1 Thessalonians 3:11

Now God himself and our Father Now may our God and Father Himself (comp. ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:3), and our Lord Jesus (R. V.). For this title of Christ, see notes on ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 2:19. The copyists have added Christ.

Literally the verse begins, But may our God, &c. There is a transition, by way of contrast, from the thought of Paul's own (human) wish and longing, that has been so fervently uttered, to the thought of God, Who alone can fulfil His servant's desire. The prayers of ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 and 2 Thessalonians 2:16 begin in the same style.

direct our way unto you Lit., make straight. This verb is rendered "guideour feet into the way of peace" in Luke 1:79; 2 Thessalonians 3:5 gives the only remaining example of it in the N.T. It is frequent in the Septuagint; see, e.g., Psalms 37:23, "The steps of a good man are ordered(Greek, directed) by the Lord; and He delighteth in his way." Perhaps this verse of the Psalm was running in the Apostle's mind.

It is notable that the Greek verb of the prayer is singular, though following a double subject; similarly in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (comp. the Salutation, ch. 1 Thessalonians 1:1). For Christ is one with the Father in the prerogative of hearing and answering prayer. This belief was derived from our Lord's own teaching: see John 5:17; John 5:19; John 10:30; John 10:38; John 14:13-14; Matthew 28:18 "I and the Father are one … If ye shall ask Me (R. V.) anything in My name, I will do it," &c.

The prayer of 1 Thessalonians 3:11 has its goal in 1 Thessalonians 3:13. "Our Lord Jesus" is He whose "coming" Paul and his readers are looking for. And He, together with the Father, is desired to "direct" the Apostle's steps to Thessalonica, with the aim, ultimately, of furthering their preparation for His coming (comp. ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:23; also 1 Thessalonians 1:10).