|
|
|
Now, brothers, we give all of you these instructions1 in the name of our Master Jesus Christ – that you disassociate yourselves from any brother2 who is lazy and disorderly and behaves in a manner not in harmony with the tradition3 you received from us.
| 1 | These instructions: Or, command, charge. Note this is not a suggestion but an apostolic command by one who represents Christ. See the word command elsewhere. This is the apostolic restraint at work – the protection of the flock. |
| 2 | Disassociate yourselves from any brother: Or, KJV: withdraw; TCN: avoid; MOF: shun KNX: have nothing to do with; PME: don’t associate with; BAR: refuse to associate with him. The Greek is STELLESTHAI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4724, to abstain from familiar intercourse with one]. This is an apostolic command to shun or refuse to associate with a “brother.” Jesus recommends something similar at Matthew 18:15-18. See notes below. |
| 3 | Harmony with the tradition: The reason to shun this brother is given here: an idle life. Or, TCN: ill-ordered life; WEY: disorderly; MOF: loafing; WMS: shirker; KNX: lives a vagabond life; PME: undisciplined. What Paul means by this is next explained. Some teachers and prophets (elders) were possibly taking advantage of charity and hospitality. They may have insisted they be cared for without offering to work for their existence. This would later develop into a clergy-laity relationship with a financially supported leadership. In time they would live in grand style. Today most Christian leaders live a better life-style than the average member of the flock. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose 2 Thessalonians 3:6 as the theme verse of chapter three – Disorderly Conduct. Having predicted the future arrival of “a man of lawlessness” Paul begins to warn of the source and type of persons who will become part of the apostasy – lazy and disorderly elders. Paul hopes through their prayers that he may “escape wicked and harmful men.” [1-5] Christ will strengthen and protect the faithful, guiding their hearts more and more into the love of God.
The congregation must “withdraw from the disorderly” in their midst. [6-12] They must “disassociate” themselves from those who are “lazy and disorderly.” That is, those who do not obey the “tradition” handed down by Paul and his associates. Paul was not a lazy person who put burdens on the congregations. Rather, he and his associates “worked night and day” so as not to be an “expensive burden.” Paul gives this strict command to the congregation – “if anyone does not want to work neither let them eat.”
Paul concludes with some exhortations: never tire of doing good to others. [13-18] Mark those who refuse to obey Paul’s epistle and “disassociate yourselves from them.” However, they are not to be treated as an “enemy” but rather reproved as a brother. Paul concludes praying that the congregation will experience the Master’s peace and undeserved kindness.
Abba our Father bless those who obey Paul’s letters.
[21 July 2002]
