In the last chapter of this epistle, Paul does two things. First, he made a request that the Thessalonian Christians pray for them. Paul had two prayer topics. The first was that the gospel message may spread and be honored in others, just as the Thessalonians had heard and honored the gospel themselves. They recognized that the gospel was their only salvation. The second was that they be protected from evil people who were seeking to thwart the gospel work. But Paul had confidence that the Lord is faithful and that the Thessalonians were doing all they had been commanded to do.

Paul urged them to do more than pray. They also needed to make sure they kept away from idle people. Rather, they should follow the example Paul showed them as he lived with them. Paul worked not only in preaching the gospel, but to make his own living as well. He didn't depend on the charity of others, and he urged the Christians there to do the same. But there were some in the church who were idle. Paul urged them to not even associate with them.

In closing, Paul commended them to the Lord of peace and prayed the Lord be with them all.


Application: Father, help us to pray diligently that your gospel may spread and be honored in all the world. And help us to not be idle in our gospel labors.
One Word: Pray and don't be idle!