And yet do not be considering him as an enemy, but continue admonishing him as a brother.”​—2 Thessalonians 3:6, 13-15.

Thus, without naming the lazy meddlers, Paul exposed to the congregation their serious course. All Christians who were aware of the identity of the disorderly ones would then treat them as “marked.” The counsel, “keep this one marked,” used a Greek word meaning “be you putting sign on,” that is, ‘taking special notice of someone.’ (New World Translation Reference Bible, footnote) Paul said, “Stop associating with” the marked one “that he may become ashamed.” Brothers would not completely shun him, for Paul advised them to “continue admonishing him as a brother.” Yet by their limiting social fellowship with him, they might lead him to become ashamed and perhaps awaken him to the need to conform to Bible principles. Meanwhile the brothers and sisters would be protected from his unwholesome influence.​—2 Timothy 2:20, 21.

One purpose of marking is to move a disorderly Christian to feel ashamed and stop his unscriptural course. Individuals who had marked him, particularly the elders, will continue to encourage him and note his attitude as they have contact with him at meetings and in field service. When they see that the problem and attitude necessitating the marking have changed for the better, they can end their limitation as to socializing with him.