Apostolic Authority
A. Barnes, D. D. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ… I. THE NEEDS BE FOR THIS COMMAND. Rather abruptly, the Apostle turns from a very important and pleasant subject to one of a totally different character — the proper method of treating those who were idle and disorderly in the Church. He had adverted to this subject in his previous epistle, but in the mild language of exhortation. When he wrote to the Thessalonians, he was aware that there were some among them who were disposed to be idle, and he had tenderly exhorted them "to be quiet, and to mind their own business, and to work with their own hands." But it seems that the exhortation, and the example of Paul himself when at Thessalonica, had not been effectual in inducing them to be industrious. It, therefore, became necessary to use the strong language of command, and to require that if any members would not work, the Church should take due action concerning them. What was the original cause of their idleness is not known. There seems no reason, however, to doubt that it was much increased by their expectation that the Saviour would soon appear, and that the world would soon come to an and. If this was to be so, of what use would it be to labour? Why strive to accumulate property with reference to the wants of a family, or to a day of sickness, or to the requirements of old age? Why should a man build a house that was soon to be burnt up? Or why buy a farm which he was soon to leave? The effect of the expectation of the speedy coming of the Lord Jesus has alway been to induce men to neglect their worldly affairs, and lead idle lives. Man, naturally disposed to be idle, wants the stimulus of hope that he is labouring for the future weal of himself, his family, or society; nor will he labour if he believes that the Lord is just about to appear. II. THE AUTHORITY FOR THE COMMAND. "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," says the Apostle, using all the appellations of his Divine Master to stamp his mandate with full authority. By thus using "the name," he means that he was acting on the behalf of Christ, or by His commission or power (Acts 3:6; 2 Corinthians 2:10). A judge occupies the seat of justice on behalf of the monarch who rules the kingdom, and pronounces judgment in his stead on the guilty. But St. Paul's authority was higher than that from the kings of the earth; it was authority derived from the Divine Head of the Church, and his command therefore was paramount. III. THE MATTER OF THE COMMAND. "That ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." This is the true notion of Christian discipline toward an erring member. Cease to have fellowship with him: do not regard him any longer as a Christian brother. No effort to affect him in any other respect must be made: neither name nor standing must be injured; nor must he be held up to reprobation, or followed with a spirit of revenge. When he shows that he is no longer worthy to be recognized as a Christian brother, leave him to himself and his God. Peradventure God may bring him to repentance. (A. Barnes, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now 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 he received of us. WEB: Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.