Matthew Henry Commentary 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

"Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as also [it is] with you; and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for all have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and guard you from the evil [one]. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ." — 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (ASV)

Those who are far apart still may meet together at the throne of grace; and those unable to do or receive any other kindness may, in this way, do and receive real and very great kindness.

Enemies to the preaching of the gospel, and persecutors of its faithful preachers, are unreasonable and wicked men. Many do not believe the gospel, and it is no wonder if such are restless and show malice in their endeavors to oppose it.

The evil of sin is the greatest evil, but there are other evils we need to be preserved from, and we have encouragement to depend on the grace of God. Once the promise is made, its fulfillment is sure and certain. The apostle had confidence in them, but that was founded on his confidence in God, for there is otherwise no confidence in man.

He prays for them for spiritual blessings. It is our sin and our misery that we place our affections on 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 do not have, 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.