Category: Bible

Have No Company

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2Thessalonians 3:13-15 But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 

‘But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing.’ While you refuse to support those who are busybodies and lazy, do not forget the worthy poor. This is the second time this is found in Paul’s writings (Gal. 6:9).

‘And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.’ Perhaps some had disobeyed the first epistle and the congregation continued to bear with them. Now he tells them to disfellowship anyone who still refuses to obey the truth. Count him more an enemy to himself than to you. Continue to admonish him even though you have disfellowshipped him for his soul is still of infinite value (3:14-15).

Forty kinds of people NOT to have fellowship with: The ungodly and scorners (Ps. 1:1-6); workers of iniquity (Ps. 6:8); vain persons (Ps. 26:4); evil workers (Ps. 26:5); criminals (Pro. 1:10-15); the foolish (Pro. 9:6; 14:17); the angry man (Pro. 22:24); those backslidden because of unforgiveness (Matt. 18:17); those causing divisions (Rom. 16:17); backsliders (2Jn. 1:9-11); false teachers (1Tim. 6:3-5; 2Jn. 1:10); the disorderly (2Thess. 3:6); the disobedient (2Thess. 3:14-15); unbelievers (2Cor. 6:14); infidels (2Cor. 6:15); fornicators (1Cor. 5:9); covetous people, extortioners and idolaters (1Cor. 5:10); railers and drunkards (1Cor. 5:11); lovers of themselves, boasters, proud people, blasphemers, those who are disobedient to parents, unthankful people and unholy people (2Tim. 3:2); Those without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce people, despisers of those who are good (2Tim. 3:3); traitors, heady people, highminded people, those who love pleasure more than God (2Tim. 3:4), and hypocrites – those who have “a form of godliness, but deny the power thereof” (2Tim. 3:5).

Disorderly

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2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 

‘That if any would not work, neither should he eat.’ This is a principle based upon the part of the curse to make a living by the sweat of the brow (Gen. 3:19). Idleness has always been a curse and always will be. It is wrong to support men who will not work and share their own responsibility.

‘For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly.’ How and by whom Paul learned of the state of the congregation is not known, but from this information, he wrote this epistle.

‘Working not at all.’ Either lounging around or becoming a religious gossip to stir up trouble.

‘Busybodies’ [Greek: periergazomai] to be busy with useless matters; doing everything that they should not do; meddlers in the business of others; prying into the domestic affairs of others. Such people are a curse to every neighbourhood and a plague to every religious group.

‘With quietness they work, and eat their own bread.’ [Greek: hesuchazo] Translated “be quiet” (1Thess. 4:11); “rest” (Luke 23:56); “cease” (Acts 21:14); and “hold one’s peace” (Luke 14:4; Acts 11:18). The thought is that of a disposition and life of peace, and contentment; even temperament; to be meek; and learn self-control in all things; not to permit anything to disturb or cause a display of temper tantrums or disturb the peace of others. There evidently were a few idle, tattling people in this church, who, instead of working, went from place to place carrying on religious gossip, meddling with the business of others, and causing splits or divisions. Hence, the commands to quit such practices, to do their own business, leave others alone, hold their peace, walk honestly toward the world, and work with their own hands so they would have no time to meander and gossip (1Thess. 4:11-12).

An Ensample unto You

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2Thessalonians 3:7-9 For yourselves know how you ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 

‘Follow’ [Greek: mimeomai] imitate (3:9; Heb. 13:7; 3Jn. 1:11). Paul constantly held himself up as an example for all Christians, for Christ had chosen him to be this for all men (1Tim. 1:16).

‘Disorderly’ [Greek: atakteo] means out of order; not in order of battle; not at one’s post of duty; undisciplined; irregular; lawless, and disorderly. They act according to their own wills and are idle busybodies (3:11). Paul here says that he did not go out of his rank or post of duty, but kept his place and discharged his duties at all times and places as a true and tried soldier of Jesus Christ (3:7).

‘Neither did we eat any man’s bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.’ We paid for what we ate of any man’s bread. We worked and paid our own debts. We were not chargeable to any man. We laboured night and day not to be a burden on them and to be an example to all men not to depend upon others for support (3:8-9).

‘To make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.’ The example that they set in following Christ (1Pet. 2:21-23) we can follow [Greek: tupos] example (Php. 3:17; 1Cor. 10:6, 11; 1Thess. 1:7; 2Thess. 3:9; 1Tim. 4:12; 1Pet. 5:3); pattern (Tit. 2:7; Heb. 8:5); manner (Acts 23:25); fashion (Acts 7:44); form (Rom. 6:17); figure (Acts 7:43; Rom. 5:14), and print (John 20:25).

The Lord is Faithful

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2Thessalonians 3:3-6 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that you both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 

‘But the Lord is faithful.’ Twelve times God and Christ are called faithful (Deut. 7:9; Isa. 49:7; 1Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 2Thess. 3:3; Heb. 10:23; 11:11; 1Pet. 4:19; 1Jn. 1:9; Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 19:11).

‘Confidence in the Lord.’ Paul’s threefold confidence: In God to establish and keep saints from evil (3:3). In saints that they will obey (3:4). In God to direct their hearts into deeper love and patience (3:5).

‘Command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.’ Seven parting commands: Withdraw from unruly brothers (3:6). Work or don’t eat (3:11). Work peaceably (3:12). Make your own living. Be not weary in well doing (3:13). Have no fellowship with rebels (3:14). Admonish rebels (3:15).

‘Disorderly’ [Greek: ataktos] here and 2Thessalonians 3:11 (the verb atakteo, to behave disorderly, is used in 2Thess. 3:7). It means out of order; not in order of battle; not at one’s post of duty; undisciplined; irregular; lawless, and disorderly. They act according to their own wills and are idle busybodies (3:11). Paul here says that he did not go out of his rank or post of duty, but kept his place and discharged his duties at all times and places as a true and tried soldier of Jesus Christ (3:7).

‘Tradition’ [Greek: paradosis] is a handing down; doctrines; traditions (Matt. 15:2-6; Mark 7:3-13; Gal. 1:14; Col. 2:8; 2Thess. 2:15; 3:6). Translated “ordinances” only here. What ordinances he refers to are not listed, but they no doubt include the whole body of truth of the gospel and not only the Lord’s Supper and water baptism.

Pray for Us

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2Thessalonians 3:1-2 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. 

‘Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you.’ In conclusion, pray for us (3:1-2): That the Gospel may have its free course. That the Gospel may be glorified. That we may not be hindered in work. Paul was the only New Testament writer who asked for the prayers of those to whom he wrote (Rom. 15:30; 2Cor. 1:11; Eph. 6:19; Php. 1:19; Col. 4:3; Phm. 1:22; Heb. 13:18).

‘Glorified’ [Greek: doxazo]. Translated “be made glorious” (2Cor. 3:10); “have glory” (Matt. 6:2; 2Cor. 3:10); “full of glory” (1Pet. 1:8); “honour” (John 8:54; 2Cor. 12:1-21); “magnify” (Rom. 11:13); and “glorify” 49 times in the sense of praise and honour (2Thess. 3:1; etc.).

‘Unreasonable’ [Greek: atopos] out of place – under no discipline; absurd; disgusting; disorderly. Translated “unreasonable” (3:2); “amiss” (Luke 23:41); “harm” (Acts 28:6); and “wickedness” (Acts 25:5).

‘Faith’ [Greek: pistis] is confidence, faithfulness, trust, and a pledge of good faith. Used 244 times. Translated belief (2:13); fidelity (Tit. 2:10); assurance (Acts 17:31); and faith 239 times (Heb. 11:1-39; 12:2; etc.). Here it means fidelity or faithfulness in contrast to the Lord who is faithful (3:2-3). See Faith.

Eighteen definitions of faith: Substance of things hoped for (Heb. 11:1). Evidence of things not seen (Heb. 11:1, 7). Invisible backing of elders (Heb. 11:2). Creative power of divine works (Heb. 11:3). Divine testimony of right doing (Heb. 11:4). Cancellation of natural laws (Heb. 11:5). Basis of pleasing God (Heb. 11:6). Dependence upon God’s word (Heb. 11:7). Trust in an unknown future (Heb. 11:8-10). Counting things that be not as though they were (Heb. 11:11-12; Rom. 4:17). Seeing invisible things (Heb. 11:13-16). Assurance of God’s faithfulness (Heb. 11:17-19; 10:23). Confidence in things to come (Heb. 11:20-31; 3:6, 14; 10:35; Eph. 3:12; 1Jn. 3:21). Stimulus of the Christian faith (Heb. 11:32 – 12:2). The lifeblood of the just (Heb. 10:38). Shield of Christian armour (Eph. 6:16). The down payment of things desired (Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:11-12; 10:22-23, 35-39). Guarantee of answered prayer (Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-24; Heb. 11:6; Jas. 1:1-27).  

Stand Fast Part 7

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2Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 

We submit the following facts in Scripture to prove a Divine Trinity of separate persons in the Godhead (continues): [20] The words through and by, used of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, but not once of the Father, prove that God is a separate Person and the Head and Director of all things done by and through them (1Cor. 3:23; 11:3; John 10:29; 14:28; 16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:33-34): (1) Through Jesus Christ (Acts 4:2; Rom. 1:8; 5:1, 9, 11; 6:23; 7:25; 15:17; 16:27; 1Cor. 15:57; 2Cor. 3:4; Gal. 3:14; 4:7; 5:10; Eph. 2:7, 18; Php. 4:7, 13; Tit. 3:6; Heb. 13:21; 1Pet. 1:22; 4:11; 1Jn. 4:9); (2) By Jesus Christ (John 1:3, 10, 17; 10:9; Acts 4:10; 10:36; Rom. 2:16; 3:22; 5:17, 21; Gal. 1:1; Eph. 1:5; 3:9; Col. 1:15-20; 3:17; Heb. 1:1-3; 1Pet. 2:5; 5:10); (3) Through the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:2; 21:4; Rom. 8:13; 15:13, 19; Gal. 5:5; Eph. 2:22; Heb. 9:14); (4) By the Holy Spirit (Ezek. 11:24; Mic. 3:8; Zech. 4:6; Matt. 12:28; Luke 2:27; 4:1; Acts 11:28; Rom. 5:5; 15:19; 1Cor. 2:10; 6:11; 12:3, 13).

‘Loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace.’ Six facts about God: He has loved us (2Thess. 2:16; John 3:16). He has given us everlasting consolation (2Thess. 2:16; Acts 13:15). He has given us good hope through grace. He comforts our hearts (2Thess. 2:17). He establishes us in good words. He establishes us in good works.

Stand Fast Part 6

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2Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 

We submit the following facts in Scripture to prove a Divine Trinity of separate persons in the Godhead (continues): [18] Two and three Persons are referred to in every New Testament book (Matt. 3:16-17; 12:31-32; 17:5; 22:43-45; 28:19; Mark 1:1-2, 10; 13:32; Luke 1:32-35; 2:40, 52; 3:22; 4:1; 18; 9:35; 23:46; 24:39 with John 4:24; John 1:1-3, 14, 18; 5:17-25, 31-38; 6:37, 44-46, 57; 7:16-18, 28, 37-39; 8:13-19, 26-38, 42, 54; 10:15-18, 24, 29, 36; 12:26-31, 44, 49-50; 14:1-26, 28-30; 15:1-26; 16:1-33; 17:1-26; 18:11; 20:17, 21; 11; 20:17, 21; Acts 1:7-8; 2:24-36; 3:13-26; 4:10, 26-31; 5:29-33; 7:37, 55-56; 8:12-17; 9:17; 10:38-48; 17:31; Rom. 1:3, 7, 9; 5:1-11; 8:1-13, 26-39; 1Cor. 1:3-9; 2:10; 3:23; 8:6; 11:3; 12:3; 15:57; 2Cor. 1:2-3; 5:17-21; 13:14; Gal. 1:1-3; Eph. 1:2-3; 3:14; 4:3-6; 6:23; Php. 1:2; 2:5-11; Col. 1:2-3, 13-19; 3:1; 1Thess. 1:1-10; 3:13; 2Thess. 1:1-2; 2:16; 1Tim. 1:2; 2:5; 5:21; 6:14-16; 2Tim. 1:2; 4:1; Tit. 1:4; 2:13; Phm. 1:3). In no conceivable way can we force a meaning of three persons in one person; three beings in one being; or three manifestations of only one person in any of these or any other scripture. [19] Three distinct and separate witnesses bear witness of Christ (1Jn. 5:5-11, 13, 20). Both God and man require this many personal and separate witnesses to confirm any point (Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1). The water and blood of 1John 5:8 could not be accepted as accredited personal witnesses to confirm any point (Matt. 18:16; 2Cor. 13:1). The water and blood of 1John 5:8 could not be accepted as an accredited personal witness in themselves. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are the only personal witnesses of this passage. If we consider these to be only one person, then there are not the required number of witnesses to establish the truth of the Sonship of Jesus Christ. We are forced by facts to admit all of 1John 5:7-8 as inspired Scripture and therefore, the fact that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and personal witnesses instead of being only one person or witness. Indeed, many scriptures confirm these three witnesses: (1) The Father (Jer. 29:23; Mal. 3:5; John 5:31-37; Rom. 1:9; Heb. 1:1-2; 2:3-4); (2) The Son (Isa. 55:4; John 18:37; 1Tim. 6:13; Rev. 1:5); (3) The Holy Spirit (Rom. 8:16; John 15:26; Heb. 10:15; 1Jn. 3:6). If all three are witnesses, then they must be separate Persons. The water and the blood simply confirm the intelligent testimonies of the three Persons of the Godhead and give additional weight to the Sonship of Jesus.

To be continued…

Stand Fast Part 5

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2Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 

We submit the following facts in Scripture to prove a Divine Trinity of separate persons in the Godhead (continues): [10] Two Persons are mentioned and required to understand the plain language of Psalm 2:1-12; 9:19; 132:17; Pro. 30:4; Isa. 4:2; 10:16-17; 28:16; 49:1-10; 50:4-11; 52:13-53:12; 62:11; Mic. 5:1-5; Jer. 23:4-8; 33:14-26; Zech. 3:8-10; 6:12-13. In these passages one is anointed, becomes the son of, is sent by, is taught by, and becomes the servant of the other; and both are called Lord. [11] Three self-acting Persons – the Lord God, the Messiah, and the Holy Spirit – are referred to as blessing, anointing, sending, and doing things for one another in Isaiah 11:2; 42:1-7; 48:16; 59:21; 61:1-2; 63:1-14; Zech. 12:10-13:2. [12] In Zechariah 1:7-21 the Lord of Hosts and the angel of the Lord (also called Lord, Zech. 1:19-20; 2:1-13) are talking together. One Lord says of the other Lord that He has sent Him to Israel (Zech. 2:8-13). One Lord refers to Himself as “Me” and the Lord of Hosts as “His” and “He” (Zech. 2:8-11). The conference continues throughout Zechariah until Zechariah 13:6-7 where both Lords are called fellows or associates. [13] Jesus Christ is called the son of Abraham, David, Mary, and of God (Matt. 1:1; Mark 1:1; 6:3). He is just as much a separate person from God as He is of these other persons. [14] Two Persons are referred to many times in the New Testament (Matt. 11:27; Luke 23:46; John 1:1-2, 18; 5:19-20; 14:1-9; 16:15; 17:3, 10; Acts 2:38-39; 3:13-26; Php. 2:5-11; Eph. 3:5; Col. 1:5; 2Thess. 2:16-17; Tit. 2:13; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 20:6; 22:3). [15] Two and three Persons are mentioned in the introductions to New Testament books (Rom. 1:1-4, 7; 1Cor. 1:3; Jas. 1:1; 1Pet. 1:1-3; 2Jn. 1:3; Rev. 1:1-6; etc.). [16] God is the head of Christ and thus greater than He in position (1Cor. 3:23; 11:3; 1Chron. 29:11; John 14:28). [17] Christ is the mediator between God and man, not between Himself and man (1Tim. 2:5).

To be continued…

Stand Fast Part 4

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2Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 

We submit the following facts in Scripture to prove a Divine Trinity of separate persons in the Godhead (continues): [3] Plural pronouns are used of God, proving plurality of persons (Gen. 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Isa. 6:8; John 14:23; 17:11, 22-23). [4] First, second, and third personal pronouns are used hundreds of times in Scripture, referring to one, two, and three persons of the Godhead in the same sense they are used for men. Sometimes the different members of the Deity use them to and of one another in the same sense man uses them. In John 17:1-26 alone Jesus uses them 162 times in speaking to and of His Father (cp. John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15). Sometimes singular pronouns are used of the whole Godhead of three members as a unity (Ex. 20:3; Isa. 44:6, 8; 45:5, 21; 46:9; Hos. 13:4), just like the whole church as a unit is spoken of as a man and “he” (Eph. 2:14-15; 4:13; 5:25-27; 2Thess. 2:7-8). [5] “Man is become as one of us” proves the plurality of persons (Gen. 3:22). [6] Two and three Persons called God have been seen by the same men at the same time and places as being separate persons (Dan. 7:9-14; Matt. 3:16-17; John 1:31-34; Acts 7:54-60; Rev. 6:16; 7:9-17; 21:22; 22:3). [7] Two Lords are mentioned in Genesis 19:24; one on earth and one in heaven. [8] Two Persons are referred to in the Old Testament – compare Psalm 8:5-6 with Hebrews 2:5-18; Psalm 16:8-10 with Acts 2:25-36; Psalm 22:1-22 with Matthew 27:35, 27:39-43, 27:45-46; Hebrews 9:14; 10:5-12; Psalms 40:6-10 with Hebrews 10:5-7; and Psalm 45:6-7 with Hebrews 1:8-9. [9] Two Lords are mentioned sitting side by side (Ps. 110:1, 5; Matt. 22:44; 26:64; Acts 2:33-34; 7:54-56; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22; Rev. 22:3).

To be continued…

Stand Fast Part 3

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2Thessalonians 2:15-17 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which has loved us, and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work. 

We submit the following facts in Scripture to prove a Divine Trinity of separate persons in the Godhead: [1] The word “one” means one in unity as well as one in number. It means unity in 1John 5:7, as it does in John 17:11, 17:21-23, and yet these three Persons, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit, are spoken of as one each in number and individuality in Scripture. There is one God the Father, one Lord Jesus Christ, and one Holy Spirit (1Cor. 8:6; Eph. 4:3-6). Thus, there are three separate Persons in divine individuality and divine plurality. The Father is called God (1Cor. 8:6), the Son is called God (Isa. 9:6, 7; Heb. 1:8; John 1:1-2; 20:28), and the Holy Spirit is called God (Acts 5:3-4). As individual persons, each can be called God and collectively they can be spoken of as one God because of their perfect unity. The word “God” is used either as a singular or a plural word, like sheep. Everything that could be spoken of God collectively applies equally to each member of the Godhead as an individual, but some things are said of each person of the Deity as to position, office, and work that could not be spoken as of the other members of the Godhead. The Father is the head of Christ (1Cor. 11:3); the Son is the only begotten of the Father (2Jn. 1:3), and the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7-15; Acts 2:34). [2] Names of God prove plurality of persons. The Hebrew word ’Elohiym is the word for God in Genesis 1:1 and over 2,700 other places in the Old Testament It is a uni-plural noun meaning Gods and is so translated 239 times (Gen. 3:5; Ex. 22:28; 1Sam. 4:8; Dan. 2:11; 4:6-9; 5:11, 14; etc.). Sometimes ’Elohiym is used with plural verbs and pronouns, “the Gods they caused me to wander” (Gen. 20:13), and “there the Gods they appeared unto him” (Gen. 35:7).

To be continued…