2Th 3:1 For what did Paul request prayer? What picture does the phrase “run and be glorified” conjure up? See 1 Cor 9:24. How can the word of God “run and be glorified”? See 1 Thess 1:5,8, 2:1,13.
2Th 3:2 What does this verse teach us about Paul’s present circumstances in Corinth? See Acts 18:6,9,12-17. Given the context from Acts 18, does “perverse and evil” necessarily mean immoral? To whom does he refer?
2Th 3:3 How does Paul say the Lord will demonstrate His faithfulness in this verse? How would that be an encouragement to the Thessalonians?
2Th 3:4 What gave Paul such confidence that the Thessalonians would do as he commanded? See again 1 Thess 2:13. What was it in particular that he was commanding them? See 2Th 3:6,10,12, 1 Thess 4:11.
2Th 3:5 Notice once again the great importance Paul places upon love. Recall 2Th 1:3, 1 Thess 1:3, 3:6,12, 4:9-10. What is the steadfastness of Christ into which Paul would have the Lord direct their hearts? See 1 Pet 2:20-23, Heb 12:1-3. Note: “steadfastness” means “patient endurance” or “perseverance”. See 2Th 1:4, Mat 24:12-13, Luk 8:15, Rom 2:7, 12:12, 1 Cor 13:7, 2 Cor 1:6, 6:4, 2:12, 2 Tim 2:9-10, James 1:2-4,12, 5:11, Rev 1:9, 3:10, 14:12. In light of the unbelief of his disciples, consider how Jesus had to patiently endure/persevere in doing good, and the final outcome thereof. See Mat 17:17, and cf. 2 Thess 3:13, Gal 6:9, 1 Cor 15:58.
2Th 3:6-15 What does Paul mean by an “unruly life”? See 2Th 3:7-11. What is his instruction to faithful Christians in regard to those brothers who lead an unruly life, and why? See 2Th 3:6 and 14, and also 1 Cor 5:6. Does he say we should regard them as enemies? See vs. 15. Compare and contrast the exercise of church discipline mentioned here with that in 1 Cor 5.
2Th 3:7-9 What was Paul’s example among the Thessalonians? See also 1 Thess 2:9. Why did he not exercise his right to remuneration? See also 1 Cor 9:11-12,18, 2 Cor 11:7-15. How is Paul like Christ in setting such an example? How is his example different from that of most ministers today? While it is not necessary for Christian workers to follow Paul’s example, why is it wise? See 2Th 3:7 and 9, and Phil 3:17-19.
2Th 3:10-12 What do these verses teach us about the importance of honest labor? Note: in vs. 11, “doing no work…but acting like busybodies” might be translated as “doing nothing but doing around”, or “doing no busy-ness but being busybodies”. The picture is of people piddling around and accomplishing no productive work; the word translated as “busybodies” means “to bustle about uselessly, to busy oneself about trifling, needless, useless matters”. Are Christians responsible to provide for the needs of those who will not work? What is Paul’s command to such persons? What does it mean to “work in quiet fashion”? See 1 Thess 4:11-12.
2Th 3:13 Given the context of his command to Christians to work in quiet fashion, what does Paul mean in verse 13 when he says they should not grow weary in doing good? See again 1 Thess 4:12, and see also Acts 20:35, Eph 4:28, Tit 3:14.
2Th 3:14-15 What do you suppose Paul means by “take special note” of those who are leading an undisciplined life? The word occurs only here in the NT, but is used regularly in secular Greek for the signature to a receipt or formal notice. What is always the purpose of church discipline? Note: “enemy” in 2Th 3:15 may also be translated as “hated”.
2Th 3:16-18 Is true peace dependent upon circumstances? What is it dependent upon? Why does Paul mention that he wrote the greeting in his own hand? See 2Th 2:2.