Fathers

2 Thessalonians 3

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Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love, and into the perseverance of Christ. Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us. For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn’t behave ourselves rebelliously among you, neither did we eat bread from anyone’s hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you, not because we don’t have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us. For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: “If anyone is not willing to work, don’t let him eat.” For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don’t work at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that they work with quietness and eat their own bread. But you, brothers, don’t be weary in doing what is right. If any man doesn’t obey our word in this letter, note that man, that you have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. Don’t count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. The greeting of me, Paul, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

2 Thessalonians 3:12

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since he expressed himself more strictly, having said: "we exhort," he again turns to them with greater condescension and says: "we entreat." But through this exhortation it becomes even more weighty and strict. He demands two things from them: as from the disorderly — that they be quiet, and as from the idle — that they work, eating their own bread and not another's. For they ought not to turn their eyes toward the hands of others.

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then he applies a remedy, when he says "now we charge." And first, on the side of those who are sinning; second, on the side of the others, at "but you, brethren." He says, therefore, "now we" severely "charge those who are such," speaking as a prelate, "and beseech them" lovingly, as their father, that "they would eat their own bread," not another's bread but what is due them, namely what has been lawfully acquired, "with silence," i.e., without being troublesome, without running about. …

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗