2 Thessalonians 2:16

¶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

Now {G1161} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} himself {G846}, and {G2532} God {G2316}, even {G2532} our {G2257} Father {G3962}, which {G3588} hath loved {G25} us {G2248}, and {G2532} hath given {G1325} us everlasting {G166} consolation {G3874} and {G2532} good {G18} hope {G1680} through {G1722} grace {G5485},

And may our Lord Yeshua the Messiah himself and God our Father, who has loved us and by his grace given us eternal comfort and a good hope,

Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who by grace has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope,

Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,

Commentary on 2 Thessalonians 2:16 (KJV)

This verse opens a powerful benediction or prayer from the Apostle Paul, Silas, and Timothy to the Thessalonian believers. It serves as a comforting assurance following a complex discussion about future events, including the "man of sin" and the coming of the Lord. Paul shifts from theological exposition to a direct invocation of God's character and provision, reminding the church of the unwavering source of their strength and hope.

Context

The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians addresses concerns that arose after Paul's first letter, particularly misunderstandings about the timing of the Lord's return and the accompanying persecution. After correcting false teachings and urging the believers to stand firm in the traditions they were taught, Paul concludes this section with a prayer for divine comfort and establishment. This prayer underscores that even amidst confusion or tribulation, believers are sustained by a loving God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative and Love: The verse highlights that salvation and its accompanying blessings originate entirely from God. It begins by identifying "our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father," emphasizing the unified work of the Godhead. The phrase "which hath loved us" points to God's eternal, active, and initiating love as the foundation for all He provides. This foundational love is also beautifully expressed in passages like John 3:16.
  • Everlasting Consolation: God gives "everlasting consolation." The Greek word for consolation, paraklesis, implies comfort, encouragement, and exhortation. It's a deep, abiding comfort that isn't temporary but endures for eternity, offering solace in all circumstances. This echoes the concept of God as the "God of all comfort" found in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
  • Good Hope: Alongside consolation, believers receive "good hope." This is not a mere wishful thinking but a confident and certain expectation rooted in God's faithfulness and promises. The Greek word elpis for hope signifies a sure and steadfast anchor for the soul, particularly in times of uncertainty or suffering, as described in Hebrews 6:19.
  • Through Grace: All these profound blessings – love, everlasting consolation, and good hope – are given "through grace." This crucial phrase emphasizes that these gifts are unmerited favor, bestowed freely by God, not earned by human effort or merit. It reinforces the core Christian doctrine of salvation by grace, often seen in passages like Ephesians 2:8.

Linguistic Insights

The term "consolation" (Greek: paraklesis) is significant. It describes a deep comfort that also empowers and strengthens, often associated with the Holy Spirit as the Paraclete or Comforter. The "good hope" (Greek: agathe elpis) is distinct from worldly optimism; it is a hope that is inherently "good" because its object is God Himself and His unfailing promises.

Practical Application

For believers today, 2 Thessalonians 2:16 offers immense reassurance. It reminds us that our comfort and hope do not depend on our circumstances but on the unchanging character and active love of God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. When facing trials, confusion, or the uncertainties of life, we can lean into the "everlasting consolation" and "good hope" freely given to us by divine "grace." This verse encourages steadfastness and trust, knowing that God has already provided everything necessary for spiritual endurance and peace.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 3:16

    For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

  • Romans 5:2

    By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

  • Romans 5:5

    And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:11

    ¶ Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

  • Titus 1:2

    In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

  • Titus 3:4

    But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

  • Titus 3:7

    That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
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