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 3:6

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"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 they received of us." That is, it is not we that say these things, but Christ, for that is the meaning of "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"; equivalent to "through Christ." Showing the fearfulness of the message, he says, through Christ. Christ therefore commanded us in no case to be idle. …

Homily on 2 Thessalonians 5 ↗

Basil of Caesarea

[Paul] says, "Knowing this, that our old nature is crucified with him, that the body of sin may be destroyed to the end that we may serve sin no longer." By these words we are taught that he who is baptized in Christ is baptized in his death, and is not only buried with Christ and planted together with him but is first of all crucified with him. …

Concerning Baptism

Theophylact of Ohrid

We have often said that by "charge" Paul means a more strict instruction. So also in the present case, giving a more strict instruction, he says: it is not we who command, but Christ. For what I say, He says. And He nowhere commanded to give oneself over to idleness. That is, to withdraw from everyone who lives disorderly, that is, without occupation, whether he be rich, or poor, or holy. For those who refuse useful pursuits usually quickly fall into idle talk and indifference. And this is precisely disorder. In what way? …

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, "and we charge you," he shows how they should relate to disorderly persons. And first, he sets out a rule; second, he explains it, at "for you yourselves"; third, he shows why the rule he has set out is necessary, at "for we have heard." He says, therefore: Thus you live, and thus we have confidence, but because there are some wicked men among you, "we charge you, brethren," namely, you perfect, "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." For this has to do with prelates. …

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians ↗