Paul requests the Thessalonians pray that he may be delivered from wicked and evil men, "for not all have faith" (2 Thessalonians 3:2; Romans 15:30-31). Those who do not believe that Jesus Christ came to save us from our sins are often resentful toward those who share the message of salvation.
To them we smell like death (2 Corinthians 2:15-16). They view the message as foolish (1 Corinthians 1:18) and scoff or look down on anyone who believes. The anger produced by unrepentant hearts can lash out against those who bring the message of God's forgiveness. They can make life difficult for the believer, especially if they are in a position of authority.
We need to pray for one another that God will protect us from the backlash of wicked and evil men.
