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,

Both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ Himself have loved believers and through grace have given them everlasting consolation and good hope. The two are named and invoked together as its source, Father and Son united in bestowing lasting comfort and a sure hope. This gift is given to comfort their hearts and to establish and strengthen them in every good word and work. It steadies the heart, enables right speaking and right acting, and holds believers firm so they stand and continue.

The prayer for comfort follows the call to stand fast and hold the traditions taught by word or epistle. It applies in the last great crisis when the working of the man of sin is revealed. There its consolation and hope sustain believers in remaining steadfast and continuing their work amid opposition and the delay of deliverance. The same comfort and hope sustain them through trials, strengthening them to speak and act rightly.

Together with the surrounding verses it shows two great forces cooperating in saving souls. The strong, loving, working faith of the human agent uniting with divinity is the condition of partnership. That partnership requires believers to be laborers together with God in seeking and saving that which is lost. Amid the sorrow of the world and the pressing shadow of sin, Jesus Himself is present with believers, and His Holy Spirit teaches and guides their thoughts to speak words that cheer and brighten the pathway of others.

This consolation and hope makes minds ready for every kind of good speaking and doing. It leads believers to guide others by personal example instead of merely telling them to go. It leads them to grow in appreciation of the value of the human soul as learners who become teachers. The Lord in this way helps, strengthens, and encourages His people as they faithfully work for the salvation of others.

❧