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Commentary
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 2 Thessalonians Chapter 3 Paul asks the believers to pray for their ministry, so that the gospel would continue without any opposition. That the glory of the gospel grow, even as it is amongst them. (v1) Paul here gains some further prayer for his reward of believers whom attain the election of grace in eternal life. Paul also asks them to intercede in prayer that they might be delivered from those men that actively pursue them. (For they had been chased from city to city.) He reminds them that most men do not have faith to receive correction by the Holy Spirit. (v2) Unlike the believers who have in the Holy Spirit a minister that will ensure they receive all they need to continue in truth. (v3) (As long as they love the truth.) Training them in repentance so that they be delivered from evil as their faith imputes them righteousness that is counted for Christ's own. Paul is confident in the Holy Spirit's ministrations to them that they will both take on the new commandments of Paul concerning false doctrine and will continue to do so, for the Holy Spirit is faithful. (v4) And that the example of Jesus Christ will show them the correct behaviour and love for the truth with the steadfast obedience to God in the face of opposition (that will lead them into eternal life.) (v5). Paul commands them to keep themselves separate from any brethren that walk sinfully, (As after the flesh) that have not received the love of the truth (after Paul's teaching of the gospel of grace.) (v6) For the believers themselves know how to walk after Paul's own example, because he did not behave in a manner contrary to that which he preached to them. (v7) Paul also did not eat at any others expense, but worked night and day so as to earn every thing he took, so as to not be an expense, that the gospel would be taught freely. (v8) Charity is a two way street. Paul is very well versed in doctrine already and it is therefore reasonable that he be in receipt from others in matters of expense - for they have gained from him in gospel truth. However, the gospel is more effective when it is free, and for an example Paul showed them that he was not teaching for his own benefit - but for them and their own. (v9) Paul himself taught that if any man would not work, neither should he eat of others. Paul has heard of some people among Thessalonica walking disorderly to the gospel's truth (it being as freely given) and requiring payment in carnal things for meddling in the business of others. (v11) Paul commands that such men work for their food and keep quiet. (v12) Paul instructs them not to be weary in doing well, working for their food as well as for the good of the gospel. (v13) If any man doesn't obey the words of this epistle, Paul tells them to remember him and separate themselves from Him, that the man be ashamed - for the words in this epistle are self evident from Jesus' teaching (v14) - and from Paul's previous visit referred to in chapter 2 verse 5. But Paul commands them to still count such a man a brother and to reprimand him as such, as forgivable. (v15) (For he may indeed have the love of the truth, that man of sin not revealed as yet. This is self consistency at work.) Paul blesses them with the peace of the sure election by grace to eternal life, with the presence of God (the Father). (v16) Paul reminds them that he writes his name in his own writing at the end of all of his epistles, (so they can spot a fake). (v17) Blessing them under the grace of the Holy Spirit, commending them in Jesus Christ, completing his allusion to the trinity, Paul finishes. |
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