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 3:8

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 ↗