2Th 3:1 | Burkitt | STEP | Observe here, 1. A courteous and loving compellation, brethren. There is a three-fold brotherhood, which the scripture takes notice of betwixt Christ and believers, betwixt believers themselves, and betwixt the ministers of Christ and their beloved people. Observe, 2. St. Paul's passionate request and supplication, Brethren, pray for us. Learn hence, That an interest in the prayers of all those that have an interest in God, is the passionate desire and earnest request of all the faithful ministers of Jesus Christ; there is nothing that the ministers of Christ do more want or need, nothing, nothing that they so much desire and crave, as the spiritual alms of their people's prayers; their work is a work of the greatest weight, of the greatest labour, of the greatest difficulty and opposition; and alas, their shoulders are no stronger than other men's, to stand under the weight of this burden; wonder not then they cry out so importunely for the help and benefit of their people's prayers. Observe, 3. The subject matter which he desires them to pray for, That the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified: in the original, that the word may run and be glorified; a metaphor taken from a water-course, where the current flows freely, without interruption or obstruction. Quest. When may the word be said to have free course? Ans. When it is freely preached, and accompanied with the Spirit's internal operation. Learn hence, That it is the standing duty of the people of God to wrestle with God at the throne of grace, for the free course of the word in the labours of his ministers; Pray that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified. But when may the word be said to be glorified? When God is glorified in and by the word, by the conversion of sinners, by the examplary conversation of believers; then is God glorified, when his word is entertained. Observe, 4. The argument to excite the Thessalonians to pray for the success of the word amongst others, namely, the great and good success which God had given it amongst them: That it may be glorified, as it is with you. Thence learn, That such as have felt the power of the gospel themselves, to their conversion and salvation, should pray that others may partake of the same benefits, by it and from it, together with themselves: herein they show their love to God, and charity to the souls of men.

‏ 2 Thessalonians 3:1

Observe here, 1. A courteous and loving compellation, brethren. There is a three-fold brotherhood, which the scripture takes notice of betwixt Christ and believers, betwixt believers themselves, and betwixt the ministers of Christ and their beloved people.

Observe, 2. St. Paul's passionate request and supplication, Brethren, pray for us.

Learn hence, That an interest in the prayers of all those that have an interest in God, is the passionate desire and earnest request of all the faithful ministers of Jesus Christ; there is nothing that the ministers of Christ do more want or need, nothing, nothing that they so much desire and crave, as the spiritual alms of their people's prayers; their work is a work of the greatest weight, of the greatest labour, of the greatest difficulty and opposition; and alas, their shoulders are no stronger than other men's, to stand under the weight of this burden; wonder not then they cry out so importunely for the help and benefit of their people's prayers.

Observe, 3. The subject matter which he desires them to pray for, That the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified: in the original, that the word may run and be glorified; a metaphor taken from a water-course, where the current flows freely, without interruption or obstruction.

Quest. When may the word be said to have free course?

Ans. When it is freely preached, and accompanied with the Spirit's internal operation.

Learn hence, That it is the standing duty of the people of God to wrestle with God at the throne of grace, for the free course of the word in the labours of his ministers; Pray that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified.

But when may the word be said to be glorified?

When God is glorified in and by the word, by the conversion of sinners, by the examplary conversation of believers; then is God glorified, when his word is entertained.

Observe, 4. The argument to excite the Thessalonians to pray for the success of the word amongst others, namely, the great and good success which God had given it amongst them: That it may be glorified, as it is with you.

Thence learn, That such as have felt the power of the gospel themselves, to their conversion and salvation, should pray that others may partake of the same benefits, by it and from it, together with themselves: herein they show their love to God, and charity to the souls of men.