What is the context?
Paul asks the Father and the Lord Jesus to direct his way back to the believers. He then asks that their love increase toward one another and everyone else, so that their hearts may be established in holiness at Christ’s coming.
This prayer closes the account of his relationship with them and prepares the practical instructions of chapter 4. Holiness is not presented as isolation from people. Love reaching beyond the congregation is part of readiness to stand before God.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Wesley draws attention to the prayer’s address to Jesus as well as the Father and understands the accompanying holy ones to include angels and people. The paragraph’s central request is clear without deciding every detail about that company: the believers are to grow in love and holiness as they await Jesus.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Jesus makes love for one another the recognizable mark of His disciples in John 13:34–35. Paul’s prayer places that shared life within the hope of Christ’s return. God’s purpose for a holy people takes visible form in their treatment of others now.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.