2 Thessalonians 3:1

2 THESS. 3

Following the prayer which concluded the previous chapter, Paul, in this, urgently requested that the Thessalonians would continue to pray for him (2 Thessalonians 3:1-5). Various practical exhortations were then given (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15), especially with regard to busybodies and idlers. Paul's autographic attestation and benediction (2 Thessalonians 3:16-18) conclude the letter.

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also it is with you; (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

What a remarkable thing it is that the apostle Paul should continually have felt himself to be in need of the prayers of others. He was about to address his beloved converts regarding some of their shortcomings; and if there was ever a time when a gospel preacher needs the prayers of others on his own behalf, it is at such a time. Moreover, it appears that Paul constantly solicited the prayers of his Christian converts.

Finally ... Many have pointed out the somewhat "catch-all" import of this word. "The Greek does not mean finally, but furthermore, to come to a conclusion, what remains is this, I shall only add - any of these phrases expresses the sense of the original.[1]

Pray for us ... Morris tells us that the words here are in an emphatic position in the original, thus giving an intensified meaning: "Pray continually, keep on praying (as you are doing); or he may mean, `Not only hold fast our teachings (2 Thessalonians 2:15), but also pray for us.' "[2]

That the word of the Lord may run and be glorified ... This stresses the living, active and vital nature of the word of God, as well as the burning desire of its proponents to proclaim it.

And be glorified ... does not mean merely "to obtain applause," as a successful runner; "It always implies the recognition or acknowledgment of inherent admirable qualities."[3]

Paul was the most successful missionary who ever lived; and it could be that the inexhaustible fountain of his success was the sacred well of prayer. "How much of a Christian teacher's power, increasing as time goes on, comes from the accumulation of intercession from his spiritual children!"[4]

[1] Adam Clarke, Commentary on the Holy Bible, Vol. VI (London: Carlton and Porter, 1829), p. 574.

[2] Leon Morris, Tyndale Commentary, Epistles to the Thessalonians (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1956), p. 140.

[3] John Wesley, One Volume New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1972), in loco.

[4] A. J. Mason, Ellicott's Bible Commentary, Vol. VIII, 2Thessalonians (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1959), p. 161.