‏ 2 Thessalonians 3

* The apostle expresses confidence in the Thessalonians, and

prays for them. (1-5) He charges them to withdraw from

disorderly walkers, particularly from the lazy and busybodies.

(6-15) And concludes with a prayer for them, and a greeting.

(16-18)

1-5 Those who are far apart still may meet together at the

throne of grace; and those not able 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 no wonder if

such are restless and show malice in their endeavours 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 upon the grace of God. When once the promise is made, the

performance is sure and certain. The apostle had confidence in

them, but that was founded upon 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 upon 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 have not, 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. 6-15 Those who have received the gospel, are to live according

to the gospel. Such as could work, and would not, were not to be

maintained in idleness. Christianity is not to countenance

slothfulness, 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 curious and conceited temper. 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 aright,

must be working as his Lord has commanded. If we are idle, the

devil and a corrupt heart will soon find us somewhat 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 as to other

people's. If any refused to labour with quietness, they were to

note him with censure, and to separate from his company, yet

they were to seek his good by loving admonitions. The Lords is

with you while you are with him. Hold on your way, and hold on

to the end. We must never give over, or tire in our work. It

will be time enough to rest when we come to heaven. 16-18 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 every

thing. 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 any thing better for ourselves and our friends, than to

have God's gracious presence with us and them. No matter where

we are, if God be with us; nor who is absent, if God be 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.