2 Thessalonians / Question
Paul commands them to keep away from any brother who is “walking in idleness” and not according to the tradition received (2 Thessalonians 3:6). He points to his own example of not being idle and not eating anyone’s bread without paying for it (2 Thessalonians 3:7–8).
In 2 Thessalonians 3:6–9, Paul issues a firm instruction: the community should distance itself from any fellow believer living in a disorderly way that rejects the pattern Paul had taught. He supports this by pointing to his own behavior when he was with them. This passage sits in the letter’s practical closing section in chapter 3, where Paul moves from requests for prayer and confidence in the Lord to direct instructions about community conduct.
Paul treats “disorderly” life as a real community problem, not just a private preference. His instruction “in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ” signals that the issue touches loyalty to Christ, not merely Paul’s personal opinion (explicit text).
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with 2 Thessalonians 3:6, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
6Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.