Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Thessalonians 3
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Thessalonians 3
Matthew Henry Commentary
2 Thessalonians 3
"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also [it is] with you; and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for all have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and guard you from the evil [one]. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ." — 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (ASV)
Those who are far apart still may meet together at the throne of grace; and those unable to do or receive any other kindness may, in this way, do and receive real and very great kindness.
Enemies to the preaching of the gospel, and persecutors of its faithful preachers, are unreasonable and wicked men. Many do not believe the gospel, and it is no wonder if such are restless and show malice in their endeavors to oppose it.
The evil of sin is the greatest evil, but there are other evils we need to be preserved from, and we have encouragement to depend on the grace of God. Once the promise is made, its fulfillment is sure and certain. The apostle had confidence in them, but that was founded on his confidence in God, for there is otherwise no confidence in man.
He prays for them for spiritual blessings. It is our sin and our misery that we place our affections on wrong objects. There is not true love of God without faith in Jesus Christ. If, by the special grace of God, we have that faith which multitudes do not have, we should earnestly pray that we may be enabled, without reserve, to obey his commands, and that we may be enabled, without reserve, to the love of God, and the patience of Christ.
"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat bread for nought at any man`s hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you: not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves and ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing. And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. And [yet] count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." — 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 (ASV)
Those who have received the gospel are to live according to the gospel. Those who could work, and would not, were not to be maintained in idleness. Christianity is not to condone idleness, 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 meddlesome and arrogant temperament. 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 properly must be working as his Lord has commanded.
If we are idle, the devil and a corrupt heart will soon find us something 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 regarding other people's affairs. If any refused to work quietly, they were to mark him for censure and to separate from his company, yet they were to seek his good by loving admonitions.
The Lord is with you while you are with him. Continue on your way, and hold on to the end. We must never give up or grow weary in our work. There will be enough time to rest when we come to heaven.
"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all." — 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 (ASV)
The apostle prays for the Thessalonians. And let us desire the same blessings for ourselves and our friends.
Peace with God. This peace is desired for them always, or in everything. Peace by all means; in every way; that, as they enjoyed the means of grace, they might use all methods to secure peace.
We need nothing more to make us safe and happy, nor can we desire anything better for ourselves and our friends, than to have God's gracious presence with us and them. No matter where we are, if God is with us; nor who is absent, if God is present.
It is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we hope to have peace with God, and to enjoy the presence of God. This grace is all in all to make us happy; though we wish ever so much to others, there remains enough for ourselves.
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