Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Thessalonians 3

Eschatological matters were Paul’s main concern in writing this letter. “Finally” indicates that these have in the main been dealt with. Yet an important and related matter needs to be discussed before the letter ends. Before discussing it, Paul makes one of his typical requests for prayer (cf. Romans 15:30–31; Ephesians 6:18– 19; Colossians 4:3; 1 Thessalonians 5:25; Phm 22). He desires the Gospel to “spread rapidly” (a picture of running) and “be honored” (a picture of triumph). As more people receive the good news, victories are being won and God is glorified. “Just as it was with you” recalls the amazing success of the message in Thessalonica (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:5–6, 8; 2:13). Paul wanted this repeated in other communities where he would preach Christ.

Again, Paul asked prayer for deliverance “from wicked and evil men.” “Wicked” (GK 876) labels them as capable of outrageous and harmful acts against others; “evil” (GK 4505) speaks of persons not only themselves thoroughly corrupted but intent on corrupting others and drawing them into their own slide toward perdition. Who were they? The best suggestion ties these “wicked and evil men” to unbelieving Jews in Corinth where Paul was encountering opposition as he wrote (Acts 18:5–6, 12–13). As Paul wrote this second letter, he was facing a severe crisis in Corinth.

Evil people exist because “not everyone has faith.” This understatement effectively highlights the large number of those who have not responded to the Gospel by believing in Christ. That the persecutors had had the opportunity to believe but had rejected it accounts for their vicious reaction against the message and those who preached it.

In contrast with the widespread lack of faith among people (v.2) is the faithfulness of the Lord Jesus. He can be relied on to “strengthen [GK 5114; cf. 2:17] and protect [GK 5875]” Christians “from the evil one.” Here is assurance of inner security and an outward protection from the author of evil whose activity is so prominent in these letters (3:5; 2 Thessalonians 2:9). Jesus’ faithfulness provides a defense against even the touch of the enemy (cf. 1Jn 5:18).

The faithfulness of the Lord is supplemented by the faithfulness of his people. That is why Paul can add this verse—he has confidence in Christian people. Their union with Christ counteracts the weakness of sinful human nature. Paul and his coworkers can rely on the Thessalonian believers to do what they have been taught (cf. 1 Thessalonians 4:2). By this favorable opinion, he paves the way for further instruction (cf. 3:6–15).

Paul realizes that the Lord’s help is indispensable. His compliment in v.4 does not imply that they are self-sufficient. Therefore he requests the Lord to direct them into a fuller appreciation of God’s love for them and of Christ’s perseverance on their behalf. To comply with Paul’s instructions to discipline the idle believers (vv.6–15) will be difficult. Thus the strongest possible motivation —recollection of God’s love and Christ’s endurance of suffering—will undergird that discipline.