11 Jan '18 04:26>7 edits
The two Thessalonian letters were written to the local church (the assembly and community of Christians) in Thessalonia. It is not primarily general instructions to a society per se.
The reason for Paul's exhortation about work was because some were assuming that because Christ was soon to come they need not perform their normal responsibility to labor.
Paul gives himself as an example to the Ephesian elders in Acts 21. Because he was a balanced servant of God, the other side of helping the weaker in the local church is shown by his example.
This is the same man who wrote to the other local church that all there should work and not just sit around waiting for Jesus to come.
The reason for Paul's exhortation about work was because some were assuming that because Christ was soon to come they need not perform their normal responsibility to labor.
"For we hear of some walking among you disorderly, doing no work at all, but being busybodies.
Now such ones we charge and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work with quietness and eat their own bread.
But you, brothers, do not lose heart in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word through this letter, mark this one so as not to mingle with him, in order that he may be ashamed.
Yet do not regard him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother." (2 Thess. 3:11-13)
Paul gives himself as an example to the Ephesian elders in Acts 21. Because he was a balanced servant of God, the other side of helping the weaker in the local church is shown by his example.
"I have coveted no one's silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my needs and to those who are with me.
In all things I have shown you by example that toiling in this way we ought to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:33-35)
This is the same man who wrote to the other local church that all there should work and not just sit around waiting for Jesus to come.