2 Thessalonians Chapter 3

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, &c.] 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…”

“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).”

“Finally, brethren, pray for us - That is, for Paul, Silas, and Timothy, then engaged in arduous labors at Corinth. This request for the prayers of Christians is one which Paul often makes; see the notes, 1 Thessalonians 5:25. That the word of the Lord may have free course - That is, the gospel. The margin is “run.” So also the Greek. The idea is, that it might meet with no obstruction, but that it might be carried abroad with the rapidity of a racer out of whose way every hindrance was removed. The gospel would spread rapidly in the earth if all the obstructions which men have put in its way were removed; and…”

“May run - Go on swiftly, without any interruption. And be glorified - Acknowledged as divine, and bring forth much fruit. 2 Thessalonians 3:2”

“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.”

“pray: Mat 9:38; Luk 10:2; Rom 15:30; Co2 1:11; Eph 6:19, Eph 6:20; Col 4:3; Th1 5:17, Th1 5:25; Heb 13:18, Heb 13:19 the word: Act 6:7, Act 12:24, Act 13:49, Act 19:20; Co1 16:9; Ti2 2:9 have free course: Gr. run be: Psa 138:2; Act 13:48 even: Th1 1:5, Th1 2:1, Th1 2:13 2 Thessalonians 3:2”