Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Thessalonians 3:11

11 For we hear that there are some among you which walk disorderly, not working at all , but are busie bodies .

The Apostle gives the reason of this Discourse he fell into, about disorder, and commends, yea, commands a remedy against it He had heard of this disorderly walking, else his Discourse might have been esteemed vain and needless. Reports are to obtain credit according to the quality of the person that makes them, his end therein, and probability of Truth. He took notice of reports brought to him about the Divisions that were at Corinth. 1 Corinth. 11.18.

And the persons that he here chargeth the report upon, is not all, but some only, and he nameth none. For as to the Body of the Church he had confidence they did, and would do the things he commanded, ver. 4. And requires them to withdraw from the disorderly. And the disorder he chargeth upon these some is

1. [non-Latin text not transcribed]. That they worked not at all, at least, not the work of their own place, as it follows.

2. But are busie bodies: Busie, and yet idle, and not working. [non-Latin text not transcribed], Curtensement, French Bible, as the curious Arts of Sorcerers are cal'd [non-Latin text not transcribed], Act. 19.19. The word signifies working about, and denotes either vain curiosity, medling in matters that they ought not, or going round their proper work, but not falling, or fixing upon it. The same the Apostle speaks of younger Widows, 1 Tim. 5.13. who learnt to be idle, and yet were busie bodies; and such are called [non-Latin text not transcribed]. 1 Pet. 4.15. And the one follows from the other; for they that are idle and neglect their own business will be apt to intermeddle in anothers: And they that are not keepers at home, will be gadders abroad, and so not eat their own, but others bread, which the Apostle here reproves, as dishonourable to the Christian Profession; and as a further remedy doth with much earnestness address his speech particularly to them.

Marginal references: Or, working nothing.