6 And we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw yourselves from every brother disorderly walking, and not after the deliverance that ye received from us, 7 for yourselves have known how it behoveth 'you' to imitate us, because we did not act disorderly among you; 8 nor for nought did we eat bread of any one, but in labour and in travail, night and day working, not to be chargeable to any of you; 9 not because we have not authority, but that ourselves a pattern we might give to you, to imitate us; 10 for even when we were with you, this we did command you, that if any one is not willing to work, neither let him eat, 11 for we hear of certain walking among you disorderly, nothing working, but over working, 12 and such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness working, their own bread they may eat; 13 and ye, brethren, may ye not be weary doing well,
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15
(Read 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)
Those who have received the gospel, are to live according to the gospel. Such as could work, and would not, were not to be maintained in idleness. Christianity is not to countenance slothfulness, which would consume what is meant to encourage the industrious, and to support the sick and afflicted. Industry in our callings as men, is a duty required by our calling as Christians. But some expected to be maintained in idleness, and indulged a curious and conceited temper. They meddled with the concerns of others, and did much harm. It is a great error and abuse of religion, to make it a cloak for idleness or any other sin. The servant who waits for the coming of his Lord aright, must be working as his Lord has commanded. If we are idle, the devil and a corrupt heart will soon find us somewhat to do. The mind of man is a busy thing; if it is not employed in doing good, it will be doing evil. It is an excellent, but rare union, to be active in our own business, yet quiet as to other people's. If any refused to labour with quietness, they were to note him with censure, and to separate from his company, yet they were to seek his good by loving admonitions. The Lords is with you while you are with him. Hold on your way, and hold on to the end. We must never give over, or tire in our work. It will be time enough to rest when we come to heaven.