2 Thessalonians 3:1

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Finally {G3063}, brethren {G80}, pray {G4336} for {G4012} us {G2257}, that {G2443} the word {G3056} of the Lord {G2962} may have free course {G5143}, and {G2532} be glorified {G1392}, even {G2532} as {G2531} it is with {G4314} you {G5209}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Finally, brothers, pray for us that the Lord’s message may spread rapidly and receive honor, just as it did with you;

Berean Standard Bible

Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.

American Standard Version

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run and be glorified, even as alsoit iswith you;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In this opening verse of the final section of his second letter to the Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, humbly requests the prayers of the believers. This appeal is not for their personal comfort or safety, but specifically that the gospel message—referred to as "the word of the Lord"—would advance rapidly and unhindered, and that it would be honored and recognized for its divine power, just as it had been among the Thessalonians themselves. This request underscores the essential role of intercessory prayer in the expansion and effectiveness of God's kingdom work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians. Having addressed eschatological concerns (the Day of the Lord in [2 Thessalonians 2](/2_thessalonians/2 "2 Thessalonians 2 - The Man of Lawlessness")) and exhorted believers to avoid idleness and to pursue diligent work (in [2 Thessalonians 3:6-15](/2_thessalonians/3-6-15 "2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 - Exhortation Against Idleness")), Paul now shifts to a more personal and practical appeal. It is characteristic of Paul's letters to conclude with personal greetings, exhortations, and prayer requests, inviting his readers into partnership in his ministry. This request for prayer for the gospel's progress is a common theme in his epistles, demonstrating his consistent reliance on the intercession of the churches for the effectiveness of his apostolic mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry was characterized by constant travel, preaching, and establishing churches, often amidst significant opposition and hardship. In Thessalonica itself, Paul and his companions faced immediate and violent opposition from hostile Jewish leaders, forcing them to leave prematurely (as recounted in [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Acts 17:1-9 - Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica")). This historical reality underscores the practical need for divine intervention to clear paths for the gospel. Furthermore, the early Christian community understood prayer not merely as a private devotion but as a powerful, communal act of spiritual warfare and support for those on the front lines of evangelism. Paul's request aligns with the ancient practice of patrons and clients, where the church, as clients, would support their apostolic patron through prayer, a vital form of spiritual aid.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the **supremacy and power of the "word of the Lord,"** emphasizing its dynamic, living nature, capable of overcoming obstacles and transforming lives. Secondly, it reinforces the **vital role of intercessory prayer** as a means by which believers participate in God's mission, acknowledging that the success of the gospel is ultimately God's work, but often facilitated through human supplication. Thirdly, the phrase "even as it is with you" speaks to the theme of **mutual partnership and encouragement** within the body of Christ, reminding the Thessalonians of their own positive reception of the gospel (as noted in [1 Thessalonians 1:5-6](/1_thessalonians/1-5-6 "1 Thessalonians 1:5-6 - The Thessalonians' Reception of the Gospel") and [1 Thessalonians 2:13](/1_thessalonians/2-13 "1 Thessalonians 2:13 - The Word of God at Work in Thessalonica")), thereby motivating them to pray for similar success elsewhere.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Word (Greek, _tréchō'_):** (G5143) This verb literally means "to run" or "to walk hastily." In this context, it conveys a vivid image of the gospel message moving swiftly, unimpeded, and dynamically, like a runner on a clear track. Paul is praying for the unhindered and rapid propagation of the "word of the Lord," desiring that it would not be slowed down by opposition, misunderstanding, or apathy, but would instead "run its course" with power and speed.
* **Glorified (Greek, _doxázō'_):** (G1392) Derived from `dóxa` (glory), this verb means "to render (or esteem) glorious," "to honor," "to magnify." When applied to the "word of the Lord," it signifies that the gospel message would be recognized, respected, and highly esteemed for its inherent divine truth and power. It implies that the word would be received with faith, leading to transformed lives that bear witness to its divine origin, thereby bringing honor and praise to God.
* **Word (Greek, _lógos'_):** (G3056) This term encompasses not just spoken words but also the underlying thought, reason, and divine expression. In "the word of the Lord," it refers to the gospel message—the authoritative, life-giving message about Jesus Christ, His saving work, and the kingdom of God.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** (G2962) This term denotes supreme authority and mastery, here referring to God, specifically Jesus Christ, as the ultimate source and subject of this divine message. Paul is praying for the effective spread and honoring of the very message that originates from and reveals the sovereign God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Finally, brethren, pray for us,"**: Paul initiates a concluding appeal, characteristic of his letters, addressing the Thessalonian believers as "brethren," emphasizing their familial bond in Christ. His request for prayer is a humble acknowledgment of his dependence on God and the spiritual support of the church, demonstrating that even apostles rely on intercession.
* **"that the word of the Lord may have free course,"**: This is the primary object of Paul's prayer request. He desires that the gospel message, the authoritative "word of the Lord," would "run" or "have free course." This vivid imagery implies an unhindered, rapid, and effective spread of the gospel, free from obstacles, opposition, or any spiritual or practical impediment that might slow its progress.
* **"and be glorified,"**: The second, complementary purpose of the prayer is that the word would be "glorified." This means that the gospel message would be honored, esteemed, and recognized for its divine power and truth. It implies that people would respond to it with faith, obedience, and transformed lives, thereby bringing glory to God through the word's evident impact.
* **"even as it is with you:"**: Paul concludes by providing a powerful example and encouragement. He reminds the Thessalonians that the "word of the Lord" had already had "free course" and been "glorified" among them. Their own conversion and spiritual growth served as living proof of the gospel's power, providing a basis for their fervent prayers for its continued success elsewhere. This phrase also fosters a sense of shared mission and partnership.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Imagery**, specifically a **Metaphor**, where "the word of the Lord" is depicted as a runner on a track. The phrase "may have free course" (Greek: _trechō_) vividly portrays the gospel as a dynamic, active force that Paul desires to see running swiftly and unimpeded across the world. This creates a sense of urgency and power. There is also a subtle **Parallelism** between "have free course" and "be glorified," suggesting two intertwined aspects of the gospel's successful propagation: its unhindered spread and its honored reception. Furthermore, Paul's humble request, "pray for us," demonstrates **Apostolic Humility**, a recurring theme in his letters where he, despite his divine commission, consistently relies on the intercession of the churches, fostering a sense of mutual dependence and partnership within the body of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully articulates a foundational theological truth: the advancement of God's kingdom through the gospel is a divine work that God often accomplishes in response to the prayers of His people. It highlights the dynamic nature of God's Word, which is not static but active and powerful, capable of overcoming all obstacles. The request for the word to "have free course" and "be glorified" reflects a deep desire for God's sovereign will to be manifest on earth, where His truth is embraced and His name honored. This passage underscores the partnership between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where believers are called to participate actively in God's mission through fervent intercession, trusting that God will empower His word to achieve its intended purpose.

* [Ephesians 6:19-20](/ephesians/6-19-20 "Ephesians 6:19-20 - Paul asks for prayer for boldness"): Paul requests prayer for boldness and open doors to proclaim the mystery of the gospel.
* [Colossians 4:3-4](/colossians/4-3-4 "Colossians 4:3-4 - Prayer for an open door for the word"): Paul asks for prayer that God would open a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ.
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Accomplishes Its Purpose"): "So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's humble plea in 2 Thessalonians 3:1 serves as a timeless and profound call to prayer for every believer. It reminds us that the spiritual battle for souls and the expansion of God's kingdom are not fought by human strength alone, but are profoundly influenced by the intercession of God's people. We are challenged to move beyond generalized prayers and to pray specifically and fervently for the unhindered spread of the gospel message across the globe. This means praying for missionaries and evangelists, that they would have open doors and boldness to proclaim the truth. It also means praying for the removal of spiritual, cultural, and political barriers that hinder the gospel's advance, and for hearts to be receptive to its transforming power. When the word of the Lord is glorified, it means lives are changed, communities are impacted, and God receives the honor due His name. Our prayers are a vital partnership in this divine mission, demonstrating our trust in the power of God's word to accomplish His purposes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I specifically pray for the unhindered spread and glorification of the "word of the Lord" in my community and around the world?**
* **What practical or spiritual "obstacles" might be hindering the "free course" of the gospel in areas I know, and how can my prayers address them?**
* **In what ways have I seen the "word of the Lord" glorified in my own life or in the lives of those around me, and how can I share that testimony to encourage others?**
* **How can my church or small group more intentionally commit to praying for missionaries and the global advance of the gospel?**

### FAQ
**What does "may have free course" mean for the gospel today?**

Answer: The phrase "may have free course" (Greek: _trechō_) literally means "to run." For the gospel today, it signifies a desire for the unhindered, rapid, and effective propagation of God's word. This implies that the message of Christ would overcome all obstacles—whether spiritual apathy, cultural resistance, political suppression, or logistical challenges—and swiftly reach new hearts and territories. It's a prayer for the gospel to move with divine momentum, unimpeded by any force, so that it can accomplish its transforming work in the lives of people, just as it did in the early church as documented in [Acts 6:7](/acts/6-7 "Acts 6:7 - The Word of God Increased") and [Acts 19:20](/acts/19-20 "Acts 19:20 - The Word of the Lord Grew Mightily").

**How is "the word of the Lord... glorified"?**

Answer: When "the word of the Lord" is "glorified," it means that the gospel message is honored, esteemed, and recognized for its inherent divine truth and power. This glorification occurs when people respond to the word with genuine faith, when their lives are transformed by its truth, and when the divine origin and authority of the message are acknowledged and celebrated. It's not about human praise for the message itself, but about God receiving glory through the word's effective work in changing hearts and minds, leading to obedience and worship. The glorification of the word is ultimately the glorification of God Himself, as His power and wisdom are displayed through the gospel's impact, as seen in passages like [John 12:28](/john/12-28 "John 12:28 - Father, Glorify Your Name").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The "word of the Lord" that Paul prays would "have free course" and "be glorified" finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. Christ is the living Word of God, the full and final revelation of the Father, as [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") declares, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." He is the embodiment of the gospel message, the one whose life, death, and resurrection are the very content that "runs" throughout the world. The "free course" of the word is the unhindered proclamation of Christ's triumph over sin and death, a message empowered by the Holy Spirit (as promised in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to be Witnesses")). When the word is "glorified," it is Christ who is glorified, as people come to recognize His supreme authority and saving power, bowing their knees to Him as Lord, just as [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Christ") proclaims. The ultimate aim of the gospel's advance is the establishment of Christ's kingdom, where His reign is acknowledged and His glory fills the earth, a vision beautifully captured in [Revelation 11:15](/revelation/11-15 "Revelation 11:15 - The Kingdom of the World Has Become the Kingdom of Our Lord and of His Christ"). Thus, Paul's prayer is fundamentally a Christ-centered plea for the universal recognition and triumph of the Lord Jesus.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 5:25

Brethren, pray for us.

Colossians 4:3

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Ephesians 6:19

¶ And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Ephesians 6:20

For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

1 Corinthians 16:9

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries.

1 Thessalonians 1:8

For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

Acts 19:20

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.