SEV Biblia, Chapter 3:1
¶ Resta, hermanos, que oris por nosotros, que la Palabra del Seor corra y sea hecha ilustre así como entre vosotros;
Clarke's Bible Commentary - 2 Thessalonians 3:1
Verse 1. Finally, brethren] The words to loipon 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, o logov tou kuriou, might run, trech, 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.
John Gill's Bible Commentary
Ver. 1. 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 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 further usefulness. This request is frequently urged by the apostle; which shows his sense of the importance of the work of the ministry, the insufficiency of men for it, the necessity of fresh supplies of grace, and the great usefulness of prayer. The particular petitions he would have put up follow, that the word of the Lord may have free course . By the word of the Lord, or of God, as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read, is meant the Gospel; which is of God, and not of man, comes by the Lord Jesus Christ, and is concerning him, his person and offices, and concerning peace, pardon, righteousness, life, and salvation by him, as the subject matter of it: and the request is, that this might have free course: or might run: be propagated and spread far and near: the ministry of the word is a course or race, and ministers are runners in it, having their feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; which is the message they are sent with, and the errand they run upon: which comes from heaven, and is to be carried into all the world, and spread: Satan and his emissaries do all they can to hinder the progress of it; God only can remove all obstructions and impediments; when he works none can let; all mountains become a plain before Zerubbabel. Wherefore the apostle directs to pray to him for it, with what follows, and be glorified, even as it is with you ; the Gospel is glorified when it is attended upon by large numbers, and is heard with a becoming reverence; when it is received in the love of it, is greatly prized and highly esteemed; when it is cordially embraced, and cheerfully obeyed. It is glorified when sinners are converted by it, and the lives of the professors of it are agreeably to it; and thus it was glorified in these several instances at Thessalonica; and therefore the apostle puts them upon praying, that it might be so elsewhere, as there; even everywhere, as the Syriac version adds.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - Those who are far apart still may meet together at the throne of grace and those not able to do or receive any other kindness, may in this wa do and receive real and very great kindness. Enemies to the preachin of the gospel, and persecutors of its faithful preachers, ar unreasonable and wicked men. Many do not believe the gospel; and n wonder if such are restless and show malice in their endeavours to oppose it. The evil of sin is the greatest evil, but there are othe evils we need to be preserved from, and we have encouragement to depen upon the grace of God. When once the promise is made, the performanc is sure and certain. The apostle had confidence in them, but that wa founded upon his confidence in God; for there is otherwise n confidence in man. He prays for them for spiritual blessings. It is ou sin and our misery, that we place our affections upon wrong objects There is not true love of God, without faith in Jesus Christ. If, by the special grace of God, we have that faith which multitudes have not we should earnestly pray that we may be enabled, without reserve, to obey his commands, and that we may be enabled, without reserve, to the love of God, and the patience of Christ.
Greek Textus Receptus
το 3588 λοιπον 3063 προσευχεσθε 4336 5737 αδελφοι 80 περι 4012 ημων 2257 ινα 2443 ο 3588 λογος 3056 του 3588 κυριου 2962 τρεχη 5143 5725 και 2532 δοξαζηται 1392 5747 καθως 2531 και 2532 προς 4314 υμας 5209
Vincent's NT Word Studies
1. Finally (to loipon). See on 1 Thess. iv. 1.
May have free course (trech). More literally, simply, and better, may run. Have swift progress through the world. An O.T. idea. See Psalm cxlvii. 15, and comp. Isa. lv. 11 and Acts xii. 24.
Be glorified (doxazhtai). Acknowledged in its true power and glory. Comp. John xii. 28. The phrase the word of the Lord - be glorified, only here.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
3:1 {Finally} (to loipon). Accusative of general reference. Cf. loipon #1Th 4:1. {Pray} (proseucesqe). Present middle, keep on praying. Note peri as in #1Th 5:25. {That the word of the Lord may run and be glorified} (hina ho logos tou kuriou trecei kai doxazetai). Usual construction of hina after proseucomai, sub-final use, content and purpose combined. Note present subjunctive with both verbs rather than aorist, may keep on running and being glorified, two verbs joined together nowhere else in the N.T. Paul probably derived this metaphor from the stadium as in #1Co 9:24ff.; Ga 2:2; Ro 9:16; Php 2:16; 2Ti 4:7. Lightfoot translates "may have a triumphant career." On the word of the Lord see on 1Th 1:8. Paul recognizes the close relation between himself and the readers. He needs their prayers and sympathy and he rejoices in their reception of the word of the Lord already, {even as also it is with you} (kaqws kai pros humas). "As it does in your case" (Frame).
