FocusThe word's progress and patient love
Connection to the wholePaul requests prayer and expresses confidence in the Lord's establishing work, directing the church toward love and patient waiting for Christ.
interpretation 2 Thessalonians 3:5
KJVAnd the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Read it in context
Prayer for the mission and the church
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 3:1 (2 Thessalonians 3:1 to 2 Thessalonians 3:5).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul requests prayer and expresses confidence in the Lord's establishing work, directing the church toward love and patient waiting for Christ.
- 3:1 Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:
- 3:2 And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.
- 3:3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.
- 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.
- 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Silvanus and Timothy as co-senders; the closing greeting identifies Paul's hand. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:17. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Thessalonians 1:1–3:18): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about persecution, confusion over the day of Christ, and disorderly conduct among some members. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians, encouraged in affliction and corrected about the day of the Lord and disorderly conduct. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Prayer for the mission and the church. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:1 through 2 Thessalonians 3:5 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul requests prayer and expresses confidence in the Lord's establishing work, directing the church toward love and patient waiting for Christ. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter addresses continuing persecution and confusion concerning the day of Christ. It does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; the place of writing is not explicitly named. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Prayer for the mission and the church (2 Thessalonians 3:1 to 2 Thessalonians 3:5). Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 3:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The return of the Lord Jesus is joined with judgment, rest for the afflicted, and correction of misleading claims. Details should be read within this argument without asserting modern identifications as facts. See 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:2. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Stand fast, resist misleading claims, and continue responsible work. Anticipation of the Lord's coming is not presented as a reason to abandon ordinary obligations. interpretation
Cited: 2 Thessalonians 3:1, 2 Thessalonians 3:5, 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:2
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself and points to his signature as the mark of authenticity.
2 Thessalonians 1:12 Thessalonians 3:17
Early traditionUniform early tradition names Paul.
What is debatedSome critical scholars question authorship on stylistic grounds.
Related passages
- the Lord 1 Kgs 8:58 1 Chr 29:18 Ps 119:5,36 Prov 3:6 Jer 10:23 Jas 1:16-18
- into Deut 30:6 Jer 31:33 Rom 5:5 Rom 8:28 1 Cor 8:3 Gal 5:22 Jas 2:5 1 John 4:19
- and into Ps 40:1 Ps 130:5-6 Lam 3:26 Luke 12:36-37 Rom 8:25 Phil 3:20-21 1 Thess 1:3,10 2 Tim 4:8
- the patient waiting for Christ Heb 12:2-3 1 Pet 4:1
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Thessalonians 3
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
2 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Thessalonians 1:4 2 Thessalonians 2:1 2 Thessalonians 2:2
Disorderly conduct corrected
2 Thessalonians 3:6–15FocusWork and brotherly admonition
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts the missionaries' example with unwillingness to work and instructs the church to correct the disobedient without treating them as an enemy.
interpretation Peace and authentication
2 Thessalonians 3:16–18FocusA recognizable closing
Connection to the wholeThe final prayer and Paul's own greeting close the letter with peace and a mark by which his letters may be recognized.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Thessalonians
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
2 Thessalonians 1:1 2 Thessalonians 1:4 2 Thessalonians 2:1 2 Thessalonians 2:2
Endurance and righteous judgment
2 Thessalonians 1:1–12FocusComfort for an afflicted church
Connection to the wholePaul gives thanks for perseverance and directs the readers toward God's righteous judgment and Christ's revelation.
interpretation Correction concerning the day
2 Thessalonians 2:1–17FocusDiscernment and steadfastness
Connection to the wholePaul warns against being shaken by claims that the day is at hand and exhorts the church to hold the teaching it received.
interpretation FocusWork and brotherly correction
Connection to the wholePractical instruction addresses the mission and disorderly conduct, closing with peace and Paul's identifying greeting.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.