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For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."
Verse Takeaways
1
A Universal Rule of Justice
Commentators note that Paul's command was not new but was a well-known principle of justice, likely a Jewish proverb. It reflects the universal, God-ordained law that people should labor to provide for themselves. The church adopted this 'workshop morality' as a foundational rule for community life, reinforcing that faith is not an excuse for idleness.
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Book Overview
2 Thessalonians
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9
18th Century
Presbyterian
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you. It would seem from this that the evil of which the apostle here complains had begun…
This (τουτο). What he proceeds to give.
If any will not work, neither let him eat (οτ ε τις ου θελε εργαζε…
19th Century
Anglican
For even—The sequence of thought is a little difficult, but it seems best to regard this “for” as connecting its …
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Baptist
A very excellent rule, indeed. There are some so very spiritually minded that to soil their hands is also to soil their conscience. They are afraid…
Paul reinforced his example by this definite “rule.” From a very early time denying food to the lazy was a traditional form of discipline in the ch…
16th Century
Protestant
He that will not labor. Since it is written in Psalm 128:2—Thou art blessed, eating of the labor of thy hands; and also in Prover…
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
For even when we were with you At Thessalonica in person, and first preached the Gospel to them,
…
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.…
13th Century
Catholic
Previously, the Apostle showed by his own example what he taught them: that they should not be burdensome but should work. Here, he shows…
