Note 1 at 2 Th. 3:6: Paul used a very strong and authoritative phrase, "we command you...in the name of our Lord." "We command" is the Greek verb PARAGGELLO and carries the idea of "an order or charge." It is further strengthened by the phrase "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." This command is also found to be in the present tense in the Greek, which makes it a continuous or habitual action or command.

The command is to withdraw, disassociate and separate yourselves from those who call themselves Christians but walk disorderly. This indicates a life which is not submitted to the authority of Jesus Christ and whose life does not reflect the godly principles taught by the apostles.

Note 2 at 2 Th. 3:6: This is similar to the instructions Jesus gave in Matthew 18:15-17. In those scriptures, Jesus made this "church discipline" a joint decision of the body of Christ, which is a safeguard from "railroading" someone and is a good principle to follow in this instance of dealing with those who refuse to work (see note 5 at Mt. 18:17, p. 277).

Note 3 at 2 Th. 3:6: These instructions are specifically about how to deal with fellow believers who are able, but refuse, to work.

Note 4 at 2 Th. 3:6: Jesus said, "...thus have ye made the commandment of none effect by your tradition" (Mt. 15:6). Yet, Paul is encouraging the Thessalonians to follow their traditions. Apparently, there are good traditions and bad traditions.

In this instance, Paul is referring to the gospel of Christ. At the time Paul was writing this letter, the New Testament was not in written form; that came later. Therefore, the truths of New Testament scripture were still oral and these are the traditions Paul is referring to (see note 5 at 2 Th. 2:15, p. 1255).