In our society we place an enormous emphasis on tolerance (though it does depend on what we are tolerating), and not causing a fuss. Verse 6 represents a different approach. Standards are to be maintained in the church, and two matters mentioned here are idleness and being disruptive. The two often go together, it is a well known phenomenon for those who do least to complain the most. Now this is not meaning that anyone who ever complains about anything is to be shunned, that would be silly and would produce a host of other problems, but to those who are just troublemakers.
In fact, the emphasis here is on idleness. Paul and his co-workers had set an example here. They had they were not dependent upon people in Thessalonica, but worked and paid their way. So they demonstrated the truth. If we live the truth we have much more authority when we teach the truth. Verse 10 demonstrates that a very firm line was taken on this.
The condemnation continues in verse 11. Earning your living is a key element of Christian living. Instead we are not to tire of doing good.
The firm line continues in verse 14, but this also gives the motive, which is to encourage them to see the error of their ways and come to repentance. Churches we need to exercise discipline, but we also need to examine our hearts at the same time lest we become judgemental.
Paul closes the letter with a blessing that they may have the peace of Christ. He also signed the letter himself, as was his custom, to demonstrate that it was genuinely from him.
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