Order in the Church

Our day-to-day behaviour is amongst those things that are addressed in this concluding chapter of Paul's second letter to the church at Thessalonica. We are not to walk in a disorderly manner, nor are we to be idle Christians who refuse to work, thereby placing a burden upon others. People with time on their hands might well become 'busybodies', involved in gossip and idle speculation.

In Paul's typically strong way he gives his apostolic counsel on how to deal with those who walk in a disorderly manner in the church. Some, we learn, may well refuse to hear the admonition given, seeking to justify their actions, but for those who show no contrition, or lack desire to put matters right, then a firmer resolve has to be shown in response to such behaviour, otherwise the person is not being encouraged to repent.

Main Headings:

1: Being a burden to others
2: Dealing with people in the church