2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 · Request for Prayer

1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance.

Request for Prayer
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
Understanding Series
by David J. Williams
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As in 1 Thessalonians 5:25, Paul closes the letter by asking for prayer for himself and his colleagues (having just prayed for the Thessalonians, 2:16f.). The two passages show a similar structure, with the same verb, the same vocative brothers, and the same prepositional phrase for us (peri hēmōn). In this case, however, unlike 1 Thessalonians 5:25, their particular needs are stated. But the focus of the passage soon shifts from the human weakness expressed in Paul’s “standing in the need of prayer” to divine strength, and from their own needs to the needs of others. Surely, this marks true followers of Christ; like their Lord, they are so sure of God and so free from preoccupation with their own wants, that their energies flow naturally towards others and their needs—especially God’s peo…

Baker Publishing Group, Understanding the Bible Commentary Series, by David J. Williams