10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10–12 (ESV)
The Apostle Paul, along with his companions Silas and Timothy, gave the Thessalonian believers in Christ stern commands regarding the importance and responsibility of working. Having a fervent expectation of the Lord’s return (I Thess. 4:13-18; 5: 1-11; 2 Thess. 2:1-12) was no excuse for members of the church to be idle while waiting for the Lord Jesus Christ’s appearance.
Until Christ comes, or we die and go to be with Him, we are to work and serve the Lord; as we can and when we can. Paul emphasized this moral ethic with a succinct statement: “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”
“Paul does not reveal anything that we do not already know deep down (2 Thess. 3:10). Aesop’s fables and the testimony of many other non-Christian writings bear witness to humanity’s awareness that those who will not work deserve to go hungry. But note again that we are talking about a willful refusal to work, not an inability to work. Scripture is clear that the church must support those who have lawful reasons why they cannot work—widows, orphans, and the severely disabled (Luke 14:12–14; James 1:26–27). To such people, as well as the unemployed who are diligently searching for a job, we must show charity,” states Dr. R. C. Sproul.
I recall a member of the church I pastored who became ill with cancer. She was a single mother of a young child at the time. While in treatment, she was unable to work. Therefore, the church financially supported her and provided for her and her family’s basic needs. When she completed treatments, was cured of cancer, and physically able to return to work, she refused. She wanted to remain unemployed and for the church to continue to meet her financial needs. The church leadership refused her request. Not surprisingly, she and her child left the church.
Shortly thereafter, I received a phone call from a pastor in a neighboring community. The woman and her child began attending the church he pastored and wanted that church to pay her bills. I shared with him our recent experience with this family. He appreciated my candor and thanked me for giving him insight into the situation.
While the reasons for idleness may differ, Scripture is clear. Irresponsible behavior regarding work and employment is no reason for anyone to expect the church to financially support them.
Additionally, Paul faced the situation that those who were busy being idle, were also being busybodies (περιεργαζομένους; periergazomenous). This refers to one who is a present, and actively personal gossip and meddler into other people’s lives (I Tim. 5:11-15). While not busy working, they are busy meddling.
“It is easy to picture these persons—there were some, not many—laying down their tools, running from one “brother” to another with fantastic stories about Christ’s immediate Return—the “day” had already arrived!—making extravagant claims for the truthfulness of their thrilling tales, returning home without the day’s wages to buy food, then attempting to sponge on others or even on “the benevolence-fund” of the church, and meddling in the affairs of the authorities,” explains Dr. William Hendriksen.[1]
Paul’s, Silas’ and Timothy’s directive regarding this situation was clear. “Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.”
“The substance of the command and admonition is that by “calmly working for a living” these irregulars shall “eat their own bread.” Instead of gadding about feverishly, running in circles and agitating, spreading excitement and alarm on every side, these people must work calmly (literally “with calmness”). This last expression immediately recalls 1 Thess. 4:11 (“be ambitious to live calmly”); See also 1 Tim. 2:2. If they will obey this commandment and heed this admonition, they will not only be doing themselves a favor, and this both spiritually and materially, but also others. No longer will they be annoying other people. They will be “eating their own bread,” providing their own sustenance,” concludes Dr. Hendriksen..[2]
There are times when it is appropriate for the church to financially assist an individual and family in need. However, this is never to be done when an individual is able to work but refuses to work. The believing community must never perpetuate irresponsibility and sin.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
[1] William Hendriksen and Simon J. Kistemaker, Exposition of I-II Thessalonians, vol. 3, New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1953–2001), 203.
[2] Ibid.
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