2 thessalonians 3:12 - Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "2 thessalonians 3:12" mean?
This verse, 2 Thessalonians 3:12, is part of Paul's response to a problem in the Thessalonian church: some believers had stopped working, presumably because they believed the Lord's return was imminent. They were living off the charity of others and causing disruption.
Let's break down the verse:
"Now those who are that way...": This refers to the individuals mentioned in the previous verses (specifically, verses 6-11) who were being idle and not working.
"...we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ...": Paul is using his apostolic authority to issue a command, but he does so gently and with encouragement, "in the Lord Jesus Christ." This means he appeals to their loyalty to Christ and their Christian values.
"...that with quietness they work...": The key point. He urges them to work diligently and peacefully, without causing trouble or disruption. The "quietness" suggests they should focus on their own responsibilities and avoid interfering in the lives of others.
"...and eat their own bread.": This is a straightforward instruction. They should earn their own living and not be a burden on the community. It emphasizes self-sufficiency and taking responsibility for their own needs.
In summary, the verse is a call to those who were being idle and relying on others to:
Return to work.
Work quietly and diligently.
Become self-sufficient and responsible for their own needs.
The overall message is a practical one: Christians should be productive members of society, earning their own living and contributing to the community rather than being a burden. This is presented as a way to avoid disruption, maintain peace, and live in accordance with Christian principles of hard work and self-reliance.
2 thessalonians 3:12 - Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.
What does "2 thessalonians 3:12" mean?
This verse, 2 Thessalonians 3:12, is part of Paul's response to a problem in the Thessalonian church: some believers had stopped working, presumably because they believed the Lord's return was imminent. They were living off the charity of others and causing disruption.
Let's break down the verse:
"Now those who are that way...": This refers to the individuals mentioned in the previous verses (specifically, verses 6-11) who were being idle and not working.
"...we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ...": Paul is using his apostolic authority to issue a command, but he does so gently and with encouragement, "in the Lord Jesus Christ." This means he appeals to their loyalty to Christ and their Christian values.
"...that with quietness they work...": The key point. He urges them to work diligently and peacefully, without causing trouble or disruption. The "quietness" suggests they should focus on their own responsibilities and avoid interfering in the lives of others.
"...and eat their own bread.": This is a straightforward instruction. They should earn their own living and not be a burden on the community. It emphasizes self-sufficiency and taking responsibility for their own needs.
In summary, the verse is a call to those who were being idle and relying on others to:
Return to work.
Work quietly and diligently.
Become self-sufficient and responsible for their own needs.
The overall message is a practical one: Christians should be productive members of society, earning their own living and contributing to the community rather than being a burden. This is presented as a way to avoid disruption, maintain peace, and live in accordance with Christian principles of hard work and self-reliance.