Theory question 109
Civic ResponsibilitySection C (Themes from Selected Epistles). Answer at least one question from this section.
'If any one will not work, let him not eat'. Explain the circumstances which led to this statement
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Some Thessalonian Christians believed the day of the Lord had already come or was about to come (2 Thessalonians 2:1-2).
Expecting Christ's immediate return, some stopped working and lived in idleness (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 11).
They became busybodies, depending on others for food (2 Thessalonians 3:11).
Paul had already urged them to work with their hands and be dependent on nobody (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).
He reminded them that he himself worked night and day so as not to burden anyone, to give them an example (2 Thessalonians 3:7-9).
He repeated his command given when he was with them: "If any one will not work, let him not eat" (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
He commanded the idle to work quietly and earn their own living (2 Thessalonians 3:12).
Others were to keep away from the idle and not associate with them, but warn them as brothers (2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15).
Explain the idleness problem and Paul's response in 2 Thessalonians 3.