John Calvin Commentary 2 Thessalonians 3:1

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also [it is] with you;" — 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (ASV)

Pray for us. Though the Lord powerfully aided him, and though he surpassed all others in earnestness of prayer, he still does not despise the prayers of believers, by which the Lord intends for us to be aided. It is fitting for us, after his example, to eagerly desire this aid and to encourage our fellow believers to pray for us.

However, when he adds — that the word of God may have its course, he shows that his concern and regard are not so much for himself personally as for the entire Church. For why does he desire to be recommended to the prayers of the Thessalonians? So that the doctrine of the gospel may have its course.

Therefore, his desire is not so much for personal regard as for the glory of God and the common welfare of the Church. Course here means dissemination; glory means something further — that his preaching may have its power and efficacy for renewing people in the image of God. Thus, holiness of life and uprightness on the part of Christians is the glory of the gospel; as, on the other hand, those defame the gospel who profess it with their mouths while meanwhile living in wickedness and immorality. He says — as among you; for this should be a stimulus to the devout, to see all others like them. Thus, those who have already entered into the kingdom of God are exhorted to pray daily that it may come (Matthew 6:10).