And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Thessalonians 3:4
What does 2 Thessalonians 3:4 mean?
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2 Thessalonians 3:4
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What Paul says here isn't just a hopeful guess; he expresses "confidence" not just in them, but "in the Lord about you." This highlights that their hope for the Thessalonians' obedience is rooted in God's work in their lives, not just their own efforts. It's a powerful reminder that our confidence in others' spiritual walk ultimately rests on God's faithfulness.
And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing a church dealing with disorder, particularly idleness and rumors. He's just urged them to stand firm against opposition and persecution, and now he's shifting to their internal behavior, expressing confidence that they will indeed follow his instructions. This leads directly into his commands about avoiding troublemakers and working diligently.
Paul opens this verse with a powerful declaration of trust. What gives him this confidence in the Thessalonians?
Paul's Confidence Rooted in God
Paul doesn't just express a casual hope; he states he has "confidence in the Lord" regarding the Thessalonians. This isn't just about his personal opinion of them, but his conviction that God is working in and through them. It highlights how our confidence in others, and their confidence in us, should ultimately be anchored in our shared faith in Christ and His ongoing work in our lives.
The Thessalonians are doing and will do. What does this tense reveal about living out faith?
Faith in Action, Present and Future
The Thessalonians aren't just keeping up with past instructions; they are actively living out God's commands and are expected to continue doing so. Paul's phrasing, "you are doing and will do," points to a dynamic faith – one that is presently active and promises future faithfulness. It’s about the ongoing process of obedience, empowered by God, not a one-time achievement.
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This letter was written to a church facing intense opposition and grappling with practical issues, highlighting the importance of both spiritual endurance and responsible daily living.
c. AD 49-50
Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
The Apostle Paul and his companions Silas and Timothy preach the Gospel in the bustling Roman city of Thessalonica, establishing a vibrant church community.
c. AD 50-51
Flight from Thessalonica
Due to violent opposition from some Jewish leaders, Paul and Silas are forced to flee Thessalonica, leaving Timothy behind to continue pastoral care.
c. AD 51-52
Paul Writes 1 Thessalonians
From Corinth, Paul writes his first letter to the Thessalonian believers, addressing issues of persecution, the return of Christ, and proper conduct.
c. AD 51-52
Timothy Returns with Encouraging News
Timothy returns to Paul, bringing news of the Thessalonians' steadfast faith and love amidst their suffering, but also reporting some confusion and disorder.
c. AD 52— this verse
Paul Writes 2 Thessalonians
Paul writes his second letter to the church, likely from Corinth, to further clarify teachings on the Day of the Lord and to correct ongoing issues of idleness.
c. AD 52
Emphasis on Diligence and Order
This letter addresses practical concerns about some believers who have stopped working, causing disruption. Paul urges them to return to diligent labor and orderly living.
Paul expresses similar confidence in the Corinthian believers, highlighting God's faithfulness in sustaining them and assuring their ultimate vindication. This echoes the trust Paul places in the Thessalonians' obedience and perseverance.
Philippians 1:3-6This passage shows Paul's thankfulness for the Philippians, specifically mentioning his confidence that God who began a good work in them will bring it to completion. This aligns with Paul's assured hope in the Thessalonians' ongoing and future obedience.
1 Thessalonians 4:1-2In his earlier letter, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the instructions he gave them, encouraging them to 'do this more and more.' This reinforces the idea that Paul's confidence in 2 Thessalonians 3:4 is built upon their past receptiveness to his teaching.
Romans 10:14-17This passage discusses the importance of hearing and believing the message preached. Paul's confidence in the Thessalonians' actions implies their prior engagement with and response to the gospel message he delivered.
What Paul says here isn't just a hopeful guess; he expresses "confidence" not just in them, but "in the Lord about you." This highlights that their hope for the Thessalonians' obedience is rooted in God's work in their lives, not just their own efforts. It's a powerful reminder that our confidence in others' spiritual walk ultimately rests on God's faithfulness.
Paul is addressing a church dealing with disorder, particularly idleness and rumors. He's just urged them to stand firm against opposition and persecution, and now he's shifting to their internal behavior, expressing confidence that they will indeed follow his instructions. This leads directly into his commands about avoiding troublemakers and working diligently.
Paul is addressing a church dealing with disorder, particularly idleness and rumors. He's just urged them to stand firm against opposition and persecution, and now he's shifting to their internal behavior, expressing confidence that they will indeed follow his instructions. This leads directly into his commands about avoiding troublemakers and working diligently.
"And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command." — What Paul says here isn't just a hopeful guess; he expresses "confidence" not just in them, but "in the Lord about you." This highlights that their hope for the Thessalonians' obedience is rooted i…
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Last reviewed October 2026