Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of II Thessalonians Chapter 3
Metaphysically Interpreting II Thessalonians 3:1-5
3:1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also it is with you; 3:2and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for all have not faith. 3:3But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and guard you from the evil one. 3:4And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command. 3:5And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.
Metaphysically Interpreting II Thessalonians 3:6-15
3:6Now 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. 3:7For yourselves know how ye ought to imitate us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 3:8neither did we eat bread for nought at any man's hand, but in labor and travail, working night and day, that we might not burden any of you: 3:9not because we have not the right, but to make ourselves and ensample unto you, that ye should imitate us. 3:10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, If any will not work, neither let him eat. 3:11For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. 3:12Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 3:13But ye, brethren, be not weary in well-doing.
3:14And if any man obeyeth not our word by this epistle, note that man, that ye have no company with him, to the end that he may be ashamed. 3:15And yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
November 25, 1944: II Thessalonians 3:10-12
What is in divine order as regards work? To develop our capacities by faithful, consistent use, leaving others free to follow their own light in this respect. To busy oneself telling others what is their duty or trying to influence their course of action is to be “disorderly” or a “busybody,” concerning oneself with what does not concern us. We give best when we give service and withhold unasked advice on the service of others.
August 5, 1951: II Thessalonians 3:7-10
Does spiritual service merit a material reward? It does. Whoever gives himself and his time to teaching or preaching Truth, to healing the sick, to prayer and meditation, or to ministering to the spiritual needs of his fellow men in any other way, renders mankind a service beyond price and is entitled to an adequate return in material substance, since he fills his time with spiritual service and has no opportunity to engage in other gainful pursuits.
Why should we make ourselves an example to others? Because the love of Christ gives us a sense of responsibility to others. We realize that we are to owe no one anything but to love one another, and love leads us to help others by an example of service. The nature of love is to serve.
Is the command, “If any man will not work, neither let him eat,” in accord with divine law? Yes, it is a new rendering of the decree “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread,” which the sense man counts a curse, but which is actually a blessing in disguise.
Metaphysically Interpreting II Thessalonians 3:16-18
3:16Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all.
3:17The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. 3:18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 01-12-2014
