2 Thessalonians – Chapter 3

New Testament18 Verses

1For the rest, brethren, pray for us that the word of God may run and may be glorified, even as among you:

2And that we may be delivered from importunate and evil men: for all men have not faith.

3But God is faithful, who will strengthen and keep you from evil.

4And we have confidence concerning you in the Lord that the things which we command, you both do and will do.

5And the Lord direct your hearts, in the charity of God and the patience of Christ.

6And we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly and not according to the tradition which they have received of us.

7For yourselves know how you ought to imitate us. For we were not disorderly among you.

8Neither did we eat any man's bread for nothing: but in labour and in toil we worked night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you.

9Not as if we had not power: but that we might give ourselves a pattern unto you, to imitate us.

10For also, when we were with you, this we declared to you: that, if any man will not work, neither let him eat.

11For we have heard there are some among you who walk disorderly: working not at all, but curiously meddling.

12Now we charge them that are such and beseech them by the Lord Jesus Christ that, working with silence, they would eat their own bread.

13But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

15Yet do not esteem him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother.

16Now the Lord of peace himself give you everlasting peace in every place. The Lord be with you all.

17The salutation of Paul with my own hand: which is the sign in every epistle. So I write.

18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Reflection for Today

As you read 2 Thessalonians Chapter 3, the Catholic Church invites you to encounter God's living Word through the lens of Sacred Tradition. The Catechism teaches that Scripture must be read "within the living Tradition of the whole Church" (CIC 113). The same Holy Spirit who inspired these words continues to guide the Church in understanding them today.

In Catholic theology, every passage of Scripture points ultimately to Christ and finds its fullest meaning in the Church's sacramental life. The Magisterium—the teaching authority of the Pope and bishops—guides the faithful in authentic interpretation. As you meditate on these verses, consider how the Church Fathers and saints have understood them.

Through lectio divina—the ancient Catholic practice of prayerful reading—allow these words to transform your mind and heart, drawing you deeper into communion with Christ and His Church. Ask the Holy Spirit to illuminate these verses and show you how they call you to deeper faith, hope, and love.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

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