But as for you, brothers
This phrase addresses the believers in Thessalonica, emphasizing their identity as part of the Christian family. The term "brothers" indicates a close-knit community bound by faith in Christ. In the early church, this familial language was crucial for fostering unity and support among believers, especially in a predominantly pagan society. The Thessalonian church faced persecution and challenges, making this reminder of their spiritual kinship significant for encouragement and perseverance.

do not grow weary
The exhortation not to grow weary suggests that the Thessalonians were engaged in ongoing efforts that required endurance. The early Christians often faced opposition, and maintaining their faith and good works could be exhausting. This phrase echoes Galatians 6:9, where Paul similarly encourages believers not to become weary in doing good, promising that they will reap a harvest if they do not give up. The call to perseverance is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, reflecting the need for steadfastness in the face of trials.

in well-doing
"Well-doing" refers to acts of kindness, charity, and living according to God's commandments. In the context of the Thessalonian church, this likely included supporting one another, caring for the needy, and living out the teachings of Christ. The emphasis on well-doing aligns with the broader biblical narrative that faith is demonstrated through actions (James 2:17). This call to continue in good works is not just about individual morality but about contributing to the community's witness and the spread of the Gospel.

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the letter, providing guidance and encouragement to the Thessalonian church.

2. Thessalonian Church
The recipients of the letter, a community of believers in Thessalonica facing challenges and needing encouragement to persist in good works.

3. Brothers (Adelphoi)
Refers to the members of the Christian community, emphasizing the familial bond among believers.

4. Well-doing (Kalopoieo)
The act of doing good, which encompasses acts of kindness, charity, and living according to God's commandments.

5. Weariness (Ekkakeo)
The state of becoming discouraged or losing heart, particularly in the context of continuing to do good.Perseverance in Good Works
Believers are called to persist in doing good, even when it becomes challenging or when immediate results are not visible. This perseverance is a testament to faith and trust in God's timing.

Encouragement in Community
The use of "brothers" highlights the importance of community support. Encouraging one another in the faith can help prevent weariness and foster a spirit of mutual edification.

Relying on God's Strength
When feeling weary, believers should rely on God's strength rather than their own. Prayer and scripture can provide the necessary encouragement and renewal.

Eternal Perspective
Keeping an eternal perspective helps believers focus on the ultimate reward and purpose of their good works, which is to glorify God and advance His kingdom.

Practical Acts of Kindness
Well-doing can be expressed through practical acts of kindness and service in everyday life. Identifying opportunities to serve others can help maintain a focus on good works.(13) But ye, brethren.--The last verse was addressed to all those whose consciences would prick them on hearing it read at the Eucharist. Now the writer turns to the orderly brethren, as quite a distinct class. The rhetorical effect of this quick apostrophe would be the same as in the well-known story of Napoleon addressing the rioters, and requesting the gentlemen to separate themselves from the canaille. The distinction is so invidious that every one would hasten to join the ranks of the respectable.

Be not weary in well doing.--This is an exhortation to "the patience of Christ," for which the Apostle had prayed. The phrase takes for granted that they had been hitherto engaged in "well doing"--i.e., in acting honourably, "walking honestly towards them that are without" (1Thessalonians 4:12); and St. Paul is anxious to preserve them from "fainting" (as the word is translated in Galatians 6:9), and so slipping into the like idleness and bringing scandal upon the Church.

Verse 13. - But ye, brethren; contrasted with those who walk disorderly, ye who have not neglected your worldly employments. Be not weary in well doing; or, as it is in the margin, faint not in well doing; "lose not heart in well doing" (Ellicott). The phrase has been differently interpreted. Thus Chrysostom explains it that indolent persons, however justly they may be condemned, must not be suffered to perish from want - a meaning opposed to the context. Calvin renders it that, although there are many that are undeserving and abuse our liberality, we must not on this account leave off helping those who need our aid: let not the sloth of those disorderly persons hinder or damp your charity - a most needful admonition, but it does not exhaust all that is meant by the precept. Others restrict it to diligence in our earthly duties: though others be idle, working not at all, let not their example lead you astray; be not ye weary in doing what is right and proper (Lunemann). But the phrase is to be understood in its general sense, denoting holy and upright conduct (see Galatians 6:9, where the same exhortation is given).

Parallel Commentaries ...


But [as for]
δέ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

you,
Ὑμεῖς (Hymeis)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

brothers,
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

{do} not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

grow weary
ἐγκακήσητε (enkakēsēte)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1573: To be faint, be weary. From ek and kakos; to be weak, i.e. to fail.

[in] well-doing.
καλοποιοῦντες (kalopoiountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2569: To do well, act honorably, do what is right. From kalos and poieo; to do well, i.e. Live virtuously.


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NT Letters: 2 Thessalonians 3:13 But you brothers don't be weary (2 Thess. 2 Thes. 2Th iiTh ii th)