II Thessalonians 3:12
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We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
by--The oldest manuscripts read, "IN the Lord Jesus." So the Greek, Th1 4:1, implying the sphere wherein such conduct is appropriate and consistent. "We exhort you thus, as ministers IN Christ, exhorting our people IN Christ." with quietness--quiet industry; laying aside restless, bustling, intermeddling officiousness (Th2 3:11). their own--bread earned by themselves, not another's bread (Th2 3:8).
Open source ↗In the close of the foregoing chapter, the apostle had prayed earnestly for the Thessalonians, and now he desires their prayers, encouraging them to trust in God, to which he subjoins another petition for them (Th2 3:1-5). He then proceeds to give them commands and directions for correcting some things he was informed were amiss among them (Th2 3:6-15) and concludes with benedictions and prayers (Th2 3:16-18).
Open source ↗3:12 Paul underscores the strength of the command by appealing to the authority of the Lord Jesus (as in 3:6; 1 Thes 4:1-2). • settle down: i.e., lead a quiet life instead of being involved in meddlesome activities (see 1 Thes 4:11).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing good with his own hands, that he may have something to share with the one in need.
and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.
nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
Give us each day our daily bread.
Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.
Better a dry morsel in quietness than a house full of feasting with strife.
Finally, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live in a way that is pleasing to God, just as you have received from us. This is how you already live, so you should do so all the more.
for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.