Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
'May God Himself, even our Father (there being but one article, requires, "He who is at once God and our Father") direct,' etc. The "Himself" stands in contrast with "we" (1 Thessalonians 2:18): we desired to come, but could not through Satan's hindrance; but if God Himself direct our way (as we pray), none can hinder Him. The unity of the Father and Son appears here, and in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; the verb is singular, as the subject, the Father and Son, are but one in essential Being, not in mere unity of will. Almost all the chapters in both letters are sealed, each with its own prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 2 Thessalonians 2:16; 2 Thessalonians 3:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:16) (Bengel). Paul does not think the issue of a journey an unfit subject for prayer (Romans 1:10; Romans 15:32) (Edmunds). His prayer, though deferred, in about five years afterward was fulfilled in his return to Macedonia.