Journal: Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal
Volume: DBSJ 30:1 (NA 2025)
Article: Charity In The Church: An Analysis Of 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15
Author: Benjamin G. Edwards

DBSJ 30 (2025) p. 111

Charity In The Church: An Analysis Of 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15

Benjamin G. Edwards1

Introduction

Opinions about charity for the poor are not in short supply. Debates arise around the role of government vs. the church, the level of importance given to relief ministries in relationship to evangelism, and the nature and function of those relief ministries—among other issues. Unfortunately, the debate is often devoid of clear Scriptural argumentation. Either the Bible is ignored altogether, having been replaced by demographics and statistics, or it is alluded to without a careful consideration of the context or intent of the passage. Those who desire for their ministries to be controlled by the Scripture are left to wonder whether or not the Bible provides any guidance for ministry to the poor.

A passage that is easily overlooked in these discussions is 2 Thessalonians 3:6–15, in which Paul provides instruction regarding those who were being supported by the church but refused to work. Since it directly addresses providing food to the poor, it is surprising that it does not appear more often when determining a strategy for charity. One reason for its absence in discussions is a misunderstanding of the problem it addresses. Some have assumed a faulty eschatology has led to the refusal to work, which would provide little parallel to contemporary situations. However, as will be demonstrated, the cause more likely arises from sociological rather than eschatological issues, allowing for a closer parallel to today.

Another possible cause for the neglect of this text in considering the church’s work with the poor is the role the passage plays in other theological discussions. This passage is most commonly used among historically fundamentalist ministries in discussions of church discipline and

DBSJ 30 (2025) p. 112

separation, particularly “secondary” separation.2 Though this article will briefly address Paul’s instruction for church discipline in the passage, an extensive evaluation and comparison of the instruction here with the instruction in other church discipline passages will not be attempted.

Another theological issue that could overshadow the instruction regarding charity in the church is Paul’s decision to give up his right for support and instead provide for his needs by working. Second Thessalonians 3:7–10 could be evaluated in light of other passages regarding Paul’s example and the right of gospel ministers to receive support to determine whether or not Paul�...