Fathers

2 Thessalonians 3

Tap a verse to read the Fathers. Press and hold, then drag, to make a card.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

About · Privacy · Credits · Support VRSZ

What the Fathers say

2 Thessalonians 3:8

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

We did not behave disorderly, that is, we did not remain in idleness. By "disorderliness" the apostle here means doing nothing, as he did above. For God ordained that man should be in labor, and for this purpose furnished him with members suited to it; so that whoever remains idle steps out of the order of God. Note that the apostle called "free bread" what he received as sustenance from them. But it was not free, because he was preaching. And the laborer is worthy of his sustenance. …

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗

Cyprian

Let them imitate the Lord, who at the very time of His passion was not more proud, but more humble. For then He washed His disciples' feet, saying, "If I, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." Let them also follow the example of the Apostle Paul, who, after often-repeated imprisonment, after scourging, after exposures to wild beasts, in everything continued meek and humble; and even after his rapture to the …

Epistle V ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

Of course, there are those who misunderstand the same apostle when he writes, "He who was apt to steal, let him steal no longer; but let him labor, doing good with his hands, that he may have something to give to one who has need." For, when he is ordering such persons to work so efficiently with their hands that they will also have something to bestow on others, his misinterpreters believe that he is going counter to the instruction which the Lord gives when he says, "Look at the birds of the air: they do not sow, or reap, or gather …

Sermon On The Mount 2.17.57 ↗

Thomas Aquinas

"Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing: but in labor and in toil we worked night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you," because he labored with the work of his hands. "You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me" (Acts 20:34). "She has not eaten her bread idle" (Prov 31:27). "You know that I have never accepted so much as a donkey from them" (Num 16:15). …

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗

Bonaventure

This same thing is apparent through the apostolic example, Second Thessalonians three: You yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, for we were not disorderly among you, nor did we eat bread from anyone without paying, but in labor and toil, etc.; Gloss: "The Apostle was a model for those who were of slender means among the people, that they might learn not to lose their freedom. …

Disputed Questions on Evangelical Perfection, Question 2 ↗