18 verses
Paul urges the Thessalonian church to maintain disciplined labor and love, warning against disorderly members while encouraging prayer, patience, and community unity.
Paul begins by requesting prayers that the gospel may spread and that the believers be protected from wicked, unbelieving people, affirming God's faithfulness to uphold them. He expresses confidence that they will follow his commands and encourages hearts to love God and patiently await Christ. The middle section instructs the community to distance themselves from disorderly brothers, reminding them of the apostle's own example of hard work and refusing to accept anyone's bread to avoid dependency. Paul sets a clear rule: those who do not labor should not eat, and idle, busybodies must be corrected to work quietly and eat their own bread. He exhorts them not to grow weary in doing good, but warns that if someone refuses to obey, the believers should note him, avoid fellowship until he is ashamed, yet still treat him as a brother. The letter concludes with a blessing of peace and Paul’s final salutation.
mixed
Encouraging instruction and blessings, but also corrective admonition.