2 Thessalonians 3

vs 10

Ok, obviously I'm going to pick on this verse after what I said earlier. But the actual translation itself , well it's not about taking it to bits because I don't like it. It's because I'm trying to see what they've done. I am sure, for example, that the NIV is picking on people who are out of work, because the KJV and NASB are much gentler (although both have this verse pretty much the same - I'm talking about verses on this subject more generally).

The verse is actually pretty solid in its translation. It's not a rule, it's a command (paragello) like the other commands in the book. So it's strongly given. It says if a man doesn't want to work, neither let him eat. But remember the context of a church which was unsure about the parousia - Jesus' second coming. It's entirely possible that some were giving up their jobs because they thought that Jesus' return was imminent.

vs 11

This verse does point us to some sort of report - and this one not quite as positive as the last. Some are not working, or are not presenting a good example.

Interestingly, the translation of this word 'busybodies' (the only time it's used in the NT) is on an apparent useage - that of someone being inquisitive about the affairs of others. It literally means "busying one's self with useless matters". Which is as bad as doing nothing, I guess. But judging useless is subjective - so be ware, because one man's useless activity is another man's hobby, or work, or even ministry.

vs 12

This verse could well be talking about people going out and preaching in the streets (it did happen, despite persecution) instead of earning a crust - because only good speakers get money. It's a very economic way of looking at things - if people won't pay you to do it, it's not worth doing. But I think PS&T aren't going quite down the laisse faire path here. They are just wanting people to get back into a cycle of work and normal life, which should not be any dissapointment to Jesus when he returns.

vs 13

No matter how long it takes for us to die or for Jesus to return, we should always be doing the right thing.

vs 14

This is just a perfect example of a contextual cultural thing - if we stopped associating with someone from church, they'd think we didn't want them to come anymore. It just wouldn't give the same message it did back then. Much better to look at the guiding principle of the next verse...

vs 15

because guiding principles are the key to good hermenutics. Warning them as a brother is the key. They are a Christian sibling first - a Christian sibling not following the letter second. I don't really know what the answer is for this situation in our social and cultural setting. I would prefer a church of greater disciplinary action, but it just doesn't fit with what people expect.

vs 16

Peace through and through. And may the Lord be with all of us.

vs 17

Here Paul shows that he wrote it (or at least was involved in its drafting), probably with the idea of marking this true one against the false ones that had been going around.

vs 18

And the letter ends in a similar way to his other.