2 Thessalonians 2:17

στηριξαι υμας, in the latest uncials, and cop; cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:3.

εργῳ και λογῳ, transposed by G and the Syrians, in conformity with Romans 15:18; 2 Corinthians 10:11; Colossians 3:17, &c. Luke 24:19 gives the only N.T. parallel to the order of this passage.

17. παρακαλέσαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας καὶ στηρίξαι ἐν παντὶ ἔργῳ καὶ λόγῳ�, (may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father …) encourage your hearts, and establish (them) in every good work and word. For the sense of παρακαλέω, see note on 1 Thessalonians 2:11; for God as subject, cf. references under παράκλησις, 2 Thessalonians 2:16; see note on 1 Thessalonians 3:11 for the singular predicate. For καρδία, note on 1 Thessalonians 2:4. The emotional sense of “heart” in modern English, and the rendering of παράκλησις by “comfort,” suggest consolation as the blessing desired in these words; rather it is the rousing and cheering of the whole inner man which the Apostles pray for,—that the Thessalonians may be animated to brave endurance and vigorous activity: see the words στηρίξαι ἐν παντὶ ἔργῳ κ.τ.λ. following; and cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:2 f. above; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Colossians 4:8; Colossians 2:2. For στηρίζω, see notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:13 (where στηρίξαι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας was anticipated), also 2 Thessalonians 3:3 below. St Paul uses this word four times in these two Letters, and only in Romans 1:11; Romans 16:25 besides. The phrase στηρίζειν τὴν καρδίαν occurs in James 5:8, and somewhat frequently in the LXX—Psalms 103:15; Psalms 111:8 (ἐστήρικται ἡ καρδία αὐτοῦ, οὐ μὴ φοβηθῇ); Sir 6:37, &c. It is the opposite of σαλευθῆναι, 2 Thessalonians 2:2; God’s στηρίζειν makes possible the στηκειν and κρατεῖν enjoined in 2 Thessalonians 2:15.

The terms of the antithesis ἔργῳ κ. λόγῳ are usually in the reverse order (Romans 15:18; 2 Corinthians 10:11; Colossians 3:17); but where the thought of strength is present, ἔργον naturally precedes (Luke 24:19). Λόγος must not be confined to doctrine, as when it is opposed to πνεῦμα (2 Thessalonians 2:2) or associated with ἐπιστολή (2 Thessalonians 2:15); coupled with ἔργον, it covers the whole business of life: “May God give you courage and confidence of heart in all the good that you do and say.” The Apostles know that their readers are busy in doing good (1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:10); they would have them do it with a good and cheerful heart (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 f.; Romans 2:7; Colossians 1:10; 2 Timothy 2:21; 2 Timothy 3:17).