NO WORK, NO FOOD: AN EXEGETICAL STUDY OF 2 THESSALONIANS 3:10b

Abstract

The work examines no work, no food, study of 2 Thessalonians 3:10b. Paul considered work as an inevitable phenomenon in human existence. This is apparently because work is what can guarantee the provision of food. A man who decides not to work would not have anything to eat. The position of Paul regarding this postulation of his is to encourage every Tom, Dick and Harry to be assiduous always. Certainly, man was created to work. This is ascertained from the creation story, when God created Adam, He instructed him to work on the garden so as to eke subsistence. It is in line with this that man, of necessity, embarks on work. It is true that vocation differs from one man to the other, however, the obvious is that one must be engaged in a vocation that will guarantee his daily existence in life. Work is not optional, rather it is a matter of compulsion to everyman who desires to eat. This is apparently because it is from the work that is done that one would be able to bring out what is to be eaten.