In Paul’s second letter to the Thessalonians, he gives them this reminder.

‘For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV)

What’s Paul talking about when he says, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat”? Let’s examine the context of verse 10 and find out. 

Paul is wrapping up his second letter to the Thessalonians. As he finishes, he asks for prayer (verses 1-5) and touches upon one last subject in verse six before closing. 

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching you received from us (emphasis added).

2 Thessalonians 3:6 (NIV)

Paul’s final topic concerns Christians who are “idle and disruptive” and do not live according to what Paul taught them. The next verse provides more insight.

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,

2 Thessalonians 3:7 (NIV)

When Paul and his companions were in Thessalonica, they demonstrated how Christians should live. Indeed, they (Paul and his companions) didn’t sit around doing nothing. Paul continues his discourse in the next verse.

Nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

2 Thessalonians 3:8 (NIV)

An example was not only set about working, but Paul and his companions paid for their food. Indeed, not only did they pay for their food and work, but they also worked tirelessly so they wouldn’t burden the Thessalonians. Why did Paul and his companions do these things? Let’s see what Paul says in the next verse.

We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.

2 Thessalonians 3:9 (NIV)

Paul and his companions worked hard to demonstrate how Christians should live to the Thessalonians. As Paul says, “As a model for you to imitate.” Then, in verse 10, Paul reflects on the rule he gave the Thessalonians when he was there.

‘For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”

2 Thessalonians 3:10 (NIV)

After saying this, Paul gives further clarification. 

We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good (emphasis added).

2 Thessalonians 3:11-13 (NIV)

Finally, before offering his final greetings, Paul gives this one last instruction about everything he’s said in this second letter.

Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer (emphasis added).

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (NIV)

What is Paul saying when he says, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat”?

Paul is talking about Christians who refuse to work and are disruptive busybodies. Therefore, Paul isn’t talking about anyone outside the Church—in other words, non-believers. Thus, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 only applies to Christians. Even then, Paul isn’t saying that those idle and disruptive Christians should be denied food. No, Paul commands and urges these people to “settle down and earn the food they eat.” 

However, Paul does give further instructions in the letter on how to treat those who disregard his teachings. The Thessalonians aren’t to associate with them but instead “warn them as…a fellow believer.” 

Paul’s “warning” could be in the form of what we see in Matthew 18:15-17. However, regarding 2 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul never says we refuse to feed our fellow Christians. 

Too many people think that Paul is talking about everyone in verse 10, but a careful examination of the context reveals that Paul only talks about Christians. Thus, the same error people commit regarding the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 is committed here. You can read that passage, but the issue centers around verse 40.

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ 

Matthew 25:40 (NIV)

In these verses, Jesus talks about Christians and their behavior as Christians. Did they treat their brethren with love, or were their expressions of love only lip service? As with 2 Thessalonians 3:10, where the subject is Christian behavior, so is Matthew 25:40. 

Given these truths, how should we treat the world? How should we treat those who refuse to work? How should we respond to those who lack food, shelter, clothing, etc? To answer this question, we need look no further than what Jesus said in Mark.

The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 

Mark 12:31 (NIV)