The apostle recommends himself and his brethren to the prayers of the Church, that their preaching might be successful, and that they might be delivered from wicked men, 2Thes 3:1, 2Thes 3:2. Expresses his confidence in God and them, and prays that they may patiently wait for the coming of Christ, 2Thes 3:3-5. Gives them directions concerning strict discipline in the Church; and shows how he and his fellow laborers had behaved among them, not availing themselves of their own power and authority, 2Thes 3:6-9. Shows them how to treat disorderly and idle people, and not to get weary in well doing, 2Thes 3:10-13. Directs them not to associate with those who obey not the orders contained in this epistle, 2Thes 3:14, 2Thes 3:15, Prays that they may have increasing peace, 16, And concludes with his salutation and benediction, 2Thes 3:17, 2Thes 3:18.
Verse 1
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.