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…