Delivered from Unreasonable and Wicked Men 2 Thessalonians 3:2

Paul desired for the Thessalonian church members to “pray for” he and his companions “that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with” them, and in chapter three and verse two of this second letter to the Thessalonians, Paul also asks them to pray that they “may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men” where we read:

And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

The verse begins, “And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men:” Paul began, “And that we” which refers to Paul and his traveling companions “may be delivered” or “rescued as in a rush” “from unreasonable” or “out of place, not befitting, unbecoming, improper, unrighteous, inconvenient and harmful” “and wicked men” which means “full of labors, annoyances, hardships, toils, perils, causing pain and trouble, of bad nature and condition, diseased, blind and evil”. There was opposition to Paul, his companions and the gospel of Jesus Christ, and Paul wanted to be rescued from their influence and capture.

The verse goes on to say, “...for all men have not faith.” Paul gave the reason these “men” were “unreasonable and wicked” as he continued, “for all men” which refers to “each, every, any, all, the whole and everyone” “have not faith” or “do not the conviction that God exists and is the creator and ruler of all things, the provider and bestower of eternal salvation through Christ or that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God”. Paul knew the rejection of faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ leads people to “unrighteous and evil” behavior.

When we consider Paul's words, we may begin to understand why people treat us in the manner they do. Some people do not believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, came to die for our sins and was resurrected on the third day. This leads them to follow their natural nature which is “wicked”, “unreasonable” and unrighteous. Paul's desire to be “delivered” from this type of people should not surprise us as we also want the same, and when we encounter those who are in opposition to us, we should remember, they are actually fighting against the plan of Salvation designed by Almighty God who is the Creator of the entire Universe.

Next time Paul tells the Thessalonians about the “faithfulness of God”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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