We instruct you, brothers, in the name of [our] Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us. 7 For you know how one must imitate us. For we did not act in a disorderly way among you, 8 nor did we eat food received free from anyone. On the contrary, in toil and drudgery, night and day we worked, so as not to burden any of you. 9 Not that we do not have the right. Rather, we wanted to present ourselves as a model for you, so that you might imitate us. 10 In fact, when we were with you, we instructed you that if anyone was unwilling to work, neither should that one eat. 11 We hear that some are conducting themselves among you in a disorderly way, by not keeping busy but minding the business of others. 12 Such people we instruct and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to eat their own food. 13 But you, brothers, do not be remiss in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey our word as expressed in this letter, take note of this person not to associate with him, that he may be put to shame. 15 Do not regard him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother. 16 May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
This passage addresses the issues of disorderly conduct within the Thessalonian church. Some of the “brothers” were not living according to the moral and doctrinal standards, based on the apostolic tradition, as instructed by Paul and his companions, under the authority of Jesus Christ. These teachings were considered authoritative and binding for the early Christian communities.
Paul reminds the Thessalonians that he and his companions behaved responsibly when they were with them and chose not to rely on the charity of others. They worked diligently day and night to support themselves. This example led the Thessalonians to imitate Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy becoming a model for all the believers (1 Thes. 1:6-7).
Paul further reminded them that, as apostles, they had the right to receive material support from the churches they served (1 Cor. 9:4-14). However, they chose not to fully exercise this right in Thessalonica to set an example of self-sufficiency. Paul had previously taught that those who were able but unwilling to work should not expect to receive support from the community of believers. Those unwilling to work should not eat.
Paul became aware that some individuals in the community were not working but instead were idle busybodies. He urged those individuals, under the authority of Jesus Christ, to return quietly to their daily work and earn their own living. He then encouraged the community not to grow weary or lose heart in doing good works, emphasizing the importance of perseverance in righteousness.
If certain believers persist in disorderly conduct despite correction, Paul instructs the community to take note of such individuals and avoid close association with them. The goal is for the community to discipline these offenders and encourage a change in their behavior so they conform to the community’s moral and ethical standards (2 Cor. 2:6-7; Gal. 6:1). Nevertheless, they should still be treated as brothers in Christ.
Paul concludes this passage with a prayer for peace and the divine presence among the Thessalonians.
Heavenly Father, guide us to live according to Your will, reflecting the example of diligence and responsibility set by the apostles. Help us to encourage one another in doing good works and to address disorderly conduct with love and wisdom. Grant us a deep, inner peace and love of Christ so that all enmity may be removed from our hearts. This we pray through the same Christ our Lord. Amen!
References
- McSorley, Joseph. An Outline History of the Church by Centuries (From St. Peter to Pius XII). 2nd ed., B. Herder Book Co., 1944.
- Orchard, Bernard, et al. A Catholic Commentary on Holy Scripture. Feb. 1953.
- Chiu, José Enrique Aguilar, et al. The Paulist Biblical Commentary. Paulist Press, 2018.
- Faculty of the University of Navarre. The Navarre Bible: New Testament Expanded Edition. Four Courts / Scepter, 2008.
- Brown, Raymond Edward, et al. The New Jerome Biblical Commentary. Prentice Hall, 1990.
- Charpentier, Etienne. How to Read the Old Testament. Translated by John Bowden, 1981.
- Komonchak, Joseph, et al., editors. The New Dictionary of Theology.
- McKenzie, John. Dictionary of the Bible. Collier Books, 1965.
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