2 Thessalonians 3:6

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Or, But we charge you, brethren. See note, 2 Thessalonians 3:4.

St Paul has declared his confidence that the readers will do what he enjoins. Well! his injunction is this: that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly. It is uttered "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," a solemn judicial sentence (comp. 1 Corinthians 5:4-5) pronounced by the Apostle who acts as judge in his Sovereign's name, and with the deepest sense of his responsibility; similarly, "through the Lord Jesus" in 1 Thessalonians 4:2 (see note).

He does not wish these troublesome persons to be expelled; nor does he invoke supernatural penalties upon them, as in the vastly worse case of discipline at Corinth; he directs the loyal Thessalonians not to associate with them, nor lend countenance in any way to their proceedings. On "walk," see note to 1 Thessalonians 2:12; and on "disorderly," 2 Thessalonians 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

The rule of order or disorder in the case in question is thus laid down: and not after the tradition which they received of us (R.V.).

" Theyreceived" is the older reading, referring to the class of persons just described as "every brotherwalking disorderly." This slight grammatical discord the ancient copyists corrected, some by writing "yereceived" (R.V. margin), and others "hereceived" (A.V.).

On tradition(or instruction), see note to ch. 2 Thessalonians 2:15. The nature of Paul's "tradition" at Thessalonica on Christian behaviour may be gathered from the verses that follow, and from 1 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-24. It consisted of example equally with precept: