2 Thessalonians 2:16

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father This remarkable invocation corresponds both in form and place in the Epistle to that of 1 Thessalonians 3:11 (see note). But here Christ'sname comes first, a circumstance indicating the Divinity with which the writer invests it: "Where now are those who would lower the Son of God?" (Chrysostom). Comp. 2 Corinthians 13:14. Again the Subjects are united by the singular number of the following verbs (comfort, &c., 2 Thessalonians 2:17).

As in 1 Thessalonians 3:11, we prefer to render the particle of transition But (rather than Now) may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father. On "Lord Jesus Christ," see note to 1 Thessalonians 1:1. St Paul invokes our Lord Jesus Christ Himselfas their stablisher, with God our Father, in contrast with the efforts on their own part to which he has exhorted his readers (2 Thessalonians 2:15); comp. the transition in 1 Thessalonians 5:22-23 (see note).

St Paul prays with confidence for his emperilled brethren at Thessalonica, because of the grace which Christ and God had already bestowed both on them and him: Who loved us and gave us eternal comfort (or encouragement) and good hope.

"God our Father, Who lovedus and gave," &c. There is the tenderest connection of thought in these words. God's Fatherly love prompts His great gifts. See the words of Christ in Matthew 7:11; Luke 12:32: "Your Father who is in heaven shall give (you) good things," &c.; comp. Joh 3:16; 1 John 3:1; also Romans 5:8. While the Thessalonians are "beloved of God" (1 Thessalonians 1:4), they are also "beloved by the Lord" (2 Thessalonians 2:13); and this clause, though singular, may include Christin its reference, He and the Father being one in loveas in comfort(2 Thessalonians 2:17).

In His love the Father had already given the readers gladness of heart in trouble (ch. 2 Thessalonians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:6), such as the Apostle often acknowledges in his own case (e.g. in 2 Corinthians 1:4-6) an "eternalcomfort," which the sorrows of time will never waste. To know that God loves us is in itself a comfort infinitely rich. "Consolation" (A.V.) represents the Greek noun corresponding to the verb "comfort" of 2 Thessalonians 2:17. It is comfortin its older sense of heartening, encouragement, rather than consolation: see note on "comfort," 1 Thessalonians 3:2.

A "goodhope" is such a hope as it is good to have, that gives worth and joy to life. See note on "hope," 1 Thessalonians 1:3.

These kindred blessings flowing from the love of God, are given in grace not out of merit, and as to the worthy; but in the way of bounty to the undeserving. See notes on "grace," ch. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 and 1 Thessalonians 1:1.