2 Thessalonians 3:2

KJV

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all [men] have not faith.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} that {G2443} we may be delivered {G4506} from {G575} unreasonable {G824} and {G2532} wicked {G4190} men {G444}: for {G1063} all {G3956} men have not {G3756} faith {G4102}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and that we may be rescued from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has trust.

Berean Standard Bible

And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone holds to the faith.

American Standard Version

and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil men; for all have not faith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Thessalonians 3:2, the Apostle Paul articulates a fervent prayer request to the Thessalonian believers, seeking divine protection and deliverance from individuals characterized as "unreasonable and wicked." This petition is immediately followed by a profound theological explanation: "for all men have not faith." This verse encapsulates Paul's realistic understanding of the challenges inherent in gospel ministry, acknowledging the pervasive spiritual resistance and hostility that stems from unbelief, and underscores the necessity of God's sovereign intervention for the safety and success of His servants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the concluding remarks of Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, a letter primarily aimed at correcting misunderstandings about the Lord's return and addressing issues of idleness within the community. Chapter 3 begins with Paul's direct request for prayer, specifically for the swift and glorious spread of "the word of the Lord" [2 Thessalonians 3:1](/2_thessalonians/3-1 "The Word of the Lord Spreads"). Verse 2 then specifies the nature of the obstacles to this spread—hostile individuals—and explains the root cause of their opposition. This personal prayer request serves as a transition from theological instruction to practical pastoral concerns, emphasizing the mutual dependence and spiritual solidarity between Paul and the Thessalonian church. It also sets the stage for Paul's subsequent instructions regarding church discipline and diligent work in the remainder of the chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's ministry was consistently marked by significant opposition, a reality well-known to the Thessalonians themselves. During his initial visit to Thessalonica, Paul and his companions faced violent resistance from a mob incited by envious Jews [Acts 17:5-9](/acts/17-5-9 "Paul and Silas in Thessalonica"). This historical backdrop illuminates the very real dangers Paul encountered. The Roman Empire, while generally tolerant of various religions, became hostile to Christianity as it grew and challenged imperial cults and traditional social structures. Paul's travels often put him at risk from both Jewish antagonists who rejected his message and Gentile authorities or mobs who perceived his teachings as disruptive. His request for deliverance was not a hypothetical concern but a daily reality, reflecting the precarious position of early Christian missionaries operating in a world largely antagonistic to their message.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights the **necessity of prayer**, demonstrating Paul's dependence on God and the intercession of the church for the advancement of the Gospel and the safety of its messengers [2 Thessalonians 3:1](/2_thessalonians/3-1 "Paul's Request for Prayer"). Secondly, it underscores the **reality of spiritual opposition** and the inherent conflict between the kingdom of God and the forces of darkness. Paul consistently recognized that the spread of the Gospel would inevitably provoke hostility from those unwilling to submit to its truth [Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Spiritual Warfare"). Finally, the verse profoundly addresses the **nature and consequences of unbelief**. The statement "for all men have not faith" serves as a foundational explanation for the existence of "unreasonable and wicked men," revealing that a lack of saving faith is not merely intellectual disagreement but a spiritual condition that can manifest in active hostility and moral depravity, a theme echoed in [John 3:19-20](/john/3-19-20 "Men Loved Darkness Rather Than Light").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **unreasonable (Greek, _átopos_):** From G824, this term literally means "out of place." In this context, it conveys something improper, injurious, or wicked. It describes actions or behaviors that are absurd, morally perverse, and contrary to reason or justice. It suggests a fundamental disorder or deviation from what is right and fitting, indicating a deep-seated spiritual and moral misalignment.
* **wicked (Greek, _ponērós_):** From G4190, this word signifies evil, morally corrupt, or malignant. It points to a harmful effect or influence, distinguishing it from mere badness (kakos) by emphasizing active malevolence and culpability. These are individuals whose character and actions are not merely flawed but actively destructive and hostile, often driven by a deliberate opposition to God's will and people.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis_):** From G4102, this term denotes persuasion, credence, or moral conviction. In a theological sense, it refers specifically to reliance upon Christ for salvation and constancy in such a profession. Paul's use here implies not just intellectual assent but a profound spiritual trust and commitment to God's truth, the absence of which explains the "unreasonable and wicked" behavior.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men:"** This clause expresses Paul's urgent and specific prayer request. The verb "delivered" (G4506, _rhýomai_) implies being rescued or drawn away from danger, suggesting a divine intervention to protect Paul and his companions from the active malice of certain individuals. These "unreasonable" (morally perverse, out of place) and "wicked" (actively evil, harmful) men represent a tangible threat to their safety and ministry, highlighting the real-world dangers faced by those proclaiming the Gospel.
* **"for all [men] have not faith."** This second clause provides the theological rationale for the existence and behavior of the "unreasonable and wicked men." The conjunction "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces an explanation. Paul asserts a universal truth: not everyone possesses saving faith (G4102, _pístis_). This lack of faith is presented as the root cause of their hostility and moral depravity, explaining why some individuals actively oppose the Gospel and its messengers. It underscores that spiritual opposition is not random but stems from a fundamental spiritual condition of unbelief.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse. There is clear **Contrast** between the desire for deliverance and the reality of those who lack faith, establishing a dichotomy between those who embrace the Gospel and those who oppose it. The verse itself functions as a **Supplication** or **Prayer Request**, an appeal to God for protection, highlighting Paul's dependence on divine power rather than human strength. Furthermore, the conjunction "for" introduces a **Causal Clause**, providing a theological explanation for the preceding request. This structure reveals Paul's logical and theological reasoning, connecting the practical need for deliverance to the spiritual reality of widespread unbelief.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly connects to the broader biblical narrative of spiritual warfare and the nature of humanity's fallen state. It underscores that opposition to God's truth and His people is not merely a sociological phenomenon but a spiritual one, rooted in a fundamental rejection of faith. The "unreasonable and wicked men" are not just disagreeable; their actions are a manifestation of a heart alienated from God, incapable of receiving spiritual truth without divine intervention. Paul's prayer for deliverance is a recognition that only God can truly protect His servants from such deep-seated hostility, while simultaneously affirming the sovereignty of God over human resistance. This passage serves as a sober reminder that while the Gospel is good news, it also provokes a decisive response, revealing the spiritual condition of the hearer.

* [Psalm 34:19](/psalms/34-19 "Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.")
* [John 15:18-19](/john/15-18-19 "If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you.")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's prayer in 2 Thessalonians 3:2 offers profound guidance for believers today. It teaches us that opposition is an expected part of Christian life and ministry, not an anomaly. When we encounter hostility, rejection, or even persecution for our faith, this verse reminds us that such responses often stem from a deep-seated lack of faith, rather than merely intellectual disagreement. This understanding can foster compassion and a renewed commitment to prayer, both for our own protection and for the spiritual awakening of those who oppose the truth. It encourages us to maintain a posture of dependence on God, acknowledging that our safety and the effectiveness of our witness are ultimately in His hands. In a world increasingly polarized, where Christian values are often challenged, this verse calls us to persevere in proclaiming the Gospel, trusting that God will deliver us from evil and empower us to continue His work, even amidst spiritual darkness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that "all men have not faith" change your perspective on those who oppose Christian truth?**
* **In what ways do you currently experience "unreasonable and wicked" opposition, and how can you apply Paul's prayer for deliverance to your own life?**
* **How does this verse encourage you to pray more earnestly for missionaries and those on the front lines of sharing the Gospel?**

### FAQ
**Who are the "unreasonable and wicked men" Paul refers to?**

Answer: The "unreasonable and wicked men" (Greek: _átopos_ and _ponērós_) likely refer to those who actively opposed Paul's ministry and the spread of the Gospel. This could include Jewish antagonists who rejected Jesus as the Messiah and incited mobs against Paul (as seen in [Acts 17:5-9](/acts/17-5-9 "Paul and Silas in Thessalonica")), as well as Gentile individuals or groups whose actions were morally perverse, harmful, or disruptive to the Christian community. They are characterized by their active malice and hostility, stemming from a fundamental spiritual rejection of God's truth.

**What does "for all men have not faith" mean in this context?**

Answer: This phrase serves as Paul's explanation for the existence of "unreasonable and wicked men." It means that not everyone possesses saving faith—the spiritual conviction and reliance upon Christ that leads to salvation. This lack of faith is presented as the root cause of their hostility and moral depravity. It's not merely an intellectual disagreement but a spiritual condition that manifests in opposition to God and His people, underscoring the biblical truth that true faith is not universal but a divine gift [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "For by grace you have been saved through faith").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's prayer for deliverance from "unreasonable and wicked men" finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself faced the most profound opposition from those who "had not faith," as evidenced by His own people who "did not receive him" [John 1:11](/john/1-11 "He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him"). He endured the ultimate wickedness of humanity, culminating in His crucifixion, yet through His resurrection, God delivered Him from the power of death and the grasp of evil men. Christ's victory over sin, death, and the demonic powers [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.") provides the foundation for our own hope of deliverance. Furthermore, Jesus is the very "author and perfecter of our faith" [Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith."), meaning that the faith which "all men have not" is precisely what He provides. Believers are delivered from the power of "unreasonable and wicked" forces not by their own strength, but by being united with Christ, who has already overcome the world's tribulation [John 16:33](/john/16-33 "In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."), ensuring ultimate triumph for those who trust in Him.

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

2 Corinthians 4:3

But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Romans 15:31

That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which [I have] for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;

Deuteronomy 32:20

And he said, I will hide my face from them, I will see what their end [shall be]: for they [are] a very froward generation, children in whom [is] no faith.

Romans 10:16

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

Acts 13:45

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

Luke 18:8

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?