2 Thessalonians 3:1-5·~1 min

Request for Prayer

Paul asks the brothers to pray that the word of the Lord would run swiftly and be honored, just as it was among them, and that he and his companions would be delivered from wicked and evil people who do not share the faith.

F¹inally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you. ²And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone holds to the faith.

Paul answers that request with confidence in the Lord's faithfulness to strengthen and guard the Thessalonians and with trust that they are doing and will continue to do what he commands. He then prays that the Lord would direct their hearts into God's love and Christ's steadfastness.

³But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. ⁴And we have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. ⁵May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Section summaryPaul asks for prayer that the word of the Lord would spread rapidly and be honored and that he and his companions would be delivered from wicked people. He counters that request with confidence in the Lord's faithfulness to strengthen and guard the Thessalonians, and he prays that their hearts would be directed into God's love and Christ's steadfastness.

Role in the chapterThis opening section joins apostolic need and divine faithfulness. It keeps the church's attention on both the outward advance of the gospel and the inward steadiness the Lord gives.