2 Thessalonians 3:6

Paul introduced the words that follow to help the readers realize that obedience was essential. This was a command given with the full authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. The faithful majority in the church was to separate, probably individually and socially, from the unruly to alert the offenders to the fact that their behavior was not acceptable. The desired result was that they would repent. Paul had earlier warned those who were idle (1 Thessalonians 5:14), but evidently they had not responded. Now firmer measures were necessary (cf. Matthew 18:15-17). The offenders constituted a minority who lived undisciplined lives contrary to the teaching and example of the missionaries.

"The tradition to which Paul refers has a twofold character, as 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12 indicate. In 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 the apostle elaborates on his and his colleagues’ example as a guide for responsible behavior for their converts. The introductory words of 2 Thessalonians 3:7 reveal that his and his fellow missionaries’ behavior was intended to have the normative character of a received tradition. In addition, as a matter of course, Paul issued ethical instruction to new converts in order to regulate their behavior as Christians. In 2 Thessalonians 3:10 he cites the specific tradition involved with regard to work." [Note: Wanamaker, pp. 282-83.]