II Thessalonians 3:14
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
note that man--mark him in your own mind as one to be avoided (Th2 3:6). that he may be ashamed--Greek, "made to turn and look into himself, and so be put to shame." Feeling himself shunned by godly brethren, he may become ashamed of his course.
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 ↗3:14 Paul hoped that the disobedient Christians would be ashamed and repent (see study note on 3:6) in response to being shunned by the community.
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition,
But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us.
Cover their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O LORD.
Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.
I did not listen to the voice of my teachers or incline my ear to my mentors.
Are they ashamed of the abomination they have committed? No, they have no shame at all; they do not even know how to blush. So they will fall among the fallen; when I punish them, they will collapse,” says the LORD.
I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people.
Confident of your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even more than I ask.
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.