2 Thessalonians 3:2

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

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}.

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

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

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

2 Thessalonians 3:2 is a poignant prayer request from the Apostle Paul, asking for protection from those who oppose the Gospel and its messengers. It highlights the reality of opposition faced by believers and the underlying reason for such hostility.

Context

Following his instructions on dealing with idleness and encouraging diligent work in the previous verses, Paul shifts to a personal request for prayer. This verse immediately follows his plea for the word of the Lord to run swiftly and be glorified (2 Thessalonians 3:1). He recognizes that the spread of the Gospel often encounters resistance from those unwilling to accept its truth. Paul, along with Silas and Timothy, was no stranger to persecution and opposition, as seen throughout his ministry (e.g., Acts 17:5 in Thessalonica itself). This prayer reflects a deep understanding of the spiritual battle involved in sharing the Christian message.

Key Themes

  • Prayer for Protection: Paul models a dependence on God for safety and deliverance from external threats. This isn't just a personal plea but a request for the community's prayers for his ministry and safety, demonstrating the importance of intercessory prayer.
  • The Reality of Opposition: The verse acknowledges that not everyone will be receptive to the truth of the Gospel. "Unreasonable and wicked men" represent those who actively resist or cause harm to believers and the spread of God's word, often driven by their unbelief.
  • The Root of Unbelief: The phrase "for all men have not faith" explains the core issue. This lack of faith is not merely intellectual disagreement but a spiritual state that can manifest as hostility, perversity, and evil actions. It underscores the spiritual division between those who believe and those who do not, a theme seen elsewhere in scripture (e.g., John 3:19).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "unreasonable" is atopon (ἄτοπον), which literally means "out of place," "improper," or "absurd." In this context, it conveys something morally perverse, harmful, or contrary to reason and justice. It suggests actions that are not just mistaken but actively disruptive and malicious. The term "wicked" comes from poneron (πονηρῶν), a strong word denoting evil, morally corrupt, or even malignant. These terms paint a vivid picture of individuals whose opposition is not merely intellectual but rooted in a deep-seated spiritual depravity and hostility towards God's purposes.

Practical Application

  • Pray for Deliverance and Protection: Believers today still face various forms of opposition, from verbal hostility to active persecution. This verse encourages us to pray earnestly for protection for ourselves and for those who faithfully proclaim the Gospel, asking God to deliver them from harmful influences and individuals.
  • Understand the Nature of Unbelief: Recognizing that "all men have not faith" helps us understand why some individuals are hostile to Christian truth. It reminds us that spiritual battles are real and that not everyone will respond positively to the Gospel, urging us to rely on God's power rather than human persuasion alone.
  • Persevere in Ministry: Despite the presence of "unreasonable and wicked men," Paul's prayer for deliverance is coupled with his ongoing commitment to ministry. This encourages believers to continue sharing the good news, even when faced with resistance, trusting in the Lord's faithfulness to protect and provide.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back