Reflection on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13

In his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul provides a number of instructions for the faithful in Thessalonians. He seeks to correct false rumors, lay aside certain fears and to firmly provide instructions for how work should be divided.

In fact, Paul's message in this selection of the letter is clear: As Christians, we have a special responsibility to conduct ourselves in a way reflects glory to God. We must not be freeloaders, counting on the hard work of others. We must each stay focused, dig in and do the work that is placed before us.

This passage is best understood in the context of the entire letter. As with any piece of writing, we must ask who wrote it and why did s/he write it?

There are a number of modern scholars who suggest that Paul was not the author of 2 Thessalonians, but rather the identity of the actual author has been lost to the mists of time. Questions over Pauline authenticity began to surface around 1800 and continue into the present day. While the arguments of these theologians are not without merit, the preponderance of the evidence seems to suggest that Paul was in fact the author. The Anchor Bible Commentary states "the arguments against the (Pauline) authenticity of 2 Thessalonians are not persuasive." There is no doubt that 2 Thessalonians was considered part of the cannon by early church fathers, such as Irenaeus, Ignatius and Polycarp. (Guthrie).

So, if Paul was the author, why did he write this letter? The most direct answer to this comes from within the passage in question. In 3:11, Paul states "For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life..." (NASB). Why did Paul write the letter? Because he is hearing things about what is happening in Thessalonica - a church Paul himself founded (Acts 17) - and he is not happy about the way things are going. He needs to set the people straight. Though he states it more indirectly in 2:2, Paul is also hearing things about some of the church members having some confusion or taking up false beliefs in regard to the anticipated return of Jesus. Therefore, Paul decides he needs to straighten some things up for the people. Since Paul had previously attempted to do the same thing with a previous letter to the church in Thessalonica, in this letter he takes a much more stern approach.

Though Paul is talking tougher in 2 Thessalonians than he is in the first epistle, this is not to say that Paul does not include his typical statements of Christian love and hope for his brothers and sisters in Thessalonica. In 1:3, he writes: "We must always give thanks to God for you... because your faith is growing abundantly." In 2:13, "...God chose you as the first fruits for salvation through sanctification..." In 3:4, "...we have confidence in the Lord concerning you..." This is typical of Paul - and part of Paul's leadership that we should try to imitate not just as pastors and ministers, but as simple brothers and sisters in Christ.

After his opening salutation in chapter 1, Paul offers guidance on a number of eschatological issues that are before the church. He closes that discussion with a request for prayer, both for himself and for the people of the church. He prays that the word of the Lord will spread, that both the author and the readers be rescued from evil and that the receiving audience of the epistle will be strengthened and true as they continue being about the business of doing God's will.

In the passage in question, 3:6-13, which immediately follows this prayer, Paul then gets at some of the specifics that the people need to either keep doing or, more pointedly, do a better job at:

Stay away from believers who are freeloading and not staying true to the teachings they received about Jesus.

Working to earn their keep - as Paul did while in Thessalonica.

Not to be busybodies, but to focus their work in such a way that gets the job done and glorifies Christ.

Paul concludes this segment by encouraging the people not to grow weary but to

continue to do what is right.

After the conclusion of the passage in specific review, Paul suggests the believers should note who is not living up to these expectations - not so they can be considered as enemies so that they may be ashamed and, one would assume, want to begin to fulfill their responsibilities and fully rejoin the brother/sisterhood of the church.

As is his custom, Paul then closes with a brief benediction.

The message in this passage of Scripture is clear: as Christians, we all have a job to do. We all must be willing to work, in our own capacity, to glorify God. As I reflect on this passage, I am struck by the image of a woman in my home church, who I will identify only as X.

X is not a person who is capable of doing any physical labor. Her body is failing her. Yet X is an integral part of the fellowship at the church. She serves in many capacities on committees and has served several times as a member of the church's session. Perhaps her most important contribution to the church, however, is her mere presence at worship and at many, many of the special activities of the church, such as children's programs and dinner events. X is not able to attend these events without help.

Her presence, however, is testimony that each member of the church should work and attempt to follow the example set by Paul. X will never paint the sanctuary. X will never serve a dinner in the church fellowship hall. X will never lead the activities at Vacation Bible School. But X is a wonderful and faithful imitator of Paul. She is no freeloader. She contributes more than her physical ability would ever suggest that she could. X sets an example - based on a faithful effort to follow Christ - that is to my church what Paul attempted to be to the church in Thessalonica.

This is the message of 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13.