Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents

3:3-4 Reassurance. Paul gives some final words of comfort to the Thessalonians in the wake of the false claim about Christ's return (2:2). In Greek, the last word of 3:2 is "faith" (Gk. pistis) and the first word of v. 3 is faithful (Gk. pistos)--the unbelievers' lack of faith contrasts with God's faithfulness. guard you against the evil one. Satan has been seeking to destroy the Thessalonians' young faith. But God's faithfulness assures Paul that the Evil One will not succeed: the Thessalonians will overcome him by responding appropriately to Paul's two letters. He has confidence that they already are doing and, when they get this letter, will do the things that we command. Paul may have in mind his instruction to discipline those within their community who are idle (vv. 6-15) and/or his command to hold to the traditions about the day of the Lord (2:15).