• A. PAUL’S INTRODUCTORY GREETING (1:1, 2)

• B. PAUL COMMENDS THE THESSALONIAN CHRISTIANS FOR THE ENDURANCE THAT THEY SHOW DESPITE HARDSHIPS (1:3-12)

  • Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians’ growing faith (1:3-5)

  • Relief will come when the Lord brings vengeance on the persecutors (1:6-10)

  • Paul prays that the Thessalonians might be counted worthy of being called by God (1:11, 12)

• C. THE MAN OF LAWLESSNESS WILL BE REVEALED BEFORE THE COMING OF JEHOVAH’S DAY (2:1-12)

  • The Thessalonians should not be alarmed by any message suggesting that Jehovah’s day is already upon them (2:1, 2)

  • The apostasy will come, and the man of lawlessness will be revealed (2:3-5)

  • The lawless one’s presence is according to Satan’s operation (2:6-12)

• D. EXHORTATION TO PROPER CONDUCT (2:13–3:15)

  • Paul urges the Thessalonians to stand firm in the traditions they were taught (2:13-17)

  • Paul requests that the Thessalonians pray for him and his fellow workers (3:1-5)

  • Paul instructs the Thessalonians to withdraw from those who are walking disorderly and to admonish them as brothers (3:6-15)

• E. CONCLUDING GREETINGS (3:16-18)

1 Paul, Sil·vaʹnus, and Timothy,+ to the congregation of the Thes·sa·loʹni·ans in union with God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

2 May you have undeserved kindness and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We are obligated always to give thanks to God for you, brothers. This is fitting, because your faith is growing exceedingly and the love of each and every one of you is increasing toward one another.+ 4 As a result we ourselves take pride in you+ among the congregations of God because of your endurance and faith in all your persecutions and the hardships that you are suffering.*+ 5 This is a proof of the righteous judgment of God, leading to your being counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you are indeed suffering.+

6 This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation for you.+ 7 But you who suffer tribulation will be given relief along with us at the revelation of the Lord Jesus+ from heaven with his powerful angels+ 8 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance on those who do not know God+ and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus.+ 9 These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment of everlasting destruction+ from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength, 10 at the time when he comes to be glorified in connection with his holy ones and to be regarded in that day with wonder among all those who exercised faith, because the witness we gave met with faith among you.+

11 To that very end we always pray for you, that our God may count you worthy of his calling+ and with his power perform completely all the good that he pleases and every work of faith. 12 This is so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you and you in union with him, according to the undeserved kindness of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 However, brothers, concerning the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ+ and our being gathered together to him,+ we ask you 2 not to be quickly shaken from your reason nor to be alarmed either by an inspired statement+ or by a spoken message or by a letter appearing to be from us, to the effect that the day of Jehovah+ is here.

3 Let no one lead you astray* in any way, because it will not come unless the apostasy+ comes first and the man of lawlessness+ gets revealed, the son of destruction.+ 4 He stands in opposition and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits down in the temple of God, publicly showing himself to be a god. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you, I used to tell you these things?

6 And now you know what is acting as a restraint, so that he will be revealed in his own due time. 7 True, the mystery of this lawlessness is already at work,+ but only until the one who is right now acting as a restraint is out of the way. 8 Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit of his mouth+ and bring to nothing by the manifestation+ of his presence. 9 But the lawless one’s presence is by the operation of Satan+ with every powerful work and lying signs and wonders+ 10 and every unrighteous deception+ for those who are perishing, as a retribution because they did not accept the love of the truth in order that they might be saved. 11 That is why God lets a deceptive influence mislead them so that they may come to believe the lie,+ 12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth but took pleasure in unrighteousness.

13 However, we are obligated always to thank God for you, brothers loved by Jehovah, because from the beginning God selected you+ for salvation by sanctifying you+ with his spirit and by your faith in the truth. 14 He called you to this through the good news we declare, so that you may acquire the glory+ of our Lord Jesus Christ.+ 15 So, then, brothers, stand firm+ and maintain your hold on the traditions that you were taught,+ whether it was by a spoken message or by a letter from us. 16 Moreover, may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us+ and gave everlasting comfort and good hope+ by means of undeserved kindness, 17 comfort your hearts and make you firm*+ in every good deed and word.

3 Finally, brothers, carry on prayer for us,+ that the word of Jehovah may keep spreading rapidly+ and being glorified, just as it is with you, 2 and that we may be rescued from harmful and wicked men,+ for faith is not a possession of all people.+ 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the wicked one.+ 4 Moreover, we have confidence in the Lord regarding you, that you are carrying out and will go on carrying out our instructions. 5 May the Lord continue to guide your hearts successfully to the love of God+ and to the endurance+ for the Christ.

6 Now we are giving you instructions, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from every brother who is walking disorderly+ and not according to the tradition that you* received from us.+ 7 For you yourselves know how you should imitate us,+ because we did not behave in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food free.+ On the contrary, by labor and toil we were working night and day so as not to impose an expensive burden on any one of you.+ 9 Not that we do not have authority,+ but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.+ 10 In fact, when we were with you, we used to give you this order: “If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.”+ 11 For we hear that some are walking disorderly among you,+ not working at all, but meddling with what does not concern them.+ 12 To such people we give the order and exhortation in the Lord Jesus Christ that they should work quietly and eat food they themselves earn.+

13 For your part, brothers, do not give up in doing good.+ 14 But if anyone is not obedient to our word through this letter, keep this one marked and stop associating with him,+ so that he may become ashamed. 15 And yet do not consider him an enemy, but continue admonishing him+ as a brother.

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace constantly in every way.+ May the Lord be with all of you.

17 Here is my greeting, Paul’s, in my own hand,+ which is a sign in every letter; this is the way I write.

18 The undeserved kindness of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

Title

The Second to the Thessalonians: Titles such as this were apparently not part of the original text. Ancient manuscripts show that the titles were added later, doubtless to make it easier to identify the books.​—See study note on 1Co Title.

1:1

Silvanus: See study note on 2Co 1:19.

to the congregation of the Thessalonians: Like Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, this letter is addressed “to the congregation” in general. This differs from his letters to Timothy or Titus, which were addressed to individual overseers, and from the letter to the Philippians, which specifically mentions the congregation overseers and the ministerial servants.​—Php 1:1.

1:3

is growing exceedingly: At the beginning of his first letter to the Thessalonians, Paul mentions their faith and love. (1Th 1:3) Here he commends them because of the remarkable growth of these qualities in them. The term he uses (hy·pe·rau·xaʹno) is related to a word that was often used regarding the growth of plants. (Mt 6:28; Lu 13:19) Paul adds the Greek prefix hy·perʹ (meaning “over; beyond”) for emphasis. (Compare Eph 3:20, “superabundantly beyond.”) So here the expression could literally be rendered “is having supergrowth.”​—Kingdom Interlinear.

1:4

hardships: Or “tribulations.”​—See study note on 2Co 1:4.

1:7

the revelation: Or “the uncovering; the disclosure.” The Greek term a·po·kaʹly·psis is here used in the expression “the revelation of the Lord Jesus.” He will be revealed as King and Judge, empowered to reward and to punish. At the time of his “revelation,” he will reward his faithful followers, who have suffered tribulation, and he will execute vengeance on the ungodly.

1:8

in a flaming fire: The Scriptures often use “fire” in a figurative sense, as in this verse. In Bible times, fire was the most thorough means of destruction. (De 13:16; Jos 6:24) On occasion, Jesus used the term “fire” in an illustrative way to denote the complete destruction of the wicked.​—Mt 13:40-42, 49, 50; compare Isa 66:15, 24; Mt 25:41.

vengeance: That is, divine vengeance and judgment. Paul says that “it is righteous on God’s part to repay tribulation to those who make tribulation” for the Christians. (2Th 1:6) The Greek word rendered “vengeance” (ek·diʹke·sis) literally means “from justice,” suggesting that the action represents justice achieved. It has also been rendered “meting out justice” or simply “justice.” (Lu 18:7, 8; 21:22 and study note) The Bible shows that God is ultimately responsible for bringing “vengeance” that will result in true justice. (De 32:35, 43; Ps 94:1; Ro 12:19; Heb 10:30) For the vengeance that Paul describes here, God has appointed the Lord Jesus Christ as Chief Executioner.

those who do not know God: Paul refers to those who willfully decide that they will not develop a relationship with Jehovah and become his friends. In contrast, those who “know God” do more than acknowledge that he exists; they have more than superficial knowledge of him. They take steps to develop a close friendship with him; they know his likes and dislikes. They love him and live by his standards. (1Jo 2:3, 4; 4:8) Those who truly know God have the honor of being “known by him” (1Co 8:3), which means having his approval.​—See study notes on Joh 17:3; Ga 4:9.

the good news about our Lord Jesus: This expression includes all that Jesus taught, as found in God’s Word. This good news is the basis on which all mankind will be judged. Those who accept and obey the good news will gain salvation; those who “do not obey the good news” will bring destruction on themselves.

1:9

everlasting destruction: The Bible indicates that some people will suffer everlasting destruction. For example, Jesus said that those who blaspheme the holy spirit are “guilty of everlasting sin” and will not be forgiven, “no, not in this system of things nor in that to come.” (Mr 3:28, 29; Mt 12:32) This apparently includes Judas, whom Jesus called “the son of destruction.” (Joh 17:12 and study note) Judas’ deliberate betrayal of the Son of God made him subject to everlasting destruction. Here Paul states that those who by choice “do not know God and those who do not obey the good news about our Lord Jesus” will experience “everlasting destruction.”​—2Th 1:8.

from before the Lord: Lit., “from the face of the Lord.” Although the words at 2Th 1:9 may allude to what is expressed at Isa 2:10, 19, 21, this is not a direct quotation from the Hebrew Scriptures. “The Lord” could here be referring either to Jehovah God or to Jesus. In a case like this, the New World Bible Translation Committee retained the rendering “Lord” so as not to overstep the bounds of a translator.​—See App. C1; compare study note on Ro 10:12.

2:1

the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ: The Greek word rendered “presence” is pa·rou·siʹa, literally meaning “being alongside.” It covers a marked period of time rather than a momentary coming or arrival. In this context, it refers to the royal presence of Jesus Christ, starting with his invisible enthronement as Messianic King at the beginning of the last days of this system of things.​—See study note on 1Co 15:23; Glossary, “Presence.”

2:2

by an inspired statement: Or “by a spirit.” (See Glossary, “Spirit.”) The Greek word pneuʹma (often rendered “spirit”) is sometimes used in connection with a means of communication. For example, in this verse it appears along with “a spoken message” and “a letter.” In other verses, this Greek word is rendered “inspired statement(s)” (1Ti 4:1; 1Jo 4:1-3, 6) and “inspired expression(s)” (Re 16:13, 14).​—Compare study note on 1Co 12:10.

by a letter appearing to be from us: Some in the congregation in Thessalonica were insisting that the presence of Jesus Christ was imminent. It is even possible that a letter wrongly attributed to Paul was interpreted as indicating that “the day of Jehovah” had arrived. If so, that might explain why the apostle makes a point of the genuineness of his second letter, saying: “Here is my greeting, Paul’s, in my own hand, which is a sign in every letter; this is the way I write.”​—See study note on 2Th 3:17.

the day of Jehovah: See study note on 1Th 5:2 and App. C3 introduction; 2Th 2:2.

2:3

the apostasy: The Greek noun a·po·sta·siʹa, used here, comes from a verb that literally means “to stand away from.” The noun has the sense of “desertion; abandonment; rebellion.” Thus, it denotes more than a mere falling away because of spiritual weakness or doubt. (See study note on Ac 21:21.) In classical Greek, the noun was used to refer to political defection or rebellion. In this context, Paul uses the word “apostasy” with regard to a religious defection that would develop before “the day of Jehovah.” (2Th 2:2) He means a willful abandonment of true worship and the service of God.​—See Glossary, “Apostasy.”

the apostasy comes first: Some Thessalonian Christians were being misled regarding “the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ” and “the day of Jehovah.” So Paul reminds them of two events that must happen first: (1) The apostasy will come (see study note on the apostasy in this verse) and (2) “the man of lawlessness” will be revealed. (2Th 2:1-3) Paul’s expectation that a widespread apostasy would afflict the Christian congregation harmonizes with Jesus’ illustration about the wheat and the weeds. (Mt 13:24-30, 36-43) Paul gave other prophetic warnings that apostates would infiltrate the congregation; later, the apostle Peter did so as well.​—Ac 20:29, 30; 1Ti 4:1-3; 2Ti 4:3, 4; 2Pe 2:1-3.

the man of lawlessness: The Greek word here rendered “lawlessness” conveys the idea of living in deliberate opposition to law. As used in the Bible, it suggests disregard for God’s laws. (See study note on Mt 24:12.) In this verse, Paul shows that “the man of lawlessness” is involved with the apostasy. Many congregations faced the problem of apostasy, so it seems clear that “the man of lawlessness” does not refer to any single individual. Rather, this composite “man” represents a dangerous group of false Christians. (See study note on 2Th 2:8.) Paul also foretells that at some future time, the identity of this “man” gets revealed​—in the sense of his coming out into the open. (See study note on 2Th 2:7.) A number of Bible translations read “the man of sin” here, based on the reading in some manuscripts. However, the rendering “the man of lawlessness” is supported by earlier manuscripts. The rendering is also consistent with the context; a few verses later, Paul speaks of “the mystery of this lawlessness” and calls this man “the lawless one.”​—2Th 2:7, 8.

the son of destruction: This expression, which could also be rendered “son of annihilation,” is used to describe Jesus’ betrayer, Judas Iscariot. (See study note on Joh 17:12.) Paul thus suggests that “the man of lawlessness” discussed here is certain to be permanently annihilated, just as the traitor Judas died a permanent death.

2:4

exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship: The phrase “object of worship” renders a Greek word that may also be translated “object of reverence.” Paul here suggests that the corrupt “man of lawlessness” would exalt himself by teaching twisted things that run counter to the law of God. (2Th 2:3) The phrase “every so-called god” might include powerful humans, such as secular rulers. (Compare Joh 10:34-36.) Paul thus suggests that this self-important “man” behaves as if his teaching were the supreme authority.

he sits down in the temple of God: Paul here seems to focus on the hypocritical actions of “the man of lawlessness.” (2Th 2:3) He cannot actually sit in God’s temple (or “divine habitation [dwelling]”), but he, in effect, claims to do so. “Of God” literally reads “of the God.” Paul’s use of the Greek definite article shows that this “man” lyingly claims to be a representative of the true God.

2:5

Do you not remember . . . ?: Paul visited the congregation in Thessalonica about the year 50 C.E., and he is writing this letter from Corinth not long thereafter, perhaps about 51 C.E. (Ac 18:11) Here he urges the Thessalonian Christians to remember that he used to give them warnings in person very similar to the ones he now offers in writing.

2:6

what is acting as a restraint: It appears that Paul here refers to the faithful apostles who, as a group, were this restraint. Paul’s words, such as those recorded in this passage and elsewhere, show that he worked vigorously to restrain, or hold back, apostasy. (See also Ac 20:29, 30; 1Ti 4:1-3; 2Ti 2:16, 17; 4:2, 4.) Likewise, the apostle Peter battled this poisonous influence. (2Pe 2:1-3) Decades later, the aged apostle John was still fighting the spread of apostasy, but he warned that it was already widespread in the congregations. (1Jo 2:18; 2Jo 7) Paul here suggests that “the man of lawlessness” would be revealed when the restraint was “out of the way.”​—2Th 2:3; see study note on 2Th 2:7.

2:7

the mystery of this lawlessness: For “mystery,” Paul uses the Greek word my·steʹri·on, which describes something secret and beyond normal understanding. It is used in a similar sense at Re 17:5, 7. (For a discussion of other occurrences of this Greek word, see study note on Mt 13:11.) In the case of “the man of lawlessness,” there was an element of mystery because the leadership among apostates had not yet established itself as an identifiable group. But that mystery was already at work because apostates were infiltrating the congregation, acting as a subversive influence toward lawlessness.​—Ac 15:24; see study note on 2Th 2:3.

the one who is right now acting as a restraint: Paul here repeats the Greek word for “acting as a restraint” from the preceding verse, adding the time element “right now.” He likely refers to the restraining influence of the apostles. (See study note on 2Th 2:6.) Decades later, about 98 C.E., the apostle John suggested that it was then “the last hour” of the apostolic age and that apostasy was spreading. (1Jo 2:18) That last restraint against apostasy was “out of the way” after John died about 100 C.E.

2:8

the lawless one: Paul here refers to the same “man of lawlessness” mentioned at 2Th 2:3.​—See study note.

by the spirit of his mouth: As “The Word of God,” Jesus serves as Jehovah’s principal spokesman. (Re 19:13; see study note on Joh 1:1.) With the authority that Jehovah has granted him as Messianic King, Jesus will pronounce divine judgments against all enemies of God, including this “lawless one.”​—Compare Isa 11:3, 4; Re 19:14-16, 21.

by the manifestation of his presence: Paul here refers, not to Christ’s entire invisible presence, but to an event that will take place near the end of that presence. Christ’s presence will then become manifest, plainly evident to all. (Lu 21:25-28; see Glossary, “Presence.”) Paul’s words here show that “the man of lawlessness,” who was already at work in the first century C.E., would still exist during the time of Christ’s presence. This indicates that Paul refers to a composite man rather than to any individual. (See study note on 2Th 2:3.) The execution of divine judgment on “the man of lawlessness” will make evident not only that Christ is present as King but also that the “great tribulation” Christ foretold will then be underway.​—Mt 24:21; see Glossary, “Great tribulation.”

2:9

the lawless one’s presence: The Greek text could here be more literally rendered “whose presence.” The context makes it clear that this phrase refers, not to the presence of Christ, but to the presence of “the lawless one” mentioned in the preceding verse.

by the operation of Satan: The Greek word here rendered “operation” could be rendered “activity.” One reference work says that in the Christian Greek Scriptures, this term is “used only of superhuman power, whether of God or of the devil.” Paul thus indicates that Satan uses his superhuman might to empower “the man of lawlessness.” (2Th 2:3) Additionally, “Satan” is a Hebrew word meaning “resister,” and “the man of lawlessness” resists Jehovah by opposing His teachings and His people.​—See study note on Mt 4:10.

wonders: Or “portents.” The true apostles of Christ did perform powerful works, signs, and wonders because they had God’s holy spirit. (Ac 2:43; 5:12; 15:12; 2Co 12:12) However, any similar displays on the part of the rebellious “man of lawlessness” would actually be an indication of Satan’s powerful operation and activity. (2Th 2:3) The “wonders,” or “portents,” would be lying ones. Either they would be fraudulent or they would lead to false or misleading conclusions. (2Th 2:10, 11) They would divert people from the Source of life and the path to life everlasting.​—Compare Mt 7:22, 23; 2Co 11:3, 12-15; see study note on Ac 2:19.

2:10

deception: Or “seduction; enticement.” The Greek term rendered “deception” was sometimes used as a synonym for sensual pleasure, implying that such deception could involve enticement by sinful and materialistic desires rather than outright fraud.​—See study note on Col 2:8.

2:13

loved by Jehovah: Paul here assures his fellow believers in Thessalonica that he is grateful to God for them and that they are loved by Jehovah God. Paul uses a similar expression at 1Th 1:4 when he addresses his spiritual brothers as those “loved by God.” These expressions may echo similar ones in the Hebrew Scriptures regarding Jehovah God’s love for his people.​—De 7:7, 8; 33:12; for the use of the divine name here, see App. C3 introduction; 2Th 2:13.

2:15

the traditions that you were taught: Paul here refers to traditions that were proper or acceptable aspects of true worship.​—See study note on 1Co 11:2.

2:16

everlasting comfort: The Greek word here rendered “comfort” (pa·raʹkle·sis) literally means “a calling to one’s side.” (See study note on 2Co 1:3.) God gives comfort that is “everlasting,” or without end.​—See study note on 2Th 2:17.

2:17

comfort your hearts: In this request, Paul uses the Greek verb pa·ra·ka·leʹo, here rendered “comfort,” which literally means “to call to one’s side.” (See study note on Ro 12:8.) After mentioning “God . . . who loved us” in verse 16, Paul connects the thought of having one’s heart comforted with the fundamental truth that Jehovah loves his servants. (Ro 8:32, 38, 39; Eph 1:7; 2:4, 5) This reminder must have been especially encouraging to Christians in Thessalonica, who were experiencing persecution.​—2Th 1:4.

3:1

the word of Jehovah: See study note on 1Th 1:8 and App. C3 introduction; 2Th 3:1.

may keep spreading rapidly: Lit., “may be running.” The Greek verb “to run” is here used figuratively in the sense of “to proceed quickly and without restraint.” The metaphor of a message running swiftly among people was well-known in the ancient world. But Paul may here have had in mind Ps 147:15, which says that God’s word “runs swiftly.” Both scriptures seem to personify the word of Jehovah, speaking of it as a speedy messenger, or runner, who rushes to his destination in order to carry out the will of his master. Paul is apparently asking the Thessalonian Christians to pray that he and his coworkers might spread the word of truth with urgency and without hindrance. At 1Th 1:8, Paul also commented on the swift spread of Jehovah’s word.​—Compare Mt 24:14; Mr 13:10.

being glorified: That is, highly esteemed and accepted “not as the word of men but . . . as the word of God.”​—1Th 2:13.

3:2

faith is not a possession of all people: Here Paul refers to the “harmful and wicked men” who were persecuting Paul and his fellow believers. (2Th 3:2, 3) However, Paul’s words about faith can have a broader sense. His statement is well-founded in examples from his own experience. In the face of the same evidence, some people develop faith, whereas others do not. (Ac 14:1-4; 17:32-34; Heb 11:3) Paul’s statement does not mean that some people are incapable of developing faith. However, true faith is an aspect of the fruitage of God’s holy spirit. (Ga 5:22 and study note) Therefore, in his letters Paul urges his fellow Christians to allow God’s spirit to influence their life. (Ga 5:16, 25; 1Th 5:19) They would thereby fully discern the evidence that provides a solid basis for faith. (Heb 11:1) To obtain the help of the holy spirit, Christians must petition God for it (Lu 11:9-13; 17:5) and study his spirit-inspired Word (2Ti 3:16, 17). Those who refuse to seek such help will not possess faith, abundant though the evidence is.

3:6

Now we are giving you instructions: Paul here opens a discussion of a problem that still needed attention in the congregation in Thessalonica. The context indicates that some were not working at all to provide for themselves but were meddling with what did not concern them. (See study notes on 2Th 3:11.) Paul openly counsels them to “work quietly and eat food they themselves earn.”​—2Th 3:12.

to withdraw: Paul advises those in the congregation “to withdraw” from any who were “walking disorderly,” that is, to avoid them, apparently to avoid socializing with them.​—See study notes on 2Th 3:14.

walking disorderly: One reference work explains that the expression means to “behave irresponsibly . . . , apparently without respect for established custom or received instruction.”​—See study note on 1Th 5:14.

the tradition: Or “instruction.” As at 2Th 2:15, Paul here refers to traditions that were proper or acceptable aspects of true worship.​—See study note on 1Co 11:2.

3:8

free: Or “without paying.” The same Greek word is used at Mt 10:8: “You received free, give free.”

by labor and toil we were working night and day: Paul may be referring to his hard physical work as a tentmaker. (Ac 18:3) He hoped that by providing for their own needs, he and his companions served as examples that the Christians in Thessalonica and elsewhere could imitate.​—Ac 20:34, 35; 1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:7-10; see Media Gallery, “Paul Works to Support Himself in the Ministry in Thessalonica.”

3:10

“If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat”: Paul quotes counsel that he earlier gave to the Thessalonians, which set the standard for all Christians regarding industriousness. As the context shows, the congregation was not under obligation to provide materially for those who were able to work but refused to do so. (2Th 3:6-15) The exact saying is not found in the Hebrew Scriptures. However, the principle may be based on such scriptures as Ps 128:2; Pr 10:4; and 19:15.

3:11

not working at all: The individuals Paul mentions were apparently healthy, but they refused to work to provide for themselves. They wanted to live off others, contrary to God’s counsel on laziness. (Pr 6:6-11; 10:4, 5; 13:4; 20:4; 24:30-34) Some may even have thought that the presence of Jesus Christ was imminent, and they used that misconception as an excuse for not working. (2Th 2:1, 2) They were perhaps imposing an expensive burden on the congregation or on some of its members.​—2Th 3:8.

not working at all, but meddling with what does not concern them: Paul here uses a play on words that was common among ancient Greek writers. The expression “meddling” implies an unhealthy curiosity about matters that are not one’s concern or responsibility. According to one reference work, the whole phrase could be rendered “not keeping busy but being busybodies.”

3:14

keep this one marked: The Greek word rendered “keep . . . marked” literally means “to put a sign on.” In this context, it conveys the idea “to take special notice of someone.” Paul had sent clear directions to the entire congregation about avoiding conduct that was disorderly, divisive. (2Th 1:1; 3:6 and study notes) He now urges individual Christians to take note of, or keep marked, a fellow Christian who disobeyed such inspired counsel. He goes on to explain what this would involve.

and stop associating with him: A person who was “walking disorderly” in the congregation was not guilty of practicing a grave sin for which he could be removed from the congregation. (1Co 5:13; 2Th 3:11) Still, he was persisting in a course that could reflect badly on the congregation and that could influence other Christians. Paul thus counsels Christians to “stop associating” with the disorderly one for social occasions or recreation. (Compare 2Ti 2:20, 21.) This action might help the disorderly one to realize that he needed to conform to Bible principles. However, fellow Christians would not completely avoid the person, for Paul advises them to “continue admonishing him as a brother.”​—2Th 3:15 and study note.

3:15

continue admonishing him as a brother: The Greek term translated “to admonish” can refer to strong counsel but does not indicate hostility. The motive behind the admonition is loving concern for the person.​—Ac 20:31; see study note on 1Th 5:12.

3:17

which is a sign in every letter; this is the way I write: At the end of some of his letters, Paul includes a greeting in his own hand. (1Co 16:21; Col 4:18) Here he adds that this is a genuine “sign” that the letter is from him. Previously, the Thessalonians may have received a letter that was wrongly attributed to Paul, one that was interpreted as indicating that “the day of Jehovah is here.” (2Th 2:1, 2) The “sign” apparently gave the Thessalonians confidence that this second letter to them was truly sent by Paul.