II Thessalonians 3
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Commentaries
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Finally, brethren - The words το λοιπον do 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. Pray for us - God, in the order of his grace and providence, has made even the success of his Gospel dependent, in a certain measure, on the prayers of his followers. Why he should do so we cannot tell, but that he has done so we know; and they are not a little criminal who neglect to make fervent supplications for the prosperity of the cause of God. May have free course - They were to pray that the doctrine of the Lord, ὁ λογος του Κυριου, might run, τρεχῃ, an allusion to the races in the Olympic games: that, as it had already got into the stadium or race course, and had started fairly, so it might run on, get to the goal, and be glorified; i.e., gain the crown, appointed for him that should get first to the end of the course.
Open source ↗HE ASKS THEIR PRAYERS: HIS CONFIDENCE IN THEM: PRAYER FOR THEM: CHARGES AGAINST DISORDERLY IDLE CONDUCT; HIS OWN EXAMPLE: CONCLUDING PRAYER AND SALUTATION. (2Th. 3:1-18) Finally--literally, "As to what remains." may have free course--literally, "may run"; spread rapidly without a drag on the wheels of its course. That the new-creating word may "run," as "swiftly" as the creative word at the first (Psa 147:15). The opposite is the word of God being "bound" (Ti2 2:9). glorified--by sinners accepting it (Act 13:48; Gal 1:23-24). Contrast "evil spoken of" (Pe1 4:14). as it is with you-- (Th1 1:6; Th1 4:10; Th1 5:11).
Open source ↗Finally, brethren, pray for us,.... The apostle now proceeds to the last and closing part of the epistle, which respects church discipline, and the removing of disorderly persons from their communion; and introduces it with a request to pray for him, and the rest of his fellow ministers, particularly Silvanus and Timothy, who joined with him in this epistle: he signifies that nothing more remained; this was the last he had to say, that they, "the brethren", not the preachers of the word only, but the members of the church, would be solicitous for them at the throne of grace; as it becomes all the churches, and the several members of them, to pray for their ministers: with respect to their private studies, that they might be directed to suitable subjects; that their understandings might be opened to understand the Scriptures; that their gifts might be increased, and they be more and more fitted for public service: and with respect to their public ministrations, that they be brought forth in the fulness of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ; that they have a door of utterance given them to preach the Gospel freely and boldly, as it ought to be spoken; and that their ministry be blessed to saints and sinners: and with respect to the world, and their conduct in it, that they be kept from the evil of it, and so behave as to give none offence, that the ministry be not blamed; and that they be not allured by the flatteries, nor intimidated by the frowns of the world, but endure hardness as good soldiers of Christ: and with respect to their persons and state, that their souls may prosper, and that they may have much of the presence of God, and much spiritual joy, peace, comfort, and strength of faith; and that they may enjoy bodily health, and their lives be spared for furthe…
Open source ↗In these words observe, I. The apostle desires the prayers of his friends: Finally, brethren, pray for us, Th2 3:1. He always remembered them in his prayers, and would not have them forget him and his fellow-labourers, but bear them on their hearts at the throne of grace. Note, 1. This is one way by which the communion of saints is kept us, not only by their praying together, or with one another, but by their praying for one another when they are absent one from another. And thus those who are at great distance may meet together at the throne of grace; and thus those who are not capable of doing or receiving any other kindness may yet this way do and receive real and very great kindness. 2. It is the duty of people to pray for their ministers; and not only for their own pastors, but also for all good and faithful ministers. And, 3. Ministers need, and therefore should desire, the prayers of their people. How remarkable is the humility, and how engaging the example, of this great apostle, who was so mighty in prayer himself, and yet despised not the prayers of the meanest Christian, but desired an interest in them. Observe, further, what they are desired and directed to pray for; namely, (1.) For the success of the gospel ministry: That the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, Th2 3:1. This was the great thing that Paul was most solicitous about. He was more solicitous that God's name might be sanctified, his kingdom advanced, and his will done, than he was about his own daily bread. He desired that the word of the Lord might run (so it is in the original), that it might get ground, that the interest of religion in the world might go forward and not backward, and not only go forward, but go apace. All the forces of hell were then, and still are, more…
Open source ↗3:1-5 Before taking up the final topic of the letter (3:6-15), Paul requests prayer (3:1-2) and assures the Thessalonians of God’s providence in troubles (3:3-5). 3:1 pray: The prayer that the gospel would spread rapidly recalls Ps 147:15. Paul merges the image with reference to the games (see 1 Cor 9:24-26; Gal 2:2) in which a victor was honored.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
λοιπόν (loipón, G3063) — something remaining (adverbially) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) προσεύχομαι (proseúchomai, G4336) — to pray to God, i.e. supplicate, worship περί (perí, G4012) — properly, through (all over), i.e. around; figuratively with respect to; used in various… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… τρέχω (tréchō, G5143) — compare G2359 (θρίξ)); which uses (the base of G1408 (δρόμος)) as alternate in certain… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… δοξάζω (doxázō, G1392) — to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application) καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) ῥύομαι (rhýomai, G4506) — compare G4511 (ῥύσις)); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e. rescue ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ἄτοπος (átopos, G824) — out of place, i.e. (figuratively) improper, injurious, wicked πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556… ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not πίστις (pístis, G4102) — persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ἐστί (estí, G2076) — he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are πιστός (pistós, G4103) — objectively, trustworthy; subjectively, trustful ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that στηρίζω (stērízō, G4741) — to set fast, i.e. (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… φυλάσσω (phylássō, G5442) — to watch, i.e. be on guard (literally of figuratively); by implication, to preserve,… ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… πονηρός (ponērós, G4190) — hurtful, i.e. evil (properly, in effect or influence, and thus differing from G2556…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. πείθω (peíthō, G3982) — to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… ἐπί (epí, G1909) — properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ποιέω (poiéō, G4160) — to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct) ὅς (hós, G3739) — the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that παραγγέλλω (parangéllō, G3853) — to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… κατευθύνω (kateuthýnō, G2720) — to straighten fully, i.e. (figuratively) direct ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you καρδία (kardía, G2588) — the heart, i.e. (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ἀγάπη (agápē, G26) — love, i.e. affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὑπομονή (hypomonḗ, G5281) — cheerful (or hopeful) endurance, constancy Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. παραγγέλλω (parangéllō, G3853) — to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὄνομα (ónoma, G3686) — a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus στέλλω (stéllō, G4724) — properly, to set fast ("stall"), i.e. (figuratively) to repress (reflexively, abstain… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… πᾶς (pâs, G3956) — all, any, every, the whole
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… πῶς (pōs, G4459) — an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect,… δεῖ (deî, G1163) — also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is… μιμέομαι (miméomai, G3401) — to imitate ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἀτακτέω (ataktéō, G812) — to be (i.e. act) irregular οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you
Open source ↗οὐδέ (oudé, G3761) — not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even φάγω (phágō, G5315) — to eat (literally or figuratively) παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object ἄρτος (ártos, G740) — bread (as raised) or a loaf δωρεάν (dōreán, G1432) — gratuitously (literally or figuratively) ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, G2038) — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with,… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. κόπος (kópos, G2873) — a cut, i.e. (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μόχθος (móchthos, G3449) — toil, i.e. (by implication) sadness νύξ (nýx, G3571) — "night" (literally or figuratively) ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but…
Open source ↗οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because ἔχω (échō, G2192) — to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote;… ἐξουσία (exousía, G1849) — privilege, i.e. (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively)… ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) δίδωμι (dídōmi, G1325) — to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… τύπος (týpos, G5179) — a die (as struck), i.e. (by implication) a stamp or scar; by analogy, a shape, i.e. a… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… μιμέομαι (miméomai, G3401) — to imitate ἡμᾶς (hēmâs, G2248) — us
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ὅτε (hóte, G3753) — at which (thing) too, i.e. when ἦν (ēn, G2258) — I (thou, etc.) was (wast or were) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing παραγγέλλω (parangéllō, G3853) — to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any θέλω (thélō, G2309) — to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas G1014 (βούλομαι)… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, G2038) — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with,…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἀκούω (akoúō, G191) — to hear (in various senses) τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you ἀτάκτως (atáktōs, G814) ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, G2038) — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with,… μηδείς (mēdeís, G3367) — not even one (man, woman, thing) ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) περιεργάζομαι (periergázomai, G4020) — to work all around, i.e. bustle about (meddle)
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. τοιοῦτος (toioûtos, G5108) — truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality) παραγγέλλω (parangéllō, G3853) — to transmit a message, i.e. (by implication) to enjoin καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us κύριος (kýrios, G2962) — supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful… Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus ἵνα (hína, G2443) — compare G3588 (ὁ)); in order that (denoting the purpose or the result) μετά (metá, G3326) — properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according… ἡσυχία (hēsychía, G2271) — (as noun) stillness, i.e. desistance from bustle or language ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, G2038) — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with,…
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἐκκακέω (ekkakéō, G1573) — to be (bad or) weak, i.e. (by implication) to fail (in heart) μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… καλοποιέω (kalopoiéō, G2569) — to do well, i.e. live virtuously
Open source ↗δέ (dé, G1161) — but, and, etc. εἴ τις (eí tis, G1536) — if any ὑπακούω (hypakoúō, G5219) — to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e. to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) ἐπιστολή (epistolḗ, G1992) — a written message σημειόω (sēmeióō, G4593) — to distinguish, i.e. mark (for avoidance) τοῦτον (toûton, G5126) — this (person, as objective of verb or preposition) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… συναναμίγνυμι (synanamígnymi, G4874) — to mix up together, i.e. (figurative) associate with μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the…
Open source ↗Cross-references
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Brothers, pray for us as well.
as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.
So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail.
But the word of God continued to spread and multiply.
For not only did the message of the Lord ring out from you to Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone out to every place, so that we have no need to say anything more.
Pray without ceasing.
And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God—the word which is now at work in you who believe.
Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
for which I suffer to the extent of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God cannot be chained!