2 Thessalonians 3.1–5 Signal

1 As for other matters, brothers and sisters, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you. 

종말로 형제들아 너희는 우리를 위하여 기도하기를 주의 말씀이 너희 가운데서와 같이 달음질하여 영광스럽게 되고

‘As for remaining matters.’ An appendix section, as it was toward the end of 1 Thessalonians (1 Thes 4:1). First in this section is a prayer request for Paul and the companion. The requesting sentence summarises the ministry of the word among the Thessalonians. The message, the word of the Lord ran and was glorified. Of the various definitions of doxazō to glorify I like this the best: to signalize with a manifestation of dignity, excellence, or majesty.[1]

Interesting to note that a prayer request for Paul’s crew is to pray for the word to do its mission (of running and signalling).

And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people, for not everyone has faith. 

또한 우리를 무리하고 악한 사람들에게서 건지옵소서 하라 믿음은 모든 사람의 것이 아님이라

Second item on the prayer request list is for their rescue from ‘(the) troublesome and evil people (NASB), which is later linked to the evil one at the end of v.3.

The meaning of the phrase ‘for not everyone has faith’ (lit. ‘For faith is not of all’) is commonly debated. But if you look closely it is quite simply means ‘for not all have the faith (NASB)’; implying, ‘So, therefore, they can do to us contrary to what the word desires to do. They can hinder the gospel.’ Probably Paul has in mind people like some Thessalonians who massively persecuted Paul and disturbed the ministry in the past (Acts 17:5–14).   

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one. 

주는 미쁘사 너희를 굳게 하시고 악한 자에게서 지키시리라

Nevertheless, even if people might persecute us and hinder the gospel, the Lord is faithful – this is the point Paul was leading to. Even if there are presently trouble and even danger Paul’s crew knows that the faithful Lord lets the word run and signal.

Then we know that even this pray request is not from a desire to escape harm but to let the persons praying come to know the working of Lord, who achieves and accomplishes under whatever circumstances. In this learning the Lord and his work is signalled, ‘glorified’ in the biblical language.   

We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 

너희에게 대하여는 우리의 명한 것을 너희가 행하고 또 행할 줄을 우리가 주 안에서 확신하노니

Therefore Paul has the full confidence in the Lord not in people that His work will be continued in the Thessalonians.

May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

주께서 너희 마음을 인도하여 하나님의 사랑과 그리스도의 인내에 들어가게 하시기를 원하노라

Indeed, therefore, it is the Lord, the Faithful One, who directs our hearts, not into our own faith and endurance but into what is God’s and Christ’s. Through this we have faith.

Lord, you are the Faithful One and we are faithless without you. When we pray we pray for our good because we do not have faith. Had we the faith you teach us, we would have prayed for your Word to flourish despite the apparent adversity we go through, and know that it will because of your faithfulness. Lord, people with wounds, like Paul with a great trauma of people attacking him physically and mentally, will find it difficult to believe that it is still fine and that they are ‘safe’ nevertheless. Lord we only see the outside, but do lead us into your love and perseverance that we may see what you see and therefore signal you with what we have, life and all. Great is my Lord, the Fonder of faith.     


[1] Teknia Greek Dictionary © 1995-2013 Teknia owned by Bill Mounce
http://www.teknia.com/greek-dictionary