2 Thessalonians 3:6

Text (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us.

Translation and Paraphrase

6.

But we command you, brethren, by the name (and therefore by the authority) of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you (refuse to associate with and) withdraw yourselves from every brother (any Christian) who is walking (and conducting his daily life) in a disorderly manner (like a soldier out of the ranks,) and (is) not (walking) according to the traditions which ye received from us.

Notes (2 Thessalonians 3:6)

1.

In 2 Thessalonians 3:4 Paul expressed confidence that the Thessalonians would obey his commands. Now he gives one. Don-'t associate with Christians who won-'t work.

2.

Walking disorderly in this verse applies to a refusal to work. See 2 Thessalonians 3:11-12.

3.

This command is not addressed to an evangelist, or bishop, or elder, but to the brethren, the whole church.

4.

The command is given in the name of Christ, that is, by His authority. Paul did not give this command on the authority of his own likes and dislikes.

5.

There are several types of sinners mentioned in the New Testament, from whom we are to withdraw ourselves. In every case these are (professed) church members who do these things. We can-'t withdraw ourselves from all the sinners in the world without going out of the world, but certain things are not to be tolerated if one who is called our brother (fellow-Christian) does them.

(1)

Romans 16:17Avoid those which cause divisions and teach doctrine contrary to that which we have learned.

(2)

1 Corinthians 5:11Do not keep company with a Christian brother who is a fornicator, covetous, idolater, railer, drunkard, or extortioner.

(3)

1 Timothy 6:5Withdraw from those who will not consent to the words of Christ, but dispute perversely, and think that godliness is a way of gain.

(4)

2 John 1:10Receive not into your houses those who bring not the true doctrine about Christ.

(5)

Matthew 18:15-17Reject those who wrong you, if they will not make it right after you go and tell them.

(6)

2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12Withdraw from church members who will not work. 2 Thessalonians 3:14.

6.

The word disorderly means out of the ranks (often used to refer to soldiers out of the ranks), disobedient to the prescribed order or rule, irregular. The same word is used in 2 Thessalonians 3:11. In this chapter it refers to those who would not work but were busybodies, meddling in other people's business.

7.

Notice carefully that we are only to withdraw from those who walk disorderly. Walk is a present participle, indicating a continuous manner of conduct. There is a great deal of difference between an occasional lapse in doing our duty to God and in walking that way consistently.

8.

Concerning the traditions which Paul insisted that they obey, see the notes on 2 Thessalonians 2:15.