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§ 5. 2Th 3:6-15. THE CASE OF THE IDLERS
This section contains the chief matter pointed to in τὸ λοιπόν of 2Th 3:1 (see note above). But the added homily is no afterthought; it is of only second importance to the topic of 2Th 2:1-12. In the former Ep. the writers had occasion to exhort their readers to a quiet life and to the continued pursuit of their secular avocations (1Th 4:11 f.). The call to enter the kingdom of God and seek its glory brought men of a naturally idle or restless disposition under temptation upon this score. To such natures the rumours current about the Day of the Lord (2Th 2:1 f.) would appeal with particular force. “If Christ is on the point of appearing and the end of this evil world is so near, of what use are worldly occupations?” they would say; “to prepare to meet Him is the only business now worth minding. How can a Christian man interest himself any longer in the market or the field, in the tradesman’s books or the craftsman’s tools, when to-morrow the Lord may be here and the whole ‘fashion of this world’ may have passed away?” (cf. 1Co 7:29-31). Their conduct tended to general disorder (2Th 3:11), and brought reproach on the Christian community at Thessalonica. Moreover they did the Church a material injury, by throwing the burden of their maintenance on their industrious brethren, who would not see them starve. These ἀτάκτως περιπατοῦντες were called οἱ ἄτακτοι in 1Th 5:12 ff. (see note introductory to § 10); they had given trouble to the προϊστάμενοι, whom the body of the Church were bidden loyally to support. The mild and somewhat indirect reproofs of the former Epistle had been insufficient to check this mischief, which was subsequently aggravated by the false announcements about the Parousia. Such wild reports were calculated to disturb even those most regular and conscientious in following their daily duties. So the Apostles, having calmed the agitation of the readers by what they have said in ch. 2, proceed to rebuke in strong terms the irregularity thus unhappily stimulated.
The παραγγελία runs as follows: (1) First, and last, the avoidance is enjoined of those persistent in disorder (who are, notwithstanding, “brethren” still, 2Th 3:6; 2Th 3:15), 2Th 3:6; 2Th 3:14; (2) the missionaries recall their personal example and instructions bearing upon this matter, 2Th 3:7-10; (3) the “idlers and meddlers” are solemnly required to amend, and the rest to avoid their example, 2Th 3:11-13; (4) the Church is urged, while eschewing fellowship with the wrong-doers, to seek their reformation, 2Th 3:14-15. It is to be observed, in comparing this instruction with 1Th 5:12 ff., that no further mention is made in this connexion of the προϊστάμενοι (Elders); the Church as a whole is charged with the discipline necessary; the disorder has grown to larger proportions and become more acute: cf. 1Co 5:4 ff.; 2Co 2:6, ἡ ἐπιτιμία … ἡ ὑπὸ τῶν πλειόνων.