2 Thessalonians~Chapter 3, deals with *Paul's encouragement in persecution (1); Paul's explanation of the #Day of The Lord (2); and Paul's exhortation to the **Church (3).
This epistle is the theological sequel to 1 Thessalonians, which developed the theme of the Coming Day of The Lord: 1 Thessalonians 5:1 thru 11. However, not long after the Thessalonians had received that letter, they fell prey to false teaching - and sometimes outright deception; thinking the Day of The Lord had already begun. Paul wrote his letter to correct that falsehood, and to encourage those ***Believers whose faith had been tested by the difficulties presented by persecutions. Paul also reproved those who had decided to cease laborious work to sit waiting for the Lord's coming (2 Thessalonians 2:2, 3 & 3:5 thru 6).
*Paul's Encouragement in Persecution - After his 2-verse greeting, Paul gives thanks for the growing faith and love of the Thessalonians, and assures them of their ultimate deliverance from those who are persecuting them (vv 1:3 thru 10). They are encouraged to patiently endure their afflictions, knowing that ****Lord Yeshua will judge their persecutors when He is "revealed from ^Heaven with His mighty ^^angels, in flaming fire" (vv 1:7 & 8). Before Paul moves to the next topic, he concludes this section with a prayer for the spiritual welfare of his readers (vv 1:11 & 12).
*Understanding the Day of The Lord - Because of the severity of their afflictions, the Thessalonians have become susceptible to the false teaching that they were already in the Day of The Lord (vv 2:1 & 2); this was particularly disturbing because Paul's previous letter had given them comforting hope that they were not destined for the wrath of that Day (1 Thessalonians 5:9). Paul therefore assures them that the Day of The Lord is yet in the future, and will not arrive unannounced (vv 2:3 thru 12). Paul then concludes with a word of encouragement and a prayer blessing for comfort, before moving onto his next topic.
*Paul's Exhortation to the Church - (vv 3:1 thru 18): Paul requests that the Thessalonian Church pray on his behalf, and to wait patiently for the Lord (vv 3:1 thru 5). Having thus commended, corrected, and comforted his readers; the tactful Apostle closes his letter with a sharp word of command to those who have using the Truth of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach's return as an excuse for disorderly conduct (vv 3:6 thru 15 = 1 Thessalonians 4:11 & 12). The accurate truth of the Lord's return, requires balance between waiting and working. It is a perspective that should encourage holiness … not idleness.
This final section, like the first two, closes on a blessings note (vv 3:16 thru 18).
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2 THESSALONIANS ~ Chapter 3
Wait Patiently for Christ
(vv 1 thru 5)
"Finally, brethren, pray for us; that the Word of the Lord may have free (liberate, set loose from restraint or constraint; free implies a permanent removal from whatever binds, confines, entangles, or oppresses) course (connected series of events or actions or developments) and be glorified (to praise or honor *****Elohim to an extreme degree = you might compliment or praise Elohim, but glorifying takes that a step further. When something is glorified, it is praised to the highest degree possible), just as it is with you. And that we shall be delivered from unreasonable (biased based on person whims, contradictory random choices; foolish, illogical, changeable, senseless, silly, stupid, wrong) and wicked (a mental disregard for justice, righteousness, truth, honor, virtue; evil in thought and life; depravity; sinfulness; criminality) men; for not all have Faith (Acts 28:24 & Romans 15:31). But the Lord is faithful - Who will establish (set on a firm or unshakable basis) you and guard (watch over in order to protect against damage or harm) you from ******Lucifer. And we have confidence in the Lord, concerning you - both that you do and will do the things we command (to give an order; to tell someone to do something in an official manner) you (2 Corinthians 7:16). Now may the Lord direct (point in a particular direction or at a particular person) your hearts into the love of Elohim, and into the patience of Yeshua (1 Chronicles 29:18).
Withdraw From the Disorderly
(vv 6 thru 15)
But we command you brethren, in the Name of our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach, that you withdraw (remove yourself from a situation) from every brother/sister who walks disorderly (behavior that causes others to become annoyed, alarmed, offended, causing problems or difficulty, physically injured, or financially harmed) and not according to the doctrine which we gave you (1 Thessalonians 4:11). For you, yourselves, know how you ought to follow us - for we were not disorderly among you; nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor (physical, mental, and social effort used to produce goods and services in an economy) and toil (to work hard and long) night after day, that we might not be a burden to any of you (1 Thessalonians 2:9), not because we did not have authority - but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow our teaching (1 Corinthians 9:4 & 6 thru 14). For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: if anyone will not work - neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies (a nosy, meddling person, who's very interested in what other people say and do). Now those who are such, we command and exhort (urge strongly: to give warnings or advice) through our Lord Yeshua that they work in quietness, and eat their own bread (Ephesians 4:28). But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). And if anyone does not obey (comply with the command, direction, or request of; submit to the authority of) our word in this epistle … note that person and do not keep company with him/her, that he/she may be ashamed (Matthew 18:17). Yet do not count him as an enemy (a person who is actively opposed or hostile to someone or something), but admonish (to caution, advise, or counsel against something; to reprove or scold, especially in a mild and good-willed manner) him as a brother/sister.
Conclusion
(vv 16 thru 18)
Now may the Lord of peace, Himself, give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all (Romans 15:33). The salutation (greeting) of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write (1 Corinthians 16:21): the grace of our Lord Yeshua Ha'Mashiach be with you all. Amen (Romans 16:20, & 24)".
*Apostle Paul = known as Saul before he converted to Christianity (Acts 9), was the chief killer of Christians following Yeshua’s death, resurrection, and ascension – being the foremost witness to the stoning of Stephen (Acts 7).
The Apostle Paul was one of the most influential leaders of the early Christian Church. He played a crucial role in spreading the gospel to the Gentiles (non-Jews) during the first century, and his missionary journeys took him all throughout the Roman empire.
**Church = The word translated "Church" is the translation of the Greek term ekklesia, and is used in the New Covenant (New Testament) to identify the community of believers in Yeshua Ha'Mashiach. This word is the Greek words kaleo (to call), with the prefix ek (out). Thus, the word means "the called out ones."
However, the English word "Church" does not come from ekklesia but from the word kuriakon, which means "dedicated to the Lord."
***Believer: someone who has put faith and trust in the redemptive work of Yeshua Ha'Mashiach through His death on the cross and subsequent resurrection.
****Yeshua Ha’Mashiach: is Hebrew for “Jesus the Messiah”; the name Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Yeshua.
Christ (from the Hebrew word, Ha’Mashiach ישוע המשיח & the Greek word, Christos/khris-tos) = The Anointed, Yeshua the Messiah, in both languages.
Lord Jesus Christ (in Greek: Kyrios Iēsous Christos) = the most formal title for Jesus (Yeshua). It occurs often in the New Testament letters.
The word “Lord” has a wide range of uses; it can be a simple respectful “Sir” or a more formal, “Master.” But the New Testament also uses “Lord” of God. The word “Christ” is the anglicized form of the Greek word meaning “anointed one” or “Messiah.” “Lord Jesus Christ” reminds us that Jesus is both the promised Messiah and our God.
*****Elohim (Hebrew: אֱלֹהִים, romanized: ʾּlōhīm: [(eloˈ(h)im]) is a Hebrew word meaning "Gods – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit". Although the word is plural in form, in the Hebrew Bible it usually refers to a single deity “Behold, the Lord – the Lord is One”, particularly the God of Israel.
******Lucifer = A name for the leader of the devils; an angel who was cast from heaven into hell because he rebelled against Elohim. Lucifer is usually identified with Satan. The name Lucifer, which means “bearer of light” or “morning star,” refers to his former splendor as the greatest of the angels (Isaiah 14:12-15).
#The phrase “the Day of Christ” or “the Day of the Lord Jesus” is unique to the Apostle Paul. Paul also called the Day of Christ “that Day” in his last letter. The phrases are found in: 1 Corinthians 1:8, 3:13, 5:5; 2 Corinthians 1:14; Philippians 1:6, 10 & 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:18 & 4:8.
On the other hand, the phrase, “the Day of The Lord” (also called “that Day”) is common throughout the Old Covenant = Abrahamic: the prophets referred constantly to it. In the New Covenant = Gospel, Yeshua Ha’Mashiach, Paul and Peter referred to it. Some of those passages are as follows: Isaiah 2:12, 13:6 & 9, and 34:8; Ezekiel 13:5 & 30:3; Joel 1:15, 2:1, 11, & 31, and 3:14; Amos 5:18 & 5:20; Obadiah 1:15; Zephaniah 1:7, 14; Zechariah 14;1; Malachi 4:5; Matthew 24:1-51; Acts 2:20; Romans 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 5;2; 2 Thessalonians 2:2; 2 Peter 3:10 and Revelation 1:10 … and “that Day” phrases can be found in Isaiah 2:11, 17, 20 & 3:18 – this Day is a time of terror, darkness, and wrath: it is a “Day of Visitation”, Isaiah 10:3. A “Day of the wrath of The Lord”, Ezekiel 7:19, and “the Great Day of The Lord”, Zephaniah 1:14.
^Heaven: The Hebrews acknowledge three heavens – the atmosphere surrounding Earth; the firmament of outer space, in which the stars are placed; and the heaven of Heavens, or third heaven, which is he residence of Jehovah.
Among Christians, Heaven is the place where the omnipresent God of Gods dwells and manifests His supreme glory; this habitation of God is represented by the residence of angels and the blessed spirits of those who are rewarded eternal salvation.
^^Angel: (n) – a spiritual being in position of attendant, agent, or messenger of Elohim (often represented in human form with wings and a long robe).
**2 THESSALONIANS ~ Chapter 2/Thursday Bible Study "https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2024/03/2-thessalonians-chapter-2thursday-bible.html
