Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, (17) comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work. (3:1) Finally brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you, (2) and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, for not all have faith. (3) But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (4) And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, both that you do and will do all the things we command you. (5) Now may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patience of Christ.
The second letter to the Thessalonians was written by the apostle Paul – Paul has dealt with teaching about the second coming of Christ and the events preceding the Day of the Lord. Now he moves on to matters of personal and practical interest for the faithful in Thessalonica for their comfort and strength as they were dealing with persecution and affliction for their faith.
Paul had two specific prayer asks; that the successful teaching and spread of the gospel run swiftly – the Thessalonians embraced the gospel right from the beginning – and that Paul and the church be delivered from wicked and unreasonable men, “for not all have faith”. By unreasonable Paul means hopeless to reason with. Faith is a gift from God not found in all for many are called who do not come. Paul is simply saying that not all who make a profession of faith are such in reality. The Jews should have recognized Christ by the Law and the Prophets and the conflict arises from false appearance of piety, for treacherous and evil men are always mixed with good men. But God is faithful and and they are secure in His support. God’s purpose is to maintain salvation of His people and never forsake them.
Paul wanted the Thessalonians to know he had confidence in them even in the face of persecution. God will protect them. The Lord is sovereign.