Questions From Readers - Is the marking described at 2 Thessalonians 3:14 an action taken by the congregation or by individual Christians?

 The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica, saying "If anyone is not obedient to our word through this letter, keep this one marked." (2 Thessalonians 3:14) Previously, we said that this was direction to the elders. If someone continued to ignore Bible principles in spite of repeated counsel, the elders might give a warning talk to the congregation. Thereafter, individual publishers would not socialize with the marked one.

However, adjustment is needed. Paul's counsel evidently refers to an action that individual Christians should take under certain circumstances. So there is no need for the elders to give a warning talk. Why the change? Consider Paul's counsel in its context.

Paul noted that some in the congregation were "walking disorderly." They were disregarding inspired counsel. During a previous visit, he gave this order: "If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat."  Yet, some were still refusing to work to support themselves, although able to do so. Also, they were meddling in the affairs of others. How were Christians to treat such disorderly ones? - 2 THESSALONIANS 3:6, 10-12.

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