2 Thessalonians 3:10
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If any would not work, neither should he eat - This is a just maxim, and universal nature inculcates it to man. If man will work, he may eat; if he do not work, he neither can eat, nor should he eat. The maxim is founded on these words of the Lord: In the sweat of thy brow thou shall eat bread. Industry is crowned with God's blessing; idleness is loaded with his curse. This maxim was a proverb among the Jews. Men who can work, and will rather support themselves by begging, should not get one morsel of bread. It is a sin to minister to necessities that are merely artificial.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For even--Translate, "For also." We not only set you the example, but gave a positive "command." commanded--Greek imperfect, "We were commanding"; we kept charge of you. would not work--Greek, "is unwilling to work." BENGEL makes this to be the argument: not that such a one is to have his food withdrawn from him by others; but he proves from the necessity of eating the necessity of working; using this pleasantry, Let him who will not work show himself an angel, that is, do without food as the angels do (but since he cannot do without food, then he ought to be not unwilling to work). It seems to me simpler to take it as a punishment of the idle. Paul often quotes good adages current among the people, stamping them with inspired approval. In the Hebrew, "Bereshith Rabba," the same saying is found; and in the book Zeror, "He who will not work before the sabbath, must not eat on the sabbath."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For even when we were with you,.... At Thessalonica in person, and first preached the Gospel to them, we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat; the Ethiopic version reads in the singular number, "when I was with you, I commanded you"; using the above words, which were a sort of a proverb with the Jews, and is frequently used by them, , or , "that if a man would not work, he should not eat" (q). And again (r), "he that labours on the evening of the sabbath (or on weekdays), he shall eat on the sabbath day; and he who does not labour on the evening of the sabbath, from whence shall he eat (or what right and authority has he to eat) on the sabbath day?'' Not he that could not work through weakness, bodily diseases, or old age, the necessities of such are to be distributed to, and they are to be taken care of, and provided with the necessaries of life by the officers of the church; but those that can work, and will not, ought to starve, for any assistance that should be given them by the members of the church, or the officers of it. (q) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 14. fol. 13. 1. Echa Rabbati, fol. 48. 4. & Midrash Koholet, fol. 65. 4. (r) T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 3. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10 Work is the appropriate way to gain a living (see Gen 3:17-19; Ps 128:2; Prov 10:4). Paul absolves the church of the responsibility of feeding other believers who refuse to work.
2 Thessalonians 3:10
A Warning against Idleness
9Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate.10For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(2006 Conference) 5.a Right Attitude to Money
By Zac Poonen3.2K1:00:48PRO 6:6LUK 16:13JHN 6:12ROM 13:81CO 10:262TH 3:101TI 6:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of being faithful with money, avoiding extremes of poverty or excessive wealth, and recognizing that money should not rule over our lives. It highlights the need to be balanced in our attitude towards money, to work hard, avoid wastage, and be faithful in financial matters to serve God effectively and receive true riches from Him.
One Lion; Two Lions; No Lion at All
By C.H. Spurgeon1.9K42:00Overcoming ExcusesSlothfulnessPRO 22:13ECC 9:10MAT 11:28ROM 12:111CO 15:58PHP 4:13COL 3:232TH 3:10HEB 12:1JAS 4:17C.H. Spurgeon addresses the issue of slothfulness, using the metaphor of lions to illustrate the excuses people make to avoid taking action, particularly in their spiritual lives. He emphasizes that the slothful man creates imaginary fears, such as lions in the streets, to justify his laziness and procrastination in coming to Christ. Spurgeon warns that delaying one's commitment to God only leads to more difficulties, as the 'lions' multiply with time. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to recognize that there are no real obstacles preventing them from seeking salvation, urging them to act decisively and trust in God's grace.
(Genesis) - Part 6
By Zac Poonen1.8K1:00:23GenesisGEN 2:15GEN 3:16GEN 3:21PSA 22:15MAT 10:37ROM 5:202TH 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of hard work and discipline in the life of a believer. He references the example of Paul, who worked tirelessly and faced hardships to serve the Lord. The speaker warns against being deceived by those who do not work and rely on others for support, stating that they are not serving God but the devil. He highlights the biblical principle that if someone does not work, they should not eat. The sermon also touches on the consequences of not working, such as the increase of sin and evil in society. The speaker concludes by reminding listeners that God's rebukes always come with a promise of provision and hope.
Tent Making 1 Cor 9
By George Verwer1.2K1:13:49Tent MakingEXO 20:12DEU 25:4MAT 6:33ACT 20:35ROM 10:141CO 9:142TH 3:101TI 5:18In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following five principles in preaching the word of God. These principles include being enthusiastic, learning the product thoroughly, practicing effective communication techniques, demonstrating sincerity, and considering the needs of the person being spoken to. The speaker encourages the audience to believe that God will provide for their needs and make their prayer meetings more effective. They also emphasize the importance of sincerity in conveying the message and suggest using phrases and presentations that effectively communicate the message. The speaker shares personal experiences of encountering difficult individuals but believes that sincerity can still make an impact.
Studies in 2 Thessalonians-04 2 Thes 3:1-18
By William MacDonald1.2K34:14StudiesMAT 6:332TH 3:12TH 3:42TH 3:62TH 3:10In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Paul's letter to the Thessalonians. The sermon is divided into four sections. The first section, in verses one and two, discusses Paul's request for prayer. The second section, in verses three through five, highlights Paul's confidence in the saints. The third section, in verses six through fifteen, provides instructions for dealing with disorderly brothers. The speaker emphasizes the importance of work and the need to redeem the time for the sake of Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes with a prayer for grace and a reminder to be diligent in prayer for one another.
Mercenary Christians
By Glenn Meldrum88458:12Critical SpiritPRO 13:4PRO 18:9MAT 6:331CO 15:582TH 3:10HEB 6:12In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of a mercenary mentality that has infiltrated the American church. He uses the story of Simon the sorcerer from Acts chapter eight to illustrate this point. Simon, who had previously used sorcery to deceive the people, believed in Jesus and was baptized. However, he still held onto his old mindset of thinking he could buy the power of God. The preacher emphasizes that Christianity goes against the idea of giving to get, as salvation cannot be earned through money or any other means. He urges the audience to examine their own thinking and remove any obstacles that hinder them from experiencing a true move of God.
Marriage Series #5 - Anaias & Sapphira
By Don McClure69547:32ACT 4:32ACT 4:342TH 3:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of truth in relationships and the need for individuals to be honest with themselves and with God. The speaker shares a personal experience as a police chaplain, highlighting the discouragement faced by police officers. The sermon also references Acts chapter 4, where believers were united in heart and soul, sharing their possessions and meeting each other's needs. However, the speaker acknowledges that this level of communal living did not last long and that the Bible teaches the importance of work and self-sufficiency.
Bristol Conference 1977-03 Msg,and Man of Model Ch.
By Stan Ford41745:42JHN 13:34JHN 14:1ROM 14:81TH 4:111TH 5:182TH 3:10JAS 5:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of living a life that pleases God. He then moves on to discuss the need for believers to bring comfort to others and to offer thanks to the Lord. The sermon then transitions to chapter four of 1 Thessalonians, where the speaker focuses on our attitude towards the present and our assurance of the future. The speaker highlights the belief in the resurrection of Jesus and the promise that those who sleep in Jesus will be brought with Him. The sermon concludes with an exhortation to encourage one another with these words.
From the Calends of October
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 12:241CO 5:11COL 3:232TH 3:10HEB 12:11St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of discipline, structure, and focus on spiritual growth through reading and work assignments during specific hours of the day, with a special emphasis on Lent when each sister is given a book to read from start to finish. He also highlights the role of senior sisters in ensuring that all sisters are diligent in their tasks and not engaging in idleness or distractions, with corrective measures in place for those who do not adhere to the rules.
Step 16 on Love of Money or Avarice
By St. John Climacus0MAT 5:3LUK 21:2ACT 20:34EPH 5:52TH 3:101TI 6:10St. John Climacus preaches about the dangers of avarice, describing it as a form of idol worship, a manifestation of unbelief, and a hindrance to spiritual growth. He emphasizes the importance of selflessness and generosity, contrasting it with the selfishness of those who love money. Climacus highlights the deceptive nature of the love of money, warning that it can lead to a lack of compassion and a neglect of true charity towards the poor. He encourages a life of simplicity and humility, where one's focus is on spiritual richness rather than material wealth.
Idleness Is the Enemy of the Soul
By St. Benedict of Nursia0PRO 14:23ECC 9:10COL 3:231TH 4:112TH 3:10St. Benedict of Nursia emphasizes the importance of staying occupied with both manual labor and sacred reading to combat idleness, which is seen as the enemy of the soul. He provides a structured daily routine for the sisters, balancing work, reading, rest, and prayer, with an emphasis on moderation and living by the labor of their hands. This disciplined approach is aimed at fostering a monastic life dedicated to both physical and spiritual growth.
The Devil's Tennis-Ball
By Thomas Brooks0IdlenessSpiritual VigilancePRO 10:4ECC 10:18EPH 5:151TH 5:142TH 3:10Thomas Brooks emphasizes the dangers of idleness in his sermon 'The Devil's Tennis-Ball,' warning that idleness invites temptation and makes individuals vulnerable to the devil's influence. He draws parallels between ancient societies that harshly punished idleness and the Christian call to actively engage in good works. Brooks challenges Christians to reject idleness and not associate with those who neglect their responsibilities, urging believers to be diligent and purposeful in their lives.
Proposals for Reform Ii
By Martin Luther0MAT 6:7MAT 15:11MAT 18:19MAT 23:131CO 7:231CO 10:25EPH 4:42TH 2:112TH 3:10Martin Luther delivers a sermon proposing reforms within the Church, addressing issues such as the abuse of power by prelates, the commercialization of religious practices like masses and indulgences, the tyranny of the papacy, and the need for unity with the Bohemians. Luther advocates for confession of secret sins to any brother or sister, the abolition of unnecessary festivals and pilgrimages, and the rejection of papal authority in favor of a more humble and loving approach to faith. He emphasizes the importance of truth, unity, and simplicity in Christian practice, urging for a return to the core teachings of the Gospel.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If any would not work, neither should he eat - This is a just maxim, and universal nature inculcates it to man. If man will work, he may eat; if he do not work, he neither can eat, nor should he eat. The maxim is founded on these words of the Lord: In the sweat of thy brow thou shall eat bread. Industry is crowned with God's blessing; idleness is loaded with his curse. This maxim was a proverb among the Jews. Men who can work, and will rather support themselves by begging, should not get one morsel of bread. It is a sin to minister to necessities that are merely artificial.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For even--Translate, "For also." We not only set you the example, but gave a positive "command." commanded--Greek imperfect, "We were commanding"; we kept charge of you. would not work--Greek, "is unwilling to work." BENGEL makes this to be the argument: not that such a one is to have his food withdrawn from him by others; but he proves from the necessity of eating the necessity of working; using this pleasantry, Let him who will not work show himself an angel, that is, do without food as the angels do (but since he cannot do without food, then he ought to be not unwilling to work). It seems to me simpler to take it as a punishment of the idle. Paul often quotes good adages current among the people, stamping them with inspired approval. In the Hebrew, "Bereshith Rabba," the same saying is found; and in the book Zeror, "He who will not work before the sabbath, must not eat on the sabbath."
John Gill Bible Commentary
For even when we were with you,.... At Thessalonica in person, and first preached the Gospel to them, we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat; the Ethiopic version reads in the singular number, "when I was with you, I commanded you"; using the above words, which were a sort of a proverb with the Jews, and is frequently used by them, , or , "that if a man would not work, he should not eat" (q). And again (r), "he that labours on the evening of the sabbath (or on weekdays), he shall eat on the sabbath day; and he who does not labour on the evening of the sabbath, from whence shall he eat (or what right and authority has he to eat) on the sabbath day?'' Not he that could not work through weakness, bodily diseases, or old age, the necessities of such are to be distributed to, and they are to be taken care of, and provided with the necessaries of life by the officers of the church; but those that can work, and will not, ought to starve, for any assistance that should be given them by the members of the church, or the officers of it. (q) Bereshit Rabba, sect. 14. fol. 13. 1. Echa Rabbati, fol. 48. 4. & Midrash Koholet, fol. 65. 4. (r) T. Bab. Avoda Zara, fol. 3. 1.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10 Work is the appropriate way to gain a living (see Gen 3:17-19; Ps 128:2; Prov 10:4). Paul absolves the church of the responsibility of feeding other believers who refuse to work.