Verse 12
Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
We command ... See under 2 Thessalonians 3:4 for discussion of this, "In the Lord Jesus Christ ..." See under 2 Thessalonians 3:6.
That they with quietness work ... Things were in a mess at Thessalonica. Moffatt analyzed the trouble thus:
The three causes of disquiet at Thessalonica are: (a) the tension produced by the thought of the advent of Christ; (b) the disturbing effect of persecution; and (c) irregularity and social disorganization in the community.[17]
The antidote for all these ills was simple, direct and effective. "Shut up, and go to work!" There are a great many congregational "situations" in all ages that would have been healed and ameliorated by compliance with the apostle's directive.
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