2 Thessalonians 3:4 Meaning: Why Paul Trusts You Will Obey
We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command.
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command.
and we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that the things that we command you ye both do and will do;
But we trust in the Lord as to you, that the things which we enjoin, ye both do and will do.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul’s confidence in the Thessalonians’ obedience rests not on them but on the Lord. Discover how divine faithfulness grounds human obedience.
Context
In the closing chapter of his second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul addresses a church he loves but also one facing real problems. Some members had become idle, neglecting work and meddling in others' affairs. The apostle is about to give a firm command: withdraw from those who walk in rebellion. But before that, he speaks a word of encouragement. He tells them he has confidence, not primarily in their own strength, but in the Lord. This confidence is not naive optimism. It is rooted in the faithfulness of God, who has already been at work in them. Paul knows that human hearts can fail, but the Lord does not. So his trust in their obedience is finally trust in God.
Key Words
The Greek verb behind 'we have confidence' (pepoithamen) is in the perfect tense: a settled, ongoing persuasion. Paul is not hoping against hope; he has been persuaded, and he remains persuaded. And he places this confidence 'in the Lord' (en kyrio). That little phrase changes everything. His trust is not in the Thessalonians' natural resolve, he knows human hearts too well for that. It is in the Lord who works in them.
The word for 'we command' (parangellomen) comes from military language: passing an order along the chain of command. This is not Paul's personal wish. It is a directive from the Lord himself. And the two tenses of 'you do and will do' (poieite, poiesete) show Paul sees their present obedience as the start of something lasting. He trusts that the same Lord who began the work will keep it going.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have noted that Paul's confidence is not in human strength alone. John Wesley wrote, 'We trust in the Lord concerning you, thus only should we trust in any man.' Matthew Henry saw this as an example of how ministers should express confidence in their people while also grounding that confidence in God. John Calvin emphasized that Paul sets limits: he commands only in the Lord, and they obey only in the Lord. The Cambridge Bible for Schools notes that 'in the Lord' is Paul's characteristic idiom, grounding all relationships in Christ. Whether a reader comes from a Reformed, Methodist, Anglican, or Catholic background, the point holds: Christian confidence is first confidence in God.
A common misunderstanding
Some read this verse as Paul expressing blind trust in human goodness, as if he believes the Thessalonians are naturally reliable. In fact, Paul is clear: his confidence is 'in the Lord,' not in them. As Barnes' Notes puts it, 'His reliance is not on anything in themselves, but wholly on the faithfulness of God.' Paul knows that human hearts can waver. But the Lord is faithful (2 Thess 3:3), and that faithfulness is the real ground of his hope for their obedience.
Living This Out
This week, you might find yourself in a position where you need to trust someone: a coworker, a family member, a fellow church member. Your natural instinct might be to rely on their track record or your ability to hold them accountable. But Paul shows another way. You can honestly look at someone and say, 'I trust you,' because you first trust the Lord in them. And if you are the one being trusted, remember: the confidence others have in you is not about your performance. It is about the Lord at work in you. That takes the pressure off and puts the hope where it belongs.
Main takeaway: Our confidence in others for obedience rests not in their strength but in the Lord who faithfully works in them.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul told the Thessalonians, 'I trust that you are doing what I asked, and you will keep doing it.' But he said his trust was 'in the Lord.' That means he trusted God to help them obey. You can trust God to help you do the right thing too.
For ages 9, 12
Paul had confidence that the Thessalonians would obey his instructions. But notice where that confidence came from: he said it was 'in the Lord.' Paul knew that people can make mistakes or get tired. So his hope for them was really hope in God, who never fails. When you promise to do something, remember that God is the one who helps you keep your promises. And when you trust someone else, you can trust that God is working in their life too.
Questions People Ask
On what basis does Paul express confidence in the Thessalonians?
Paul's confidence is not in the Thessalonians' natural strength, but 'in the Lord.' He trusts that God is faithful (2 Thess 3:3) and will enable them to obey. As Barnes' Notes says, 'his reliance is not on anything in themselves, but wholly on the faithfulness of God.'
What commands is Paul referring to in this verse?
Paul likely refers to the instructions he had already given in person and in his previous letter, especially about living orderly lives and working quietly (1 Thess 4:1, 2 Thess 3:6, 10). He is about to command them to withdraw from idle believers.
Does Paul expect perfect obedience from the Thessalonians?
No. Paul expresses confidence that they 'both do and will do' what he commands, but he also knows some are idle (2 Thess 3:11). His confidence is in the majority and in God's work. He is not naive about human failure.
How does this verse relate to the phrase 'in the Lord'?
'In the Lord' (en kyrio) is Paul's way of grounding all relationships and actions in Christ. His confidence, his commands, and their obedience all happen within the sphere of Christ's lordship. It is the foundation for everything.
What does this verse teach about Christian leadership?
Christian leaders can express genuine confidence in their people because that confidence is ultimately in God. This encourages obedience without manipulation, as Calvin noted: Paul prepares them to receive a command by showing he trusts them in the Lord.
For pastors & researchers
Greek interlinear, 8 commentaries & word study