The Bible's Business PlanNäide

“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

BUSINESS BIBLE

Paul visits Thessalonica during his second missionary journey, ac­companied by Luke, Silas, and Timo­thy. Thessalonica is the largest city in Macedonia with a flourishing economy driven by its seaport located along the Roman Via Egnatia. Paul instructs the churches and his disciples to follow his teaching and model his way of life.

He stresses the importance of faithful work, establishing a rule that anyone not willing to work will not eat[1]. He encourages the Thessalonians to also work with their hands and manage their own businesses, so that they can win the respect of those outside the church. Paul asks them to acknowledge those who work hard and to hold them in the highest regard!

Paul’s model of teaching, hard work, and generosity is replicated in cities, taught in synagogues, and is responsible for the spread of the gospel.

Truth, work, and gen­erosity are the Path to transforming culture in the first century and today.[2]

[1] 2 Thessalonians 3:10

[2] 1 Thessalonians 1:6–7

PRAY

Lord, help me seek truth, work hard and live generously.