"Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you" (2 Thessalonians 3:1 ESV).
In his Study Bible, Finis Dake shares, "Paul was the only New Testament writer who asked for the prayers of those to whom he wrote." [1] The apparent reason for that, it would seem, was that his letters were personal, whether to individuals or churches.
When on the front lines in sharing the Gospel and experiencing the tempest where light invades the darkness, a second rationale is Paul's respect for the power of prayer. Hence, the phrase "as happened among you" as he experienced in Thessalonica. It is in that trench warfare where personal inadequacies are so evident and the need for divine intervention so apparent.
It is no different today; significantly, as we speed towards the Lord's return, we should also pray for the Gospel to speed ahead.
No doubt, the Apostle had a runner in mind with his metaphor: just as a runner would want no resistance in his race, so would the Gospel want to run its race without hindrance. The only way for that to transpire is divine intervention.
Not only did Paul request for the Gospel's speed, but also its honor. John Wesley expounded, "Go on swiftly, without any interruption. And be glorified - Acknowledged as divine and bring forth much fruit." [2]
Yes, we know the end of the story and the victory that awaits. However, that doesn't erase the need to pray for that end. Why? Because ultimately, it's the prayer of the saints that will bring about that end! That was the design of the Lord from the very foundation of the world; we happen to be living in the moment that is part of the fulfillment!
What a privilege!!
Finally, I like J.B. Lightfoot's added insight in his translation: "May [the gospel] have a triumphant career." [3]
Let's pray together today to that end!
[1] Finis Jennings Dake, Dake's Annotated Reference Bible (Lawrenceville, GA: Dake Bible Sales, Inc, 1963).
[2] John Wesley, John Wesley's Explanatory Notes, e-Sword Edition, n.d.
[3] A. T. Roberson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (Public Domain, 1930).
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