “unruly,” “undisciplined,” or “inappropriate” lives (3:6). Some versions, such as the ESV and NIV translate the Greek adverb ἀτάκτως and the related verb ἀτακτέω as “idle” or “to be idle.” This is most likely incorrect. The verb and the adverb refer to inappropriate behaviour. The specific type of inappropriate behaviour must be determined by the context. In 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15, the inappropriate behaviour is not working and supporting oneself. What the ESV and NIV have done is remove all ambiguity by stating the specific inappropriate behaviour in which the erring Thessalonian Christians were engaging.
(2) The Thessalonian Christians are also said to not be walking (or ‘living’) according to the tradition they received from the apostles Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy (3:6). This tradition has not been revealed at this stage in the passage, but it will be revealed over the course of the passage.
The “tradition” (3:6) that the Thessalonians received from the apostles is explicitly stated in verse 10: “if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” This tradition was lived out in the apostles’ lives while they were in Thessalonica (3:7–9). This is also what is explicitly commanded of the erring Thessalonian Christians in verse 12: “Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”
2 Thessalonians 3:7–9
The main point of 3:7–9 is that the Thessalonian Christians imitate Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy: “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us” (3:7a). Verse 7a stresses the necessity of imitating the apostles. The rest of the passage explains the reasons the Thessalonians should imitate the apostles.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy give three reasons that the Thessalonians should imitate them.
- The apostles were not unruly; they were not engaged in inappropriate behaviour: “because we were not unruly when we were with you” (3:7b). This is the first reason because the term “because” is used, which indicates the reason for something. The apostles say, “imitate us because we were not unruly.”
- The apostles did not freely take the Thessalonians’ food and eat it: “nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it” (3:8a). The apostles did not simply take the Thessalonians food and mooch off them; rather they paid for any food they took. This second reason is still part of the causal clause (the “because” clause) of verse 7. It explains how the apostles were not unruly, how they lived upright and righteously among the Thessalonians. The apostles say, “imitate us because we did not mooch off you.”
- The apostles worked for their own food instead of burdening the Thessalonian Christians: “but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you” (3:8b). Rather than take the Thessalonians’ food for free, the apostles worked to earn a wage so that they could purchase their own food. Once again, verse 8b is part of the causal clause that began verse 7b. The apostles say, “imitate us because we worked for all our food.”
2 Thessalonians 3:9 functions as an aside. It reminds the Thessalonians that as apostles who were ministering to the Thessalonians, they had the right to burden the Thessalonians by taking their food as payment for their services of ministry. However, rather than utilize their right, the apostles forewent that right for the purpose of being an example to the Thessalonians to imitate. Specifically, the apostles were an example of the tradition they are passing along: a Christian must work for his food.
2 Thessalonians 3:7–9 offers clarification to the seemingly harsh command in verse 6 to disassociate from any believer who is living an unruly life and not walking according to apostolic tradition. The conjunction that governs verses 7–9 is “for” (γάρ in the Greek), which functions as a marker of clarification (although it can also indicate reason, that doesn’t make much sense in this context). Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are clarifying why the Thessalonians should disassociate from those believers who refuse to work for their food: they are not imitating the apostles who worked for their food and intentionally gave the Thessalonians an example they must follow.
Verses 7–9 may also be suggesting that many Thessalonian believers were following the example of these moochers and were ceasing their work (quitting their jobs) and relying on others for their food. The apostles are attempting to put a stop to this errant and aberrant behaviour by telling the Thessalonians to shun these sinful believers who are teaching wrong conduct by their actions and instead to adopt righteous conduct, which was modelled by the apostles when they were present with the Thessalonians. In essence, the apostles are saying the following: “keep away from any Christian who does not work for his own food because you are imitating them when you should be imitating us.”
Further, the reminder that the Thessalonians should be imitating the apostles serves as a corrective to the errant Thessalonians. This letter would have been read out loud to all the Thessalonian believers at once. The erring believers would have heard the call for the church to disassociate from them and the call to imitate the apostles. The hope would have been for this call to imitate the apostles to spur the erring believers to repentance and right living.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
The command the apostles give in 3:10 is not to feed and support those Christians who do not work: “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” The final clause, variously translated “let him not eat” (ESV), “neither should he eat” (KJV, NET), “shall not eat” (NIV), is in the imperative mood in the Greek, which indicates it is a command. The reason for its less forceful translation is because the command is given in the third person in the Greek text (something impossible to do in English), while all English commands are given in the second person. The various English translations are (poorly in my opinion) trying to bring out the imperatival mood while keeping the clause in the third person. A much easier way to handle this is simply to put the command in the second person and translate it as such: “if anyone is not willing to work, do not feed [or support] that person!”
The apostles are commanding the Thessalonian believers not to feed or support any Christian who is not willing to work. This is not commanding Christians not to help those who are struggling or who are working but earning a meagre wage. Rather, it is commanding Christians not to support those who can work, but who are refusing to work for whatever reason. To put the command in more colloquial English, the apostles are saying, “stop supporting moochers!”
2 Thessalonians 3:10 offers a second clarification to the command in verse 6 to disassociate from any believer who is living an unruly life and not walking according to apostolic tradition. The conjunction that governs verse 10 is the same as that which governs verses 7–9: “for” (γάρ in the Greek), which functions as a marker of clarification. Verse 10 actually offers two points of clarification justifying the command to disassociate. First, the apostles commanded the Thessalonians not to support (literally give food to) any Christian who was not willing to work. This command was given while the apostles were present in Thessalonica. The command to disassociate is an extension of the command not to support. Second, the command “if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” reiterates the apostolic tradition to work for your own food, showing again that the unruly Christians are disobeying the apostles’ commands (traditions) and living lives inappropriate for a disciple of Jesus.
On a side note, the command “if anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” reads like a proverb. Because the command is proverbial, the core truth is that a person should work to support himself. Thus, the tradition to work to support oneself is couched in proverbial language. Further, if verse 10 is a proverb, then it is applicable to all people, not just Christians. Christians should urge all people to work in order to support themselves and not to mooch off others.
2 Thessalonians 3:11
2 Thessalonians 3:11 offers a third clarification to the command in verse 6 to disassociate from any believer who is living an unruly life and not walking according to apostolic tradition. The conjunction that governs verse 11 is the same as that which governs verses 7–9 and verse 10: “for” (γάρ in the Greek), which functions as a marker of clarification.
2 Thessalonians 3:11 clarifies that there are, indeed, Christians in Thessalonica who are living unruly lives by not working and who are mooching off others. Verse 11 makes the command of verse 6 relevant. Essentially, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are saying, “do not associate with any believer who is not working to support himself (3:6), and I know there are some among you who are not working (3:11).
2 Thessalonians 3:12
The command in 3:12 is given to those Christians who are refusing to work for their food, but are mooching off others. The identifier “such persons” refers to those who were just identified in 3:11, those who “walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies” (KJV). The apostles have transitioned from addressing the church at large (all believers) to those specific believers who are sinning, who are not working and providing for themselves.
The command given to those who refuse to work for their food is to work and earn their own food (or earn their own living): “we command . . . to do their work quietly and to earn their own living” (3:12).
2 Thessalonians 3:13
Another command is issued in 3:13. The command in 3:13 is given to those Christians who are working to support themselves, who are not lazy moochers. The term used in 3:13 is “brothers.” The only way to determine that these “brothers” are those who are working to support themselves, who are walking rightly, is by the command itself. The actual command indicates these “brothers” are those who are working.
The command given to those who are working and living rightly is to not grow weary in living rightly; to continue working to support themselves: “do not grow weary in doing what is right” (3:13b, NET; also see RSV and NRSV). Most English translations state “do not grow weary in doing good.” Although a legitimate translation, “doing good” is too broad. The more accurate translation in this context is “doing what is right” (or something similar), which is seen in the NET, RSV, and NRSV. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are urging those believers who are living right lives by working to support themselves not to grow weary in working to support themselves, not to grow wearing in “doing what is right.”
It is easy to get discouraged when you are working hard to pay for food and living expenses when others who could work are not working, but are living off the generosity of others or the government. Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy are encouraging these types of Christians to continue working hard because that is the way disciples of Jesus should live their lives.
2 Thessalonians 3:14
A few more commands are issued in 3:14–15. The commands in 3:14–15 are given to all believers at Thessalonica (i.e., the entire church at Thessalonica). The commands are all given in the 2nd person plural with no clarification as to who the “you” is. Thus, the “you” must refer to the addressees of the letter, which is “the church of the Thessalonians” (1:1). Further, the commands in 3:14–15 are similar to that in verse 6, suggesting the apostles are back to addressing the entire church.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy began by addressing the entire church in 3:6–11, moved onto addressing the non-working brothers in 3:12, then addressed the working brothers in 3:13. Now they are back to addressing the entire church again in 3:14–15.
The two commands issued in 3:14 are (1) identify the believer who refuses to obey what Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy say in this letter and (2) disassociate from that person: “If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him” (3:14). Technically there is only one command in verse 14: “take note of that person.” The command to disassociate from the disobedient brother is an infinitive indicating purpose; take note of the disobedient brother for the purpose of disassociating from him. The LSB brings the Greek grammar out well in its translation: “take special note of that person to not associate with him” (3:14, LSB).
The command not to associate with anyone who does not obey the instructions in this letter could include two types of disobedience. First, the apostles clearly mean to disassociate from any Christian who refuses to work to support himself. Second, because the command does not specify non-working Christians, it could also include those who refuse to exercise church discipline against the non-working, lazy Christians as the apostles commanded in verses 6 and 10. Verse 14 could easily be telling the church to disassociate from any believer who refuses to work or who refuses to stop supporting the non-Christian workers and continues to associate with them.
The purpose for disassociating from non-working, mooching, believers is remedial; it is to shame them: “have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed” (3:14b). If the entire church refuses to associate with the non-working believer who is able to work, which would include refusing to support the non-working believer, he should feel ashamed of his actions, which in turn should spur him onto right action—getting a job and working to support himself. What is further implied by the text is that if the erring brother repents by working to support himself, then the church ceases its discipline and associates with him again, restoring the brother back to fellowship and reconciling with him.
2 Thessalonians 3:15
The final verse of the passage (3:15) issues two commands to the church when they enact church discipline against the erring, lazy, brother. The final two commands to the church when they enact church discipline by disassociating from fellow Christians who do not work are (1) do not regard that person as an enemy and (2) admonish that person as a brother: “Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (3:15, NET). The final two commands act like a warning to the church not to overdo the punishment and discipline of the erring believer. It reminds the church that this person is a fellow-believer, one for whom Jesus died and who will partake in the resurrection. The erring believer is not their enemy, which reinforces the remedial nature of the discipline. If the non-working lazy moocher were an enemy, then the church would need to permanently remove that person from fellowship and never associate with him; but this is not the case with a fellow believer (a “brother”).
The final command, “but admonish him as a brother” is frequently translated as “but warn him as a brother.” The translation “admonish” is more appropriate because the church is doing more than just warning the erring believer of the consequences of his actions. “To admonish” (νουθετέω) has three aspects or stages to it: (1) instruct in correct behaviour, (2) warn of the consequences of not adopting the correct behaviour, and (3) urge the person to adopt the correct behaviour. This is the idea in 2 Thessalonians 3:15. The church must (1) instruct the non-working, lazy, believers that they must work to support themselves. Then the church (2) warns the non-working, lazy, believers of the consequences of their actions; the church will not support them and will disassociate from them. Finally, the church (3) urges the non-working, lazy, believers to adopt the correct actions; the church urges them to work to support themselves. Coincidentally, the apostles Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy have done all three of these stages in 3:6–15; they have admonished the non-working, lazy, believers.
Summary of 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy have heard that there are able-bodied believers in Thessalonica who are not working, but are living off the generosity of others. The apostles admonish these unruly Christians, telling them to work for their own food and to support themselves. The apostles instruct the church to stop supporting these unruly Christians and to disassociate from them so that they may be put to shame and then repent. Finally, the apostles encourage those believers who are working to support themselves to continue to doing so and not to grow weary in their work.
Another helpful way of summarizing a passage is by producing an outline. An outline can help you remember the main points and the argument of a passage at a glance and is a useful tool for teaching a passage.
I. Instructions for the Church (3:6–11): Disassociate from Any Believer Who Is Not Working
to Support Himself (3:6)
A. Disassociate from them because they are not imitating the apostles (vv 7–9)
B. Disassociate from them because the apostles told the Thessalonians not to support
them and they are not obeying the apostles’ commands (v 10)
C. Disassociate from them because the apostles know there are some among the
Thessalonians who are walking in an unruly manner by not working (v 11)
II. Instructions for the Unruly, Non-Working, Christians: Earn Your Own Living by Working (3:12)
III. Instructions for the Obedient, Working, Christians: Continue Working to Support
Yourselves (3:13)
IV. Instructions for the Church (3:14–15)
A. Identify (“Take Note”) any believer who is not working to support himself (v 14a)
B. Do not associate with the non-working believer so that he may be put to shame
(v 14b)
C. Do not regard the non-working believer as an enemy (v 15a)
D. Admonish the non-working believer as a fellow-believer (v 15b)
Application of 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 to Modern Christians
Because the commands in 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 are from Jesus (3:6, 12), are apostolic tradition (3:6, 10), and are for “brothers,” meaning they are for Christians (3:6, 11, 13, 15), the commands in 3:6–15 are for all disciples of Jesus (i.e., all Christians) of all ages and cultures, including for disciples of Jesus today. It must also not be forgotten that the commands are for Christians, not for non-believers or “outsiders.”
There are two commands in 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 that are directly applicable to modern Christians.
1. Work to Support Yourself and Your Family (3:10, 12, 13)
2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 commands all Christians to work in order to support themselves (and presumably their families by extension). This command is given three times in the text. First, the proverb of verse 10 (“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat”) indicates that Christians should work to provide for themselves. Second, verse 12 commands all Christians who are not working to support themselves to get a job and work to support themselves. Third, verse 13 commands Christians who are working to support themselves to continue doing so and not to grow weary in this God-ordained task.
In short, all Christians who are able to work should work for the purpose of supporting themselves and their families. This does not mean that all Christians must have a formal job. For example, mothers who do not have a job, but take care of the home and raise their children are working to support themselves and their families. They are within the will of God and are living lives that please Him. See the next point for further clarification.
2. Discipline Christians Who Refuse to Work, but Instead Mooch off Others (3:6, 10, 14–15)
The specific type of Christian that is reprimanded in 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 is the Christian who is able to work and support himself, but has refused to do so and instead lives off the generosity of others who support him or her (this could include living off the government). In short, the apostles are reprimanding lazy moochers and the apostles are calling for the church to discipline these lazy moochers. There are three steps in the disciplinary process that the apostles call for that the modern church should enact if there are lazy moochers in their midst.
- Admonish the Christians Who Refuse to Work (3:15). The apostles tell the church to “admonish” the lazy moocher (3:15). As mentioned above, there are three steps to admonishment. The church should first instruct the non-working Christian that he must work; he must get a job and support himself and his family. Second, the church should warn the non-working Christian of the consequences of not working; the church will no longer support him and will disassociate from him (i.e., excommunicate him). Third, the church should urge the non-working Christian to get a job and support himself and his family.
- Do Not Support Christians Who Refuse to Work (3:10). The apostles say the church should follow the proverb “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (3:10). This means the church and individual believers should not support those who can work, but refuse to work. The church should cut off all support immediately. The hope is that the lack of support will motivate the lazy Christian to get a job and work.
- Disassociate from Christians Who Refuse to Work (3:6–14). The fact that the apostles begin (3:6) and end (3:14–15) the passage with the command to disassociate from Christians who refuse to work shows this is the main point of the passage and it must be taken seriously. If the lazy Christian refuses to work after being admonished and having his support taken away, the church and all believers must stop associating with him. He will be excommunicated. However, as verses 14–15 make clear, the goal is remedial, so as soon as the Christian gets a job and begins to work, fellowship should be restored. The shame of having one’s friends and family shun them is a great motivator toward right living.
Two Important Asides
There are two important asides that must be addressed when speaking about the necessity of working to support oneself.
- Those Unable to Work. 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 is clearly addressing Christians who are able to work, but are simply refusing, allowing others to take care of their needs. Thus, this passage is not speaking about those who are unable to work because of health/injury or because there are no jobs available (such as during the Great Depression). With that being said, those who have health problems or injuries should still seek to engage in meaningful work. If people with down syndrome or with missing limbs can find work, surely many who claim they cannot work are in actuality able to work. Further, even if there is legitimately no paid work available, the Christian should still be involved in some sort of meaningful work to avoid becoming a busybody (3:11).
- Government Handouts and Aid. In certain countries around the world, such as Australia where I live, it is possible to live entirely off the government and not have a job. 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 speaks against this lifestyle. If a Christian is able to work, he should not live off government handouts (i.e., he should not mooch off the government). However, 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 is not saying a person cannot receive aid to help during times of difficulty, whether that aid is from the Church, individuals, or the government. For example, the cost of living is so high in Australia, that most families need some government aid in order to pay rent. 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 is not speaking toward these people because they have jobs and are doing their best to support themselves. However, once a person earns enough money to fully support himself and his family, he should stop receiving government aid.
Prayer Based on 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15
In order to pray this passage, we should thank God that he has given us and those Christians we know a job so that we can support ourselves. We should also ask God’s help to persevere in our work so that we do not grow weary, to continue working hard to support ourselves and our families. We should also pray for those Christians we may know who are lazy moochers to repent by getting a job and working. Pray a prayer similar to the following:
Dear God, thank you for providing me with a job and meaningful work so that I can support myself and my family. At times I am frustrated when I see the easy life of others who are lazy and seem to get by without any work. In these times, help me to not grow weary in my work, knowing that it pleases you and supports myself and my family. For those I know who are lazy, please lead them to repentance so that they will get a job and work, living an upright life that pleases you. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.