“Answers for a study in the book of 2 Thessalonians” is a weekly post in addition to the regular “apologetics” posts on the weekend where the original questions can be found at the bottom of the study, and then answers appear here mid-week. This gives you time to do your own research, and then check your answers. Keep in mind these will be basic answers with a little depth, but you can go much deeper for discussion if you’d like.
Note: The answers will focus on what the text of the Bible says, and commentaries and speculative answers will be noted as such. There are many scholarly commentaries out there but it will be important, as students of the Bible, to keep the text of the Bible as our first source. Commentaries can be used, keeping in mind that they are human thoughts about God’s Word. Scripture references here are taken from the NASB, unless otherwise noted.
The Goal for the notes, questions and answers: Share and reuse to lead your own Bible study!
Review and Bible Study
Always remember to pray before you study and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you and lead you into the truth found in God’s Word – pray for protection from the evil one who will try to discourage, distract and deceive us when we commit to growing closer to the LORD.
Class Bible study:
Questions are taken directly from the chapters, and answers should be found and cited from the Scripture text in order to be Biblically accurate (unless asked to summarize in your own words). Study Bibles, commentaries and your own thoughts can be used for “Discussion” or “Going Deeper” questions. Cite your sources to share with your group.
1. Review of Class Topic:
With your group, discuss today’s presentation by summarizing what you learned, commenting or asking any questions.
Answers will vary…
Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18 with your group then, to the best of your ability, answer the following questions:
2. What specific prayer is asked for by Paul and his companions (3:1-2)? What is said about the Lord’s faithfulness towards the Thessalonians (3:3-5)?
“Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (NASB)
- Specific prayer that Paul asked for was that the Word of the Lord would spread rapidly and be glorified, and that they would be rescued from perverse and evil men. Paul and his companions faced opposition from Satan, and those who Satan used, everywhere they went and preached the Gospel. This shows an unselfishness in Paul and his companions in that their priority was the teaching and spread of the Gospel.
- Paul said that they had confidence in the Lord’s faithfulness, and that He would strengthen and protect them from the evil one, because he knew they were doing, and would continue to do, what they had commanded them (teachings from the Lord and sharing the Gospel of Jesus).
3. What is Paul’s commands for the Thessalonians, why do you think he needed to give them and how were Paul and his companions a good example of this (3:6-13)?
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would follow our example. For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.” 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13 (NASB)
- Paul commanded them to, 1) keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life, not according to the tradition they received; 2) if anyone is unwilling to work, then he is not to eat, either; and 3) to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.
- Paul needed to give, and review these commands because they heard that some among them were leading undisciplined lives, doing no work at all, acting like busybodies. When some are enabled to be lazy while others work to cover them, dissent would easily result among the members. If Paul did not address this it could have ultimately resulted in a chaotic situation leading to the downfall of this Church.
- Even though Scripture teaches us to support our pastors and Church leaders, this situation was different: 1) Paul and his companions tried to set an example of hard work when they visited the various cities and young churches for the very problem that was being addressed; 2) Paul and his companions were not the regular leaders and therefore did not need to be supported in permanent way. 3) Paul is seen practicing his tent-maker trade in Scripture quite often, and because of the culture of the time it would have been appropriate for him to work for his stay.
4. What was to be the consequence for those who did not follow Paul’s command, and why (3:14-15)?
“If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (NASB)
- Paul told them not to associate with those who are disobedient so that they would be put to shame. The second part however is very important and it says “do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” In other places where this happened Paul instructs the Church to take them back into the fold when they have repented. This is important as an example to the rest of the world concerning God’s grace.
- Church discipline is very important so as to not lose credibility and dishonor the LORD. God is a God of love and justice, and it is important to remember that you cannot have one without the other. He is also a Holy God and when we dishonor Him there should be accountability. This is not a salvational issue, nor is it to be enacted on non-believers or non-members of the church. This is an “in-house” issue that helps keep the body of Christ unified and portrays the forgiveness and grace of Christ for those who seek it.
5. Discuss: Do we have these types of problems in our Churches today? If so, how do we make application of this command, and what difficulties might we run into?
Answers here will vary depending on individual Church affiliation and experiences…
Answers should consider the fact that even though culture changes, God’s character, His expectations and His Word never changes, especially when it comes to His holiness, righteousness, justice, mercy, grace and love. There is no real love without real justice.
6. What did Paul say about his own authorship of this letter, and why do you think this would be important for him to emphasize (3:16-18)?
“Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!
I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 (NASB)
- Paul usually ends all his letters with a greeting and benediction of similar style.
- Paul emphasizes that it is with his own hand, and distinguishing mark that he uses. Note: Most writers of this era had a secretary or helper that wrote for them and then they would sign the final copy for verification. This would have been especially true for Paul as most scholars believe he had an eyesight problem (although this cannot be directly confirmed).
- It would also be important for Paul to emphasize his authorship as it seems there were some who were making false claims on Paul’s behalf, or who were contradicting what Paul had taught in many of these churches, and this was especially true for the Thessalonians.
7. Memory verses: Recite – 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (the importance of specific prayer); 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (comfort and hope through God’s grace); and 2 Thessalonians 3:5 (a point of emphasis in prayer for ourselves and toward others)
“To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 (NASB)
“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.”
2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (NASB)
“May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ.”
2 Thessalonians 3:5 (NASB)
Please continue to join us as we read and study the Bible as part of our Christian Apologetics’ class each week!
Note: Class presentation, videos, reflections and Bible study questions are posted on the weekend – Bible study answers (like these) are posted mid-week.
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Teri Dugan
TeriDugan@truthfaithandreason.com
1 Peter 3:15