2 Thessalonians 3:1 - Clarke's commentary and critical notes on the Bible

Bible Comments

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: Finally, brethren - The words το λοιπον 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, ὁ λογος του Κυριου, might run, τρεχῃ, 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.

2 Thessalonians 3:1

1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course,a and be glorified, even as it is with you: