Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 24

Paul's Benediction to the Church @ Thessalonica

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. KJV

The Apostle Paul who preached the Gospel of Jesus Christ in this predominately Gentile city of Thessalonica began his first letter to them telling them how he thanked God the Father for their salvation and how he always made mention of them in his prayers, now concludes his second letter exactly how he began the first one by praying for them and over them for their Divine protection (which they then and we today soarly need constantly) by saying, "Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all." (2 Thessalonians 3:16) (KJV). Paul prays for them to have 'peace' as they sojourn through this world of woe/misery/suffering and this English word 'peace' is translated by the Greek word eirene probably from a primary verb eirō (to join); peace (literally or figuratively); by implication prosperity: - one, peace, quietness, rest, + set at one again.

In other words, peace is what our Lord Jesus Christ desires for us to live in and to live under despite the circumstances, concerns, or chaos that may be at work in our daily lives, for He our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ is Peace and He is our Peace (Ephesians 2:14) when we completely trust and surrender our chaos to Him, for it is He who told us this, "I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace {and} confidence. In the world you have tribulation {and} trials {and} distress {and} frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]" (John 16:33) (Amplified Bible). Paul prayed for each of them to have peace within themselves and also for them to have peace with one another, which was the opposite of what was taking place at the time of this letter with the busybodies at work among them. Paul wanted to see them have peace in their Church always and move beyond the chaos created by meddling brothers and sisters.

Paul dictated this letter to Timothy or Silas and they did the actual writing on parchment paper (a superior paper resembling sheepskin) which was used back then, but Paul wanted them to be in full assurance that every word came from him as he was moved by God the Holy Spirit just as the Apostle Peter described the words written and spoken by the Prophets of old like Jeremiah or Daniel with these words he wrote to the brethren, "[Yet] first [you must] understand this, that no prophecy of Scripture is [a matter] of any personal {or} private {or} special interpretation (loosening, solving). For no prophecy ever originated because some man willed it [to do so--it never came by human impulse], but men spoke from God who were borne along (moved and impelled) by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:20-21) (Amplified Bible).

So Paul includes at the end of every letter he dictates his 'salutation' and this English word is translated by the Greek word aspasmos which means a greeting (in person or by letter): - greeting, salutation; his signature. In other words, the Apostle Paul wanted to do this at the end of every one of his letters to differentiate between his authentic letter and the fake ones that some had put into circulation to the various Churches just as Paul had already warned them of earlier with these words, "But relative to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) and our gathering together to [meet] Him, we beg you, brethren, Not to allow your minds to be quickly unsettled {or} disturbed or kept excited {or} alarmed, whether it be by some [pretended] revelation of [the] Spirit or by word or by letter [alleged to be] from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has [already] arrived {and} is here." (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) (Amplified Bible).

Perhaps Paul did not write the entire letters because of some physical impairment such as eye trouble as he alluded to with these words written to the Galatian Church, "On the contrary, you know that it was on account of a bodily ailment that [I remained and] preached the Gospel to you the first time. And [yet] although my physical condition was [such] a trial to you, you did not regard it with contempt, or scorn {and} loathe {and} reject me; but you received me as an angel of God, [even] as Christ Jesus [Himself]! What has become of that blessed enjoyment {and} satisfaction {and} self-congratulation that once was yours [in what I taught you and in your regard for me]? For I bear you witness that you would have torn out your own eyes and have given them to me [to replace mine], if that were possible." (Galatians 4:13-15) (Amplified Bible). Finally, as he (Paul) closed everyone of his letters so he does with this second one to the Thessalonian believers as he prays for the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to be upon them individually and collectively as a Body of believers, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (2 Thessalonians 3:18) (KJV).

"Note that parting salutation, and let us believe that the God of peace is causing peace for us at all times and in all ways. Even storms are forwarding our boat to its haven, and we shall be borne in with the flood tide of His mercy. Every wind is a home wind to the child of God, setting in from the quarter of His love. Every messenger, however garbed, brings God’s salutation and benediction." F. B. Meyer

"It is very likely that Paul employed an amanuensis generally, either to write what he dictated, or to make a fair copy of what he wrote. In either case the Apostle always subscribed it, and wrote the salutation and benediction with his own hand; and this was what authenticated all his epistles. A measure of this kind would be very necessary if forged epistles were carried about in those times." Adam Clarke

"The Epistle closes, as the Apostle’s custom is, with a benediction: 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.' Grace is pre-eminently a Pauline word; it is found alike in the salutations with which Paul addresses his Churches, and in the benedictions with which he bids them farewell; it is the beginning and the end of his Gospel; the element in which Christians live, and move, and have their being. He excludes no one from his blessing; not even those who had been walking disorderly, and setting at naught the tradition they had received from him; their need is the greatest of all." Expositor's Bible Commentary

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 23

Paul Warns them Against Idleness Part 5

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 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. KJV

Now as the Apostle completely concludes his warning to the brothers and sisters in the Church @ Thessalonica who are behaving as busybodies and meddlers in the lives and affairs of others; while at the same time encouraging those believers who are conducting, comporting, and carrying themselves in the same manner as the Apostle Paul did, he writes these final words of command to them concerning this matter, "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." (2 Thessalonians 3:14) (KJV). Paul uses the English word 'obey' which is translated by the Greek word hupakouo which simply means by implication to heed or conform to a command or authority. The English word 'note' is translated by the Greek word semeioo used this one time only in the entire New Testament and it means to distinguish, that is, mark (for avoidance). The English phrase 'have no company' is translated by one Greek word sunanamignumi meaning to mix up together, that is, (figuratively) associate with: - keep company with as a close friend.

In other words, the idea behind these final words of Paul to the brothers and sisters who were not conducting themselves as he, Silas, and Timothy had done so during their time with them eating their own bread (2 Thessalonians 3:12) were to be marked out as nuisances, that is, bothersome and annoying other believers. These believers (if they did not obey these commands written in this epistle or letter from Paul) were to be avoided by the obedient believers and not associated with as close friends, but instead they were to ostracize or shun them in order that they would come to their senses and see the error of their behavior feeling a sense of dishonor, discredit, and disgrace causing them to turn and repent mending their behavior among all the other believers.

This was the exact method declared by our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ in dealing with a sinning brother or sister when he said, "If your brother wrongs you, go and show him his fault, between you and him privately. If he listens to you, you have won back your brother. But if he does not listen, take along with you one or two others, so that every word may be confirmed {and} upheld by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he pays no attention to them [refusing to listen and obey], tell it to the Church; and if he refuses to listen even to the Church, let him be to you as a pagan and a tax collector." (Matthew 18:15-17) (Amplified Bible).

Paul wants the obedient brethren to allow God the Holy Spirit only to bring conviction to these believers, for it is not their job to do so, only to avoid rewarding their bad behavior, so he writes these words to them, "Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." (2 Thessalonians 3:15) (KJV). Paul does not want to see some become judge, jury, and executioner treating these believers as some hateful people that need to feel the wrath of God upon them and they should be His instrument of execution. Instead Paul uses the English word 'admonish' them which is translated by the Greek word noutheteo which means to put in mind, that is, (by implication) to caution or reprove gently: - admonish, warn. In other words, they were to tell them exactly of the reason why they were shunning or avoiding them, with love and not with hate or detest. The desire of Paul in writing these words was that the wayward brothers and sisters would turn around and not that they would be ground into submission by other believers.

Paul had delt such with the Corinthian Church when he wrote these words to them, "For even though I did grieve you with my letter, I do not regret [it now], though I did regret it; for I see that that letter did pain you, though only for a little while; Yet I am glad now, not because you were pained, but because you were pained into repentance [and so turned back to God]; for you felt a grief such as God meant you to feel, so that in nothing you might suffer loss through us {or} harm for what we did. For godly grief {and} the pain God is permitted to direct, produce a repentance that leads {and} contributes to salvation {and} deliverance from evil, and it never brings regret; but worldly grief (the hopeless sorrow that is characteristic of the pagan world) is deadly [breeding and ending in death]." (2 Corinthians 7:8-10) (Amplified Bible).

"They had disobeyed his word in the first epistle, and the Church still continued to bear with them; now he tells the Church, if they still continue to disregard what is said to them, and particularly his word by this second epistle, they are to mark them as being totally incorrigible, and have no fellowship with them." Adam Clarke

"In earthly families there arises disputes, disagreements, and differences, however, the blood bond cannot ever be broken, for as long as you live they will always be family by virtue of birth, in like manner spiritually every born again man or woman has a spiritual bond by virtue of God the Holy Spirit which can never be broken, so just as in good earthly families differences are put right or made right by love, so more should it be in God the Father's Eternal family, for love is the fullfilling of the Law of God." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

"This shows the true spirit in which discipline is to be administered in the Christian Church. We are not to deal with a man as an adversary over whom we are to seek to gain a victory, but as an erring brother - a brother still, though he errs. There was necessity for this caution. There is great danger that when we undertake the work of discipline we shall forget that he who is the subject of it is a brother, and that we shall regard and treat him as an enemy. Such is human nature. We set ourselves in array against him. We cut him off as one who is unworthy to walk with us. We triumph over him, and consider him at once as an enemy of the Church, and as having lost all claim to its sympathies. We abandon him to the tender mercies of a cold and unfeeling world, and let him take his course. Perhaps we follow him with anathemas, and hold him up as unworthy the confidence of mankind. Now all this is entirely unlike the method and aim of discipline as the New Testament requires. There is a kind, and gentle, though firm way; the offender is a man and a brother still; he is to be followed with tender sympathy and prayer, and the hearts and the arms of the Christian brotherhood are to be open to receive him again when he gives any evidence of repenting." Albert Barnes

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 22

Paul Warns them Against Idleness Part 4

2 Thessalonians 3:13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. KJV

Paul begins concluding his warning to these believers in Thessalonica and to we believers today and of every generation and era by encouraging the believers who are not idle exhorting them on in their diligence, declaring to them and to us that it is our obligation and responsibility to live lives quietly and peaceably with all men (if it be possible) as according to our conduct toward others (Romans 12:18), therefore, it would be beyond sick, sorry, and selfish for any true believer to have his or her hand out begging others for things, when we could provide those things for ourselves with honest labor. So, Paul now gives them and us today this word of exhortation and encouragement, "But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing." (2 Thessalonians 3:13) (KJV). The little English phrase 'be not weary' is translated by one Greek word ekkakeo meaning (by implication) to fail (in heart): - faint, be weary. Note: Here is how JFB Commentary defines this Greek word, "The oldest manuscripts read, 'Be not cowardly in'; do not be wanting in strenuousness in doing well. Edmunds explains it: Do not culpably neglect to do well, namely, with patient industry do your duty in your several callings."

In other words, Paul in writing this to them then and to us today is declaring to us that despite the reality of Christ soon 2nd Coming, they and we are not to neglect the everyday duties and responsibilities we have to live down here on the earth so long as our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ keeps us here to do His will and for His purposes, for He cannot successfully use any of us if we cannot or will not even endeavor, that is, being purposeful or industriously taking care of business with effort knowing that we are not working for ourselves or for some other person or persons, but we are a member in Christ Mystical Body accomplishing the things He has pre-ordained for us to accomplish just as Paul wrote and informed the Ephesian believers with these words, "For we are God's [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]." (Ephesians 2:10) (Amplified Bible).

The little English phrase 'in well doing' is translated by one Greek word kalopoieo used this one time only in the entire New Testament meaning to do well, that is, live virtuously: - well doing. In other words, Paul wants to see them and to see us today live in and under all the spiritual blessings of our Heavenly Father and that only happens when we live in obedience to His Word and not in rebellion, for with the same meaning Paul wrote this warning to the believers in Galatia, "Do not be deceived {and} deluded {and} misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows, that {and} that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay {and} ruin {and} destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not lose heart {and} grow weary {and} faint in acting nobly {and} doing right, for in due time {and} at the appointed season we shall reap, if we do not loosen {and} relax our courage {and} faint. So then, as occasion {and} opportunity open up to us, let us do good [morally] to all people [not only being useful or profitable to them, but also doing what is for their spiritual good and advantage]. Be mindful to be a blessing, especially to those of the household of faith [those who belong to God's family with you, the believers]. (Galatians 6:7-10) (Amplified Bible).

The Apostle Paul made it one of his most earnest attempts to encourage everyone of the Churches that he wrote letters to that they would make it their effort to be found doing good in their own lives and to others in the Body of our Lord Jesus Christ and even also to those outside of Christ, for one would be a fake or fraud to name the Name of Christ and go about his or her daily life seeking to steal from others or to hurt others simply for gain or gratification, this is not how our Lord Jesus Christ conducted Himself during His 33 years on the earth in the flesh, for it was written of Him these words documented for us by Dr. Luke, "How God anointed {and} consecrated Jesus of Nazareth with the [Holy] Spirit and with strength {and} ability {and} power; how He went about doing good and, in particular, curing all who were harassed {and} oppressed by [the power of] the devil, for God was with Him. And we are [eye and ear] witnesses of everything that He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem. And [yet] they put Him out of the way (murdered Him) by hanging Him on a tree; But God raised Him to life on the third day and caused Him to be manifest (to be plainly seen), Not by all the people but to us who were chosen (designated) beforehand by God as witnesses, who ate and drank with Him after He arose from the dead." (Acts 10:38-41) (Amplified Bible).

"He exhorts those that did well not to be weary in well-doing (2 Thessalonians 3:13); as if he had said, 'Go on and prosper. The Lord is with you while you are with Him. See that whatever you do, that is good, you persevere therein. Hold on your way, and hold out to the end. You must never give over, nor tire in your work. It will be time enough to rest when you come to heaven, that everlasting rest which remains for the people of God.'" Matthew Henry

"Far more beautiful, far more Christlike, than any busybody, however zealous, is he who works with quietness and eats his own bread. Probably the bulk of the Thessalonian Church was quite sound in this matter; and it is to encourage them that the Apostle writes, 'But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing.' The bad behaviour of the busybodies may have been provoking to some, infectious in the case of others; but they are to persevere, in spite of it, in the path of quiet industry and good conduct. This has not the pretentiousness of an absorbed waiting for the Lord, and a vaunted renunciation of the world; but it has the character of moral loveliness; it exercises the new man in the powers of the new life." Expositor's Bible Commentary

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 21

Paul Warns them Against Idleness Part 3

2 Thessalonians 3:11-12 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.  KJV

The fact that Paul (an Apostle of our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ) provided his own food and shelter among the new belivers in the city of Thessalonica when he could have (because of his authority as an Apostle) commanded the members of this new Church to support him, makes the fact that some of the believers there who now were slothful and spunging off the generosity of others in the Church makes Paul send this command to them and to all others who would desire to become like them. Not only were some of these people freeloading, but they then used there time to gossip, that is, divulge personal information about other people without their consent causing Paul much grief. This word had come to the Apostle Paul most likely from the report he received from Timothy after he came back from visting the Church there, so Paul writes this to them acknowledging his awareness of what was going on with some, "For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." (2 Thessalonians 3:11) (KJV).

The little English phrase 'are busybodies' is used this one time only in the entire New Testament and it is translated by one Greek word periergazomai which simply means a meddler, that is, an officious annoying person who intrudes and interferes with other peoples affairs unwantedly and in an offensive manner. In other words, believers are not to be actively going about meddling in the affairs of others causing them problems by intruding unwantedly in their business just as the Apostle Peter (in his first letter) warned believers then and we believers now to avoid suffering for Christ by virtue of doing things that are harmful, hateful, and hurtful to other people (even to our enemies the two-legged devils) when he wrote these words, "If you are censured {and} suffer abuse [because you bear] the name of Christ, blessed [are you--happy, fortunate, to be envied, with life-joy, and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of your outward condition], because the Spirit of glory, the Spirit of God, is resting upon you. {On their part He is blasphemed, but on your part He is glorified.} But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or any sort of criminal, or as a mischief-maker (a meddler) in the affairs of others [infringing on their rights]." (1 Peter 4:14-15) (Amplified Bible).

In the short time the Apostle Paul was with them physically, he had commanded them to do just the opposite of being busybodies or meddlers when he reminded them of such in his very first letter to them with these words, "To make it your ambition {and} definitely endeavor to live quietly {and} peacefully, to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we charged you, So that you may bear yourselves becomingly {and} be correct {and} honorable {and} command the respect of the outside world, being dependent on nobody [self-supporting] {and} having need of nothing." (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12) (Amplified Bible).

In stark contrast to this behavior of meddling in other peoples business was Paul's desire to see everyone taking care of their own affairs without causing trouble for others in the Church but instead being mindful to do good to one another void of gossip and tale telling, so Paul makes this command to them "Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread." (2 Thessalonians 3:12) (KJV). So in distinct opposition to their meddling or bustling about in the affairs or business of others, they should work or labor for their own food and shelter without making boastful assertions of doing just that, but instead minding their business and taking care of their own things. The little English phrase 'them that are such' is used here by the Apostle to describe the busybodies and it is translated by one Greek word toioutos meaning truly this, that is, of this sort (to denote character or individuality): - like, such (an one). In other words, Paul wants all of his admonitions, warnings, and commands to be directed only at the individuals who are idle meddlers in the business of others.

"What a degrading thing to live on the bounty or mercy of another, while a man is able to acquire his own livelihood! He who can submit to this has lost the spirit of independence; and has in him a beggar’s heart, and is capable of nothing but base and beggarly actions. Witness the great mass of the people of England, who by their dependence on the poor rates are, from being laborious, independent, and respectable, become idle, profligate, and knavish; the propagators and perpetrators of crime; a discredit to the nation, and a curse to society. The Apostle’s command is a cure for such; and the Church of God should discountenance such, and disown them." Adam Clarke

"The Apostle Paul in giving his direction to Timothy on how the Churches should take care of widows in the congregation, also at the same time warned Timothy to be weary of being to freely to give to every widow, for some were using their status as such to spend their time doing just what Paul commands against here in this epistle to the Thessalonians and that is being busybodies in the affairs or business of others as he declared to Timothy with these words, 'But refuse [to enroll on this list the] younger widows, for when they become restive {and} their natural desires grow strong, they withdraw themselves against Christ [and] wish to marry [again]. And so they incur condemnation for having set aside {and} slighted their previous pledge. Moreover, as they go about from house to house, they learn to be idlers, and not only idlers, but gossips and busybodies, saying what they should not say {and} talking of things they should not mention. So I would have younger [widows] marry, bear children, guide the household, [and] not give opponents of the faith occasion for slander or reproach. For already some [widows] have turned aside after Satan. If any believing woman {or believing man} has [relatives or persons in the household who are] widows, let him relieve them; let the Church not be burdened [with them], so that it may [be free to] assist those who are truly widows (those who are all alone and are dependent).' (1 Timothy 5:11-16) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 20

Paul Warns them Against Idleness Part 2

2 Thessalonians 3:8-10 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. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. KJV

Paul continues on in his declaration to these believers in the Church @ Thessalonica and we believers today of how he never even considered being a freeloader or one who lived lavishly, luxuriously, or largely (that is living large which is the common expression today) off of the sweat equity of others, as if this was the reason our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ left the Ivory Palace of His Throne in Heaven to enter a weak human body and live in this world of woe and die a brutal and horrible death to save sinners and make them rich or wealthy with earthly temporal stuff that will all be burned up into nothing upon His 2nd Coming (2 Peter 3:10), of course this is not the purpose of the Gospel. So again Paul continues to use himself as an example of a true believers conduct to money and to what it should be used for by the believer, for Paul worked to earn his own money, not to become rich, but that he would be able to eat bread without sponging off of the toil, travail, and treasure of others, even though (as an Apostle of Jesus Christ) he had every right to receive money from this Church to supply his needs and necessities. The reason he did not do what was his right as an Apostle was to set an example for these new believers in the city of Thessalonica and most important to him was not to be a burden to them financially, so he reminds them of this very fact with these words written, "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:" (2 Thessalonians 3:8) (KJV).

Paul wanted this message to reverberate throughout the entire Church that it was not the will of God that believers should freeload or sponge off of other believers taking advantage of their generosity. Paul wanted to completely distiguish himself from the false apostles and distance himself from their behavior of always having their hand out for a gift or an offerring, for they only were interested in monetary gain just as Paul described them to brother Titus with these words, "For there are many disorderly {and} unruly men who are idle (vain, empty) {and} misleading talkers and self-deceivers {and} deceivers of others. [This is true] especially of those of the circumcision party [who have come over from Judaism]. Their mouths must be stopped, for they are mentally distressing {and} subverting whole families by teaching what they ought not to teach, for the purpose of getting base advantage {and} disreputable gain." (Titus 1:10-11) (Amplified Bible). Think of it, one of the men who will sit on one of the twelve (12) Thrones judging the 12 tribes of Israel (our Lord Jesus Christ said this) (Matthew 19:28) paid for what he needed during his time in the city of Thessalonica and in the other cities as well. Did he have to? Of course not, but he wanted to and did, so that he might show that someone who truly loved them as brothers and sisters would not be desirous of getting or taking from them, but more wanted to give to them the whole counsel of God, that is the Word of God.

Paul immediately reminds them of his position, for he was an Apostle of Jesus Christ appointed directly by our Lord, Master, and Savior Himself to be 'the Apostle to the Gentiles', therefore, he had the authority, that is, the power and the right to receive all of his goods and services from their treasure as he writes with these words, "Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us." (2 Thessalonians 3:9) (KJV). The little English phrase 'an ensample' is translated by one Greek word tupos meaning (figuratively) style or resemblance; specifically a sampler (type), that is, a model (for imitation). It was not that Paul did not use his authority and right as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, for he did so with the Philippian Church (Philippians 4:15) because he was confident in their ability to not misunderstand and become idle freeloading off one another. To reinforce this idea, Paul now reminds them of what he apparently taught them by his own actions and by what he directed and commanded them while he lived among them for the short time with these words, "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." (2 Thessalonians 3:10) (KJV). Paul does not want the freeloaders to be sustained in their freeloading status, but that those giving (of their generosity) to them would stop. The command was for those who were unwilling to work, but rather had their hands out willingly to take from others.

"We were incessantly employed, either in preaching the Gospel, visiting from house to house, or working at our calling. As it is very evident that the Church at Thessalonica was very pious, and most affectionately attached to the Apostle, they must have been very poor, seeing he was obliged to work hard to gain himself the necessaries of life. Had they been able to support him he would not have worked with labor and travail night and day, that he might not be burdensome to them; and, as we may presume that they were very poor, he could not have got his support among them without adding to their burdens. To this his generous mind could not submit; it is no wonder, therefore, that he is so severe against those who would not labor, but were a burden to the poor followers of God." Adam Clarke

"It would seem from this that the evil of which the Apostle here complains had begun to operate even when he was with them. There were those who were disposed to be idle, and who needed the solemn command of an Apostle to induce them to labor. They should not be supported by the Church. This was a maxim among the Jews and the same sentiment may be found in Homer, Demosthenes, and Pythagoras. The maxim is founded in obvious justice, and is in accordance with the great law under which our Creator has placed us; Genesis 3:19. That law, in the circumstances, was benevolent, and it should be our aim to carry it out in reference to ourselves and to others. The law here laid down by the Apostle extends to all who are able to work for a living, and who will not do it, and binds us not to contribute to their support if they will not labor for it. It should be regarded as extending: to the members of a Church - who, though poor, should not be supported by their brethren, unless they are willing to work in any way they can for their own maintenance. to those who beg from door to door, who should never be assisted unless they are willing to do all they can do for their own support. No one can be justified in assisting a lazy man. In no possible circumstances are we to contribute to foster indolence. A man might as properly help to maintain open vice." Albert Barnes

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 19

Paul Warns them Against Idleness Part 1

2 Thessalonians 3:6-7 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 he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; KJV

It seems that the Apostle Paul had received some bad news concerning some of the brothers in the Church @ Thessalonica concerning them taking their understanding that our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ would soon return for them in the rapture to an extreme point causing them to freeload, mooch or live off the generosity of the other believers in the Church there causing them to have to work even harder and longer. The Apostle Paul wants to immediately (by this letter) straighten out or put things in there proper order concerning how these believers were to conduct themselves as pilgrims here on the earth away from their heavenly home by first declaring to them these words, "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 he received of us." (2 Thessalonians 3:6) (KJV). To begin with the Apostle Paul makes it very clear that he is not making a suggestion here, that is, something they could accept or reject, but he says emphatically 'we command' you and this little English phrase is translated by one Greek word paraggello meaning to transmit a message, that is, (by implication) to enjoin: - give in charge, give commandment, declare. This command or charge to them is by not Paul's authority, but in 'the name' of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The little English phrase 'the name' is translated by one Greek word onoma which means in this case a name (literally or figuratively), (authority, character): In other words, Paul the Apostle commands these believers in the Church @ Thessalonica by Christ Authority given to him as an Apostle of Jesus Christ, therefore, when they disobey these words from Paul, then they are disobeying Christ Jesus our Lord Himself. The command Paul goes on to give is that those who are not freeloading, mooching, or sponging off the labors of others 'withdraw yourselves' from those who are freeloading. This little English phrase 'withdraw yourselves' is translated by one Greek word stello meaning properly to set fast (stall), that is, (figuratively) to repress (reflexively abstain from associating with): - avoid, withdraw self. In other words, Paul wants the obedient brothers to avoid association with the disobedient brothers and to abstain from giving to them which upholds and continues their freeloading and sponging. Paul when he lived among them the short few weeks he and those with him were there set the example of how they ought to live among one another, "For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;" (2 Thessalonians 3:7) (KJV) as he, Silas, and Timothy did not live off the resources of the believers there, but they supplied their own needs and this is what Paul means by the 'traditions which he received of us'.

Similiar to what Paul said to the Romans in closing his letter to them with these words, "I appeal to you, brethren, to be on your guard concerning those who create dissensions and difficulties {and} cause divisions, in opposition to the doctrine (the teaching) which you have been taught. [I warn you to turn aside from them, to] avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites {and} base desires, and by ingratiating and flattering speech, they beguile the hearts of the unsuspecting {and} simpleminded [people]. For while your loyalty {and} obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you well versed {and} wise as to what is good and innocent {and} guileless as to what is evil." (Romans 16-17-19) (Amplified Bible). Paul, although his time in their physical presence was brief, set the example of how a Christian brother should conduct themselves when living among others. Paul, Silas, and Timothy did not freeload and act as gluttons eating and drinking the food and drink of others without providing for themsleves, even though Paul (as an Apostle of Jesus Christ) had every right to live from preaching the Gospel to them.

Paul conducted himself in this same manner with the Corinthian believers whom he spent 18 months living among when he wrote this to them, "If we have sown [the seed of] spiritual good among you, [is it too] much if we reap from your material benefits? If others share in this rightful claim upon you, do not we [have a still better and greater claim]? However, we have never exercised this right, but we endure everything rather than put a hindrance in the way [of the spread] of the good news (the Gospel) of Christ. Do you not know that those men who are employed in the services of the temple get their food from the temple? And that those who tend the altar share with the altar [in the offerings brought]? [On the same principle] the Lord directed that those who publish the good news (the Gospel) should live (get their maintenance) by the Gospel. But I have not made use of any of these privileges, nor am I writing this [to suggest] that any such provision be made for me [now]. For it would be better for me to die than to have anyone make void {and} deprive me of my [ground for] glorifying [in this matter]. For if I [merely] preach the Gospel, that gives me no reason to boast, for I feel compelled of necessity to do it. Woe is me if I do not preach the glad tidings (the Gospel)! For if I do this work of my own free will, then I have my pay (my reward); but if it is not of my own will, but is done reluctantly {and} under compulsion, I am [still] entrusted with a [sacred] trusteeship {and} commission. What then is the [actual] reward that I get? Just this: that in my preaching the good news (the Gospel), I may offer it [absolutely] free of expense [to anybody], not taking advantage of my rights {and} privileges [as a preacher] of the Gospel." (1 Corinthians 9:11-18) (Amplified Bible).

Paul was not like the false apostles who readily, regularly, and routinely had their hand out wherever they went taking money and goods from the people they were supposedly helping, but instead they were only enriching themselves from place to place. Paul (being genuine and authentic) never saw his preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a way to live the high life or to get earthly wealth, but only as the way to see men and women freed from clutches of the devil, the beast, and the false prophet and adopted into the family of God forever, for Paul had already reminded them of his conduct amongst them in his first letter when he wrote these words to them then, "For you recall our hard toil and struggles, brethren. We worked night and day [and plied our trade] in order not to be a burden to any of you [for our support] while we proclaimed the glad tidings (the Gospel) of God to you. You are witnesses, [yes] and God [also], how unworldly and upright and blameless was our behavior toward you believers [who adhered to and trusted in and relied on our Lord Jesus Christ]. For you know how, as a father [dealing with] his children, we used to exhort each of you personally, stimulating {and} encouraging and charging you to live lives worthy of God, Who calls you into His own kingdom and the glorious blessedness [into which true believers will enter after Christ's return]." (1 Thessalonians 2:9-12) (Amplified Bible), so we see here Paul just continuing his affirmation of his behavior among them in the closing Chapter of this his second letter to them.

"From his high expectations of the Advent, the Apostle turns to the prosaic commonplaces of daily toil. There was need for this, because the expectation of the speedy return of Christ was disarranging the ordinary course of life and duty. People were neglecting the common round of daily tasks, and idlers were imposing on Christian generosity. Against these the Apostle sets his own example of sitting far into the night at his tent-making. The best attitude for those that look for their Lord is not in pressing their faces against the oriel window, to behold the chariot of their returning Master, but in plying their toil with deft hands and consecrated hearts." F. B. Meyer

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 18

Paul Request their Prayers for him and those with him Part 2

2 Thessalonians 3:3-5 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye 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. KJV

Paul's initial words of prayer were to them requesting their prayers for him and those with him, but in his true mode, motive, and manner the Apostle cannot spend much time in prayer until or unless he once again crys out to our Heavenly Father for the well being and safety of others, even though he himself was always and at all times in constant danger of his life (as we have documented in previous studies/commentaries), so we again find him turning his prayers back to the protection of the new believers in the city of Thessalonica with these words to begin with, "But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil." (2 Thessalonians 3:3) (KJV). In the last two (2) studies/commentaries we defined the English phrase 'shall stablish' (Greek word sterizo) and the English word 'evil' (Greek word poneros), but the English word 'keep' Paul uses here is translated by the Greek word phulasso meaning to watch, that is, be on guard (literally or figuratively); by implication to preserve; to keep or to save. In other words, Paul again wants to assure these new believers in the Church @ Thessalonica that it is our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ Himself who will strengthen, set fast, and sustain them in their faith in Him, while at the same time guarding and protecting them from the attempts and attacks by the evil one the devil to turn them away from the truth of the Gospel and even to kill them physically.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is forever 'faithful' and this English word is translated by the Greek word pistos meaning objectively trustworthy; subjectively trustful: - believing, faithful, sure, and true, just as Paul even made known to the carnal Corinthian Church concerning our Lord Jesus' faithfulness to them with these words, "And He will establish you to the end [keep you steadfast, give you strength, and guarantee your vindication; He will be your warrant against all accusation or indictment so that you will be] guiltless {and} irreproachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). God is faithful (reliable, trustworthy, and therefore ever true to His promise, and He can be depended on); by Him you were called into companionship {and} participation with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:8-9) (Amplified Bible). Paul is confident in these believers (not because of them, or because of himself, Silas, or Timothy), but because he has 100% assurance that our Lord Jesus Christ will make known to the inner man and inner woman of everyone of them in the Church that what Paul has taught them in person and by these letters are His will and commands, so Paul now writes these words to them, "And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you." (2 Thessalonians 3:4) (KJV).

Paul completely trusted our Lord Jesus Christ concerning these believers in Thessalonica, that is, he was fully persuaded that they would see Paul's letters to them as not being from Paul, but as being from our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and His direct commands to them, just as our Lord Jesus Himself directed the first Apostles to do just before He Ascended back to Heaven with these words, "Teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days (perpetually, uniformly, and on every occasion), to the [very] close {and} consummation of the age. {Amen (so let it be).}" (Matthew 28:20) (Amplified Bible). These believers and we believers today left on our own would never give any time, talents, or treasure to God the Father, but because our Lord Jesus has confirmed to us that He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), then we can be confident in Him working in us and for us as Paul declares to these believers in Thessalonica with these words, "And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ." (2 Thessalonians 3:5) (KJV).

The English word 'direct' is translated by the Greek word kateuthuno meaning to straighten fully, that is, (figuratively) direct: - guide. In other words, when our Christian walk becomes crooked, curved, and even corrupt, it is our Lord Jesus Christ always there with us to bring us back into the 'narrow way' (Matthew 7:13-14)  by His loving hand of grace and even His stern hand of correction by chastening (Hebrews 12:5-11). It is always and at all times up to each one of us to keep ourselves in the love of God, that is, to guard our inner man and inner woman from corruption that will put a cover over God's love to us and in us, for only when we are obedient to His Will and His Word will we know by experience the love that our Lord Jesus Christ has for us and shows to us every day and at all times when we can see it, sense it, and succumb to it. When we do this then we can also be enabled by Him to live constantly in 'patient waiting' for Him and this little English phrase is translated by one Greek word hupomone meaning cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy: - enduring, patience, patient continuance (waiting), for living outside of the 'love of God' does not bring to us endurance or cheerful hoping, but it brings only regret for our wrong direction, repudiation of the truth of the Word of God, and rebuke by the chastening hand of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"They had disorderly men, wicked men, and the evil one or the devil, to contend with; God alone could support and give them the victory; He had promised to do it, and He might ever be confided in as being invariably faithful." Adam Clarke

"Not primarily in you, for you have hearts like others, but in the Lord. It is remarkable that when Paul expresses the utmost confidence in Christians that they will live and act as becomes their profession, his reliance is not on anything in themselves, but wholly on the faithfulness of God. He must be a stranger to the human heart who puts much confidence in it even in its best state." Albert Barnes

"The Apostle gathers up the whole sum of his desires for his friends, and presents to us the whole aim of our efforts for ourselves, in these two things, a steadfast love to God, and a calm endurance of evil and persistence in duty, unaffected by suffering or by pain. If we have these two we shall not be far from being what God wishes to see us." Alexander MacLaren

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…

Paul's Exhortations to the Thessalonian Church 2nd Letter Volume 17

Paul Request their Prayers for him and those with him Part 1

2 Thessalonians 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. KJV

Paul the 'great Apostle', so we think of him today and in many times even earlier than ours, but he was not great because he was a great man, but he was great because he was empowered by God the Holy Spirit, yet even with this reality, the great Apostle Paul needed and more than needed wanted the prayers (for him and those with him) from every believer he communicated with and even these young believers in the city of Thessalonica. Paul had just finished another one of his prayers for these new believers in Thessalonica and immediately upon doing so he makes a request for their prayers for him with these words, "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the Word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:" (2 Thessalonians 3:1) (KJV). Even though Paul had spoken by the power of the Holy Spirit and a man was blinded who opposed Paul and his preaching of the Gospel of Christ, however, he still needed and wanted these believers prayers. Why? Because God the Father's ears are at all times tuned into hear the petitions made to Him from any of His adopted sons or daughters. Paul knew that his strength, steadfastness, and sustenance spiritually was all tied into and connected with the lives of other faithful believers in our Lord, Master, and Savior Jesus Christ. Notice what Paul request their prayers for him be about 'that the Word of the Lord may have free course', for the devil's main objective is to silence the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ so that sinners will not hear and will not be saved. The devil affirms Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and every other form of false worship or spirituality because that keeps sinners from the One and Only Truth Jesus Christ who only can save, sanctify, and secure sinners eternally. The little English phrase 'may have free course' is translated by one Greek word trecho which is a primary verb meaning to run or walk hastily (literally or figuratively), that is, to go on swiftly, without any interruption.

In other words, Paul wants them to pray for our Heavenly Father to protect him and those with him from being confined so that they are not able to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth as he declared did happen for some time keeping him from the brothers and sisters in the Church @ Rome as he wrote with these words also requesting their prayers for the same purpose, "Thus my ambition has been to preach the Gospel, not where Christ's name has already been known, lest I build on another man's foundation; But [instead I would act on the principle] as it is written, They shall see who have never been told of Him, and they shall understand who have never heard [of Him]. This [ambition] is the reason why I have so frequently been hindered from coming to visit you. But now since I have no further opportunity for work in these regions, and since I have longed for enough years to come to you, I hope to see you in passing [through Rome] as I go [on my intended trip] to Spain, and to be aided on my journey there by you, after I have enjoyed your company for a little while." (Romans 15:20-24) (Amplified Bible). Paul wants them to pray also that the Gospel 'be glorified' among all the sinners who hear it and obey it and are redeemed by the Blood of the Lamb our Lord Jesus Christ. The little English phrase 'be glorified' is translated by one Greek word doxazo meaning to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application): - to magnify. In other words, Paul wants to not only be able to proclaim the Gospel in many places, but he wants to see the Gospel (as it can do and does in the inner man and inner woman of repentant sinners) be glorified in the lives of every person that believes.

Just as he saw with some who believed in Antioch as documented for us by Dr. Luke with these words, "As they [Paul and Barnabas] went out [of the synagogue], the people earnestly begged that these things might be told to them [further] the next Sabbath. And when the congregation of the synagogue dispersed, many of the Jews and the devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked to them and urged them to continue [to trust themselves to and to stand fast] in the grace (the unmerited favor and blessing) of God. The next Sabbath almost the entire city gathered together to hear the Word of God [concerning the attainment through Christ of salvation in the kingdom of God]. But when the Jews saw the crowds, filled with envy {and} jealousy they contradicted what was said by Paul and talked abusively [reviling and slandering him]. And Paul and Barnabas spoke out plainly {and} boldly, saying, It was necessary that God's message [concerning salvation through Christ] should be spoken to you first. But since you thrust it from you, you pass this judgment on yourselves that you are unworthy of eternal life {and} out of your own mouth you will be judged. [Now] behold, we turn to the Gentiles. For so the Lord has charged us, saying, I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring [eternal] salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth. And when the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified (praised and gave thanks for) the Word of God; and as many as were destined (appointed and ordained) to eternal life believed (adhered to, trusted in, and relied on Jesus as the Christ and their Savior). And so the Word of the Lord [concerning eternal salvation through Christ] scattered {and} spread throughout the whole region." (Acts 13:42-49) (Amplified Bible). The continuing of this is exactly what Paul seeks their prayers for to our Heavenly Father and this is exactly what the devil wants to stop.

The next portion of Paul's prayer request concerned their prayers for him and those with him to be delivered from the instruments of the devil, that is, the two-legged devils that do the physical work for him of persecuting all believers and trying to do anything to stop them from declaring the truth Jesus Christ throughout the earth as he says to them with these words, "And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith." (2 Thessalonians 3:2) (KJV). Paul from the very beginning of his walk with our Lord Jesus Christ was under the attack of the devil through the two-legged devils trying to kill him everywhere he showed up and it continues up to the point of this letter written to the believers in Thessalonica around A.D. 50, which meant Paul had been a Christian now for almost 20 years, yet he is still pursued by men belonging to the devil to silence him. The little English phrase 'we may be delivered' is translated by one Greek word rhuomai meaning to rush or draw (for oneself), that is, rescue: - deliver. The English word 'unreasonable' is translated by the Greek word atopos meaning out of place, that is, (figuratively) improper, injurious, amiss, harm, unreasonable. The English word 'wicked' is translated by the Greek word poneros meaning hurtful, that is, evil (properly in effect or influence, figuratively calamitous; - bad, evil, grievous, harm, lewd, malicious, wicked.

In other words, even though some men hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, they do not receive it and therefore have no real faith in the One True God, so they belong to the devil and they do his bidding under the sun by going about to murder those who belong to and love our Lord Jesus Christ, for this is what Paul meant when he said this to them in his first letter, "For you, brethren, became imitators of the assemblies (Churches) of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea, for you too have suffered the same kind of treatment from your own fellow countrymen as they did [who were persecuted at the hands] of the Jews, Who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and harassed {and} drove us out, and continue to make themselves hateful {and} offensive to God and to show themselves foes of all men, Forbidding {and} hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles (the nations) that they may be saved. So as always they fill up [to the brim the measure of] their sins. But God's wrath has come upon them at last [completely and forever]! But since we were bereft of you, brethren, for a little while in person, [of course] not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great longing to see you face to face, Because it was our will to come to you. [I mean that] I, Paul, again and again [wanted to come], but Satan hindered {and} impeded us." (1 Thessalonians 2:14-18) (Amplified Bible).

"Paul always wanted the prayers of other believers 'in Christ' for him because he knew that prayer is the one thing the devil cannot stop a child of God from doing, so he exhorted these believers in Thessalonica to pray for him and those with him to be able to continue to get the Word of the Lord out into the world that the elect (who are appointed unto salvation) will hear and believe just as he prayed for those in the Church @ Rome to do also with these words, "I appeal to you [I entreat you], brethren, for the sake of our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love [given by] the Spirit, to unite with me in earnest wrestling in prayer to God in my behalf. [Pray] that I may be delivered (rescued) from the unbelievers in Judea and that my mission of relief to Jerusalem may be acceptable {and} graciously received by the saints (God's people there), So that by God's will I may subsequently come to you with joy (with a happy heart) and be refreshed [by the interval of rest] in your company. May [our] peace-giving God be with you all! Amen (so be it)." (Romans 15:30-33) (Amplified Bible)." Clifford D. Tate, Sr.

If you do not know the Lord Jesus Christ and His amazing healing power, pray this from your heart to the Lord Jesus Christ (you speaking directly to Him), Dear Lord Jesus, I confess to You that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe You shed Your Blood and died for my sins. I believe that You rose from the dead proving that You alone are God. I repent of my sins. I want to turn from my sins. I ask You Dear Lord Jesus to come into my heart and take control of my life. I want You to be my Lord, Savior, and my God. Amen...

Sincerely in Christ,

Clifford D. Tate, Sr.
Author of “Silent Assassins of the Soul - Are you Broken by Pornography and Masturbation? You can be Restored by the Lord Jesus Christ and brought into Deliverance, Freedom, and Victory! A Guide for Men and Women in the Enemy’s Crosshairs” e-book available now @ Amazon Kindle, @ Apple I Bookstore for IPod, Barnes and Noble for Nook, Reader Store for Sony Reade, Kobo, Copia, Gardners, Baker and Taylor, and eBookPie…