What of 'Shame' in the New Testament?

II Thessalonians 3:14  "If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame."  (NAS)

Greek for 'shame' in this instance is entrape, from:  [1788 entrépō (from 1722 /en, "in" and trépō, "to turn") – properly in (a state of) turning, i.e. to turn one's attention to in a riveted ("locked-in") way. This term is also used of recoiling (turning away) in shame, at times of a "wholesome shame which leads a man to consideration of his condition" (Berry).]

Taken in light of the complete work and teachings of Jeshua ha Meshiach, it is clear that 'do not associate with him' must be seen in light of the Great Commission.  Certainly no one is to be treated worse than the heathen, and the heathen is to be loved by those who are called to serve Him if one takes the full context of scripture into play, including the Great Commission. Therefore, this has to do very much with spiritual association alone.

Taken in light of the complete work and teachings of Jeshua ha Meshiach, before any distance in spiritual association were to begin, Galatians 6:1 must be honored in as much as it is possible with the church, "Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won't be tempted." (Holman)  "If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men."  Romans 12:18  (NASB)

Taken in light of the complete work of Jeshua ha Meshiach, it is also very clear that the hope of the believer is for the one being put at some distance will come to a point of 'wholesome shame which leads a man to consideration of his condition', after which, that one would come into an obedient relationship with The Word, our beloved Savior, the great, "I Am Salvation."

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Instructions which Paul, Silvanus and Timothy said should be obeyed in this letter include:

1)  Our love for each other should grow ever greater:

This 'instruction' is only an instruction inferentially.  However, it is clearly an expectation since this was something for which Paul, Silvanus and Timothy were already thankful in regards to the behavior and heart of the Thessalonian believers at that time.

........"the love of each one of you toward one another grows every greater." II Thessalonians 1:3b

 2)  Our perseverance and faith must continue in the midst of all of our persecutions and afflictions, which we must endure:

This 'instruction' is, again, inferential.  Continuing in perseverance and faith on the part of the Thessalonian believers is also something for which Paul, Silvanus and Timothy were already thankful.

....."your perseverance and faith in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure...."  II Thessalonians 1:4b

3)  We must continue to believe the testimony of the apostles:

Yet another inferential 'instruction.'  Those who have fully believed the testimony of the apostles will be saved from eternal destruction, not be turned away from the presence of the glory of His power, one day be free to marvel at the Son of God

4)  Other..... so walk with great care:  There are other salient points within  II Thessalonians which should be honored for us to have a right understanding of what 'do not associate with him' can and cannot mean.......

In short, walk in love:  It is the greatest commandment, and the second greatest commandment.



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for our testimony to you was believed

will we believe this:

Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won't be tempted. Gal 6:1

Ode, to guarding against shame........ in our own *hearts*, more than in our associations.....