The Apostle Paul on the “Sweat Allergy”

As he did in his first Thessalonian letter, Paul wraps up his second letter with a series of imperatives (exhortations). In this case, Paul’s imperatives are concerned with warning the Thessalonians to be on guard for those who are consumers, or who are lazy, and for those who will not obey the instructions that the apostle has given. In 2 Thessalonians 3:6, Paul gives an emphatic command for the Thessalonians to keep away from “every brother who is idle and does not live according to the tradition you received from us.”

The word translated as “idle” can mean “disorderly.”[1] In this context, it probably refers to those who do not live up to reasonable expectations–people who disappoint us by making promises and never following through on them.[2] In light of the questions about the Lord’s return (parousia) put to Paul by the Thessalonians, it is possible that these individuals cause chaos in the church because they do not obey the teaching, and were refusing to do any work to support their brothers and sisters because they were convinced that the second coming was at hand. These are people who can be described as “so heavenly-minded, they are no earthly good.” But in light of what Paul says in verse 10, we can identify laziness (the dreaded “sweat allergy”) as the true problem—“For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.”

When Paul reminds the Thessalonians in verse 7 of the fact that they ought to follow his example, his point becomes clear. “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not idle when we were with you.” Paul may have worked at his own trade, tent making. Nor did he freeload. In verse 8, he can speak with a clear conscience, “nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you.” Paul was no “couch surfer,” taking advantage of the hospitality offered him by the Thessalonians. He paid his own way, worked hard, and was more of a contributor than a burden. Yet, because of his apostolic office, Paul was entitled to be supported by the church. But Paul felt it better not to invoke his legitimate claims so as to set an example to Christians to be self-supporting insofar as that is possible. He writes, “it was not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves an example to imitate.”

Paul is not condemning the acceptance of charity, nor is he condemning those who find themselves in short-term material need and are willing to ask for help. He is, however, condemning laziness and selfishness, and the entitled consumer mentality which so often characterizes churches today as it apparently did then. Previously, Paul left them with a simple rule of which he now reminds them– “if you are not willing to work, then you won’t receive charity.” This rule should still be applied in Christian ministries of mercy today, especially the mercy and charity extended by a church’s deacons to those with genuine need. Christian charity is not a handout, but is to be an aid to get people back on their feet. Those who show themselves to be lazy and irresponsible are best served by being denied such aid. People who are technically unemployed still have a full-time job—to look for work. To paraphrase Paul, get a job! Get to work! Contribute more than you consume!

In verse 12, Paul cautions, “now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.” The Puritans understood this full well and several of them are quoted as affirming, “idleness is the devil’s workshop.” Paul sees those who have too much time on their hands–because they are not willing to work, or busy waiting for the Lord’s return–as a potential source of trouble in the congregation.

Such people often become busybodies and can be more preoccupied with the lives and the level of sanctification of others, all the while neglecting their own sins and foibles. Paul commands them (using strong language) to stop being disorderly and get to work. He tells them in verse 13, precisely what he expects from them, “as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.”

Taken from Season Two/Episode Fifteen: "The Lord Is Faithful" -- (2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:18), and edited for the Riddleblog

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[1] F. F. Bruce, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 205.

[2] Wanamaker, The Epistles to the Thessalonians, 281.