Text (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

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

Translation and Paraphrase

1.

(Finally) brethren, for the future (please) be praying for us, that the message of the Lord may run (without ceasing) and be glorified (in the lives of many people) just as (it) also (does) among you.

Notes (2 Thessalonians 3:1)

1.

How often Paul asked for prayer. (See notes on 1 Thessalonians 5:25, par. 1.) Do you ever pray for preachers and missionaries? They are only men. They need your prayers.

2.

Notice how unselfish Paul's prayer was. He did not ask for prayers for his own ease, but only that the word of God may make progress.

3.

Please recall now the chapter topic of chapter three, Withdraw from idlers, and recall point I in the outline of chapter 3, Request for prayer (2 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

4.

The word finally does not necessarily indicate a conclusion, but only a new phase of discussion which does happen here to be the closing one. (The Greek is to loipon, for the future, what remains, hereafter, henceforth, for the rest.)

5.

Note that the gospel is the word of the Lord, and not the wisdom of men.

6.

Paul speaks here of the word of the Lord as living and moving. Compare Hebrews 4:12. Also Psalms 147:15. The word of God is not a dead writing, but a dynamic living power.

7.

The gospel needs free course. It can be hindered by opposition and sometimes almost stopped altogether. A runner could not make very good time running in a junk yard, Satan likewise makes the path of the gospel a real obstacle course, But prayer can clear out the obstacles.

8.

How different this verse sounds from popular denominational expressions. Men say, Pray for a great moving of the Spirit. Paul said, Pray that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified. (Amer. Stan. Vers,)

9.

Paul compliments the Thessalonians by indicating that the word of the Lord had free course in their hearts. This was a deserved compliment. But it is one that can easily be lost. We cannot rest on past laurels. The word of God must continue its course in our hearts without letup.

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