2 Thessalonians 3:14
2 Thessalonians 3:1414Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
JWs cite — "stop associating with him" — as scriptural support for disfellowshipping. The verse is read in isolation from verse 15, which qualifies the instruction. The Watchtower applies this broadly: disfellowshipped or disassociated persons are to be completely cut off from social contact, including by family members, until they are formally reinstated by a judicial committee.
Second Thessalonians 3:14 says "stop associating with him" — but verse 15, in the very same sentence, adds: "and yet do not consider him an enemy, but continue admonishing him as a brother" (NWT). The verb "admonish" (noutheteo) requires ongoing contact — you cannot admonish someone you refuse to speak to. The very passage the Watchtower uses to justify total shunning contains the instruction that makes total shunning impossible. Paul's model is limited social distance designed to produce repentance while maintaining brotherly relationship — not institutional severance of all human contact. The contrast with the Watchtower's policy is stark: Paul says "continue admonishing as a brother"; the 2016 JW Broadcasting segment says "don't answer the phone."