Do What is Right!

KEY VERSE: “Brethren, be not weary in well doing.” —II Thessalonians 3:13

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: II Thessalonians 3:1-16

THE BRETHREN IN the congregation at Thessalonica were model Christians. In their brief introduction to God’s plan they were witnessing faithfully to others. Also they were patiently enduring persecution from their own countrymen. But they were not perfect. There were misunderstandings on doctrine, one of which was that they expected the presence (Greek word parousia, mistranslated “coming”) of the Lord momentarily.

Paul alludes to this misunderstanding and makes clear that a longer span of time had to elapse. (II Thess., chapter 2) There had to be a great “falling away” first, and the “man of sin” would come upon the scene. (vss. 1-5) Much of what is recorded in this second chapter had been told to them verbally, but they had forgotten. As has been true throughout the Christian era, the brethren in Thessalonica had to contend with false doctrines, even as we do today.

A more serious problem had arisen. It was the feeling on the part of some that the congregation should demonstrate their love by supporting the unemployed. The Apostle Paul addresses this problem in the third chapter of this epistle. He uses his experience of the three weeks that he was able to be with them before being driven away by severe persecution as the example.

During that time he, Silas, and Timothy worked to support themselves while preaching the kingdom message and teaching the new congregation. Although it would have been proper for them to accept food and lodging for their labors, yet they did not want to be burdensome to anyone.

Much meaning is missed in the apostle’s words as translated in the King James Version of II Thessalonians 3:6-12. The New International Version, below, is clearer:

“We command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘If a man will not work, he shall not eat’. We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ, to settle down and earn the bread they eat.”—II Thess. 3:6-12, NIV

In his first letter to these brethren, Paul had advised them in a similar fashion, saying, “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.”—I Thess. 4:11, 12, NIV

It is a true adage that the Devil finds work for idle hands. Likewise, the right to be paid for spiritual services performed has been widely abused. Paul was aware of such pitfalls, and careful to set the right example by providing his own needs.

By following the apostle’s example we will be doing what is right.

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