Commentary on Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians Thessalonians Timothy Titus and Philemon John Calvin
Chapter
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5
2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
1. Quod reliquum est, orate fratres pro nobis: ut sermo Domini currat et glorificetur, quemadmodum et apud vos;
2. And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
2. Et ut liberemur ab importunis et malignis hominibus: non enim omnium est fides.
3. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. 3. Fidelis autem Dominus, qui confirmabit vos, et custodiet a maligno. 4. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
4. Confidimus autem in Domino de vobis, quod quae vobis praecipimus, et facitis, et facturi estis.
5. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
5. Dominus autem dirigat corda vestra in dilectionem Dei, et exspectationem Christi.
1 Pray for us. Though the Lord powerfully aided him, and though he surpassed all others in earnestness of prayer, he nevertheless does not despise the prayers of believers, by which the Lord would have us aided. It becomes us, after his example, eagerly to desire this aid, and to stir up our brethren to pray for us.
When, however, he adds --- that the word of God may have its course, he shows that he has not so much concern and regard for himself personally, as for the entire Church. For why does he desire to be recommended to the prayers of the Thessalonians? That the doctrine of the gospel may have its course. He does not desire, therefore, so much that regard should be had to himself individually, as to the glory of God and the common welfare of the Church. Course means here dissemination; 863 glory means something farther, --- that his preaching may have its power and efficacy for renewing men after the image of God. Hence, holiness of life and uprightness on the part of Christians is the 863"Estendue et auancement;" — "Extension and advancement."