2 Tessalonicenses 2

2 Tessalonicenses 2

Meyer - 2 Thessalonians 2:13 God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation. From the beginning! Who shall compute the contents of the vast unknown abyss, which is comprehended in that phrase? The beginning of creation was preceded by the anticipation of Redemption, and the love of God to all who were one with Christ. God’s aim and purpose. Salvation. — Not simply our deliverance from the penalty, but from the power of all besetting sin; so that we may be delivered from the fear of our enemies, and serve Him in holiness and righteousness all our days. This He is prepared to give to us; but we must claim it by faith. God’s choice. — Whom He did foreknow He also did predestinate. From all eternity He saw those who would be attracted to Jesus by a Divine affinity, and these were included in his gift to the Son. “Thine they were, and Thou gavest them Me, and they have kept thy word.” We must not presume on the eternal choice; but we may be very grateful that the tendencies emanating from the fall are met, in mid-flow, by the grace and choice of the Almighty. God’s method. Through sanctification of the Spirit. — The Holy Ghost sets us apart from sin, and consecrates us to God. “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost, which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price.” Our sanctification is not the property of our soul, but its possession of the Holy One; not an attribute, but a Person. And belief of the truth. Let the Word of God dwell in you richly. Hide it in your heart, that you may be kept from sin. We are sanctified by the truth in so far as we expose our hearts to its entrance and rule. We are cleansed by the washing of water through the Word. The Belayers We also pray always for you . . . that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you. —2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Today's Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 I have high respect for brave men and women who climb rugged mountain peaks. They have to take serious precautions as they scale sheer cliffs. One safety feature is a line that’s always connected to a person below, who is called the “belayer.” If the climber loses his balance or falls, the belayer holds him securely until he can regain his footing and continue his ascent or descent. Thus, “to belay” is to anchor, to hold securely, to keep safe. Hope Church, near Cincinnati, has an adult fellowship group called “The Belayers.” Its members are committed to giving one another help and support in their daily walk with Christ and promise to uphold one another in prayer. They provide assistance as needed, they encourage one another, and they come alongside in times of spiritual danger. They “hold the ropes” for each other. Whose “rope” is God encouraging you to hold? His Choice God from the beginning chose you for salvation. — 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 When our children were small, I often prayed with them after we tucked them into bed. But before I prayed, I sometimes would sit on the edge of the bed and talk with them. I remember telling our daughter Libby, “If I could line up all the 4-year-old girls in the world, I would walk down the line looking for you. After going through the entire line, I would choose you to be my daughter.” That always put a big smile on Libby’s face because she knew she was special. If that was a smile-worthy moment for her, think of the grace-filled fact that the Creator-God of the universe “from the beginning chose you for salvation” (2 Thess. 2:13). Before time began, He desired to make you His own. This is why Scripture often uses the picture of adoption to communicate the amazing reality that, through no merit or worthiness of our own, we have been chosen by Him. I will be forever grateful that I am Your child, Father, and that You love me! Teach me to remember all the benefits of belonging to You, and may I serve You faithfully as part of Your family. It’s God’s choice to love you and to make you part of His family. Not Again! God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Today's Scripture & Insight: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 As I was reading the text message on my mobile phone, my temperature started to rise and my blood began to boil. I was on the verge of shooting back a nasty message when an inner voice told me to cool down and reply tomorrow. The next morning after a good night’s sleep, the issue that had upset me so greatly seemed so trivial. I had blown it out of proportion because I didn’t want to put another person’s interest before my own. I was unwilling to inconvenience myself so I could help someone. Regretfully, I am tempted to respond in anger more often than I would like to admit. I constantly find myself having to put into practice familiar Bible truths, such as “Be angry, and do not sin” (Eph. 4:26) and “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:4). I’m grateful, Lord, that You are at work in me. I want You to change my heart; please help me to listen and to cooperate with You. For help with anger issues, read When Anger Burns The growth of a saint is the work of a lifetime. 2 Thessalonians 2:14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amplified [It was] to this end that He called you through our Gospel, so that you may obtain and share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). Wuest also He summoned you through our good news, resulting in your acquisition of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. BGT 2 Thessalonians 2:14 εἰς ὃ [καὶ] ἐκάλεσεν ὑμᾶς διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἡμῶν εἰς περιποίησιν δόξης τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. NET 2 Thessalonians 2:14 He called you to this salvation through our gospel, so that you may possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. NLT 2 Thessalonians 2:14 He called you to salvation when we told you the Good News; now you can share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. ESV 2 Thessalonians 2:14 To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. NIV 2 Thessalonians 2:14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. GNT 2 Thessalonians 2:14 εἰς ὃ [καὶ] ἐκάλεσεν ὑμᾶς διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἡμῶν εἰς περιποίησιν δόξης τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ. KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. YLT 2 Thessalonians 2:14 to which He did call you through our good news, to the acquiring of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ; ASV 2 Thessalonians 2:14 whereunto he called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. CSB 2 Thessalonians 2:14 He called you to this through our gospel, so that you might obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. NKJ 2 Thessalonians 2:14 to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. He called you through: Ro 8:28-30 1Th 2:12 1Pe 5:10 through our gospel: Ro 2:16 16:25 1Th 1:5 that you may gain Ps 16:11 Mt 25:21 Joh 14:2,3 17:22,24 Ro 8:17 Eph 1:18 1Th 2:12 2Ti 2:12 1Pe 1:4,5 5:10 Rev 3:21 21:23 22:3-5 2 Thessalonians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries CALLED FOR A PURPOSE It was for this - For what? For salvation, God's "operation rescue!" He called you through our gospel - Called speaks of an irresistible, effectual call by God (See effectual calling), energized by the Spirit in our heart drawing us to receive the truth of the Gospel. Yes, God calls, but yes, we are responsible to exercise faith. Yes, this is a mystery! Paul’s main point in this section was to remind the Thessalonians that there was no need to be agitated or troubled (2 Th 2:2) thinking they had missed the rapture and thus were in the Day of Lord judgment. They were destined for glory, not judgment and would not be included with those deceived and judged in that Day. Notice that the call comes through the Gospel, which means we all need to be diligent in proclaiming the Gospel to the lost around us. “Religions are man’s search for God; the Gospel is God’s search for man. There are many religions, but one Gospel.” E. Stanley Jones Called (invited, summoned) (2564)(kaleo) literally means to speak to another in order to attract their attention or to them bring nearer, either physically or in a personal relationship. Kaleo is a major verb in the NT and its specific meaning depends on the the context in which it is used. Play Softly and Tenderly Jesus Is Calling Merrill Unger on call to salvation...“To call” signifies to invite to the blessings of the gospel, to offer salvation through Christ. This calling is, we believe, general, extending to all mankind. There is likewise a calling by the Spirit that is not resisted and clearly described as an efficacious calling. The efficacious calling of God is tantamount to His sovereign choice. There are now two elect companies in the world—Israel and the church. Both alike appear in Scripture as called by God. Israel’s calling is national, whereas the calling of those who compose the church is individual. It is wholly within the bounds of the efficacious calling that believers are termed the called ones. They are thus distinguished from the general mass who though subject to a general call are not efficaciously called. The efficacious call is the work of God in behalf of each elect person under grace. They are referred to as “those who are called according to His purpose” (Ro 8:28). The apostle goes on to declare that those whom God foreknew, He predestined; those whom He predestined, He called; those whom He called, He justified; and those whom He justified, He glorified (Ro 8:29, 30). Calling, then, is that choice on the part of God of an individual through an efficacious working in his mind and heart by the Holy Spirit so that the will of the one who is called operates by its own determination in the exercise of saving faith. In this way two great necessities are provided; namely, only those are called whom God has predestined to be justified and glorified and those who are thus called choose from their own hearts and minds to accept Christ as Savior. (Unger, M. F., Harrison, R. K., Vos, H. F., Barber, C. J., & Unger, M. F. (1988). The new Unger's Bible dictionary (Rev. and updated ed.). Chicago: Moody Press) Gospel (2098)(euaggelion) As in the OT so among the Greeks the term was used for the proclamation of news of victory. Often the news was sent in a letter, but also came from the field of battle by ship, by horse, or a swift runner, who proclaims to the anxiously awaiting city the victory of the army, and the death or capture of the enemy. Ponder these secular uses of "gospel" in light of the NT teaching! Others uses included being gladdened by the birth of a son, by news of an approaching wedding, or of the death of someone. Liberation from enemies and deliverance from the demonic powers which frighten men are occasions for euaggelizesthai. That (eis- unto - Literally "to the gaining of") - Our calling has a high, holy and eternal purpose (gain). You may gain the glory (doxa) of our Lord (kurios) Jesus (Iesous) Christ (Christos) - There is glory for believers now but it is but a faint glimmer of the glory. Paul writes about our present glory "But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit." (2 Cor 3:18+). And so in this life as the Spirit uses the Word and brings about progressive sanctification, believers are experiencing an increasing glory. And yet this is but a very faint "preview of coming attractions" for John promises that "Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is." (1 Jn 3:2+, cf "day of redemption" = our glorification - Eph 4:30+, Eph 1:14+) Finally! Fully glorified! Like our Lord Jesus Christ forever and ever (see "eternal glory" 2 Ti 2:10+)! Hallelujah! Amen! Related Passages on gain the glory: John 17:22 “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; Romans 8:17+ and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Paul used the same relatively uncommon Greek word for gain (peripoiesis) in his first letter to the Thessalonians writing "For God has not destined us for wrath, but for obtaining (peripoiesis) salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ." (1 Th 5:9+). these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified. -- Romans 8:30+ Gain (4047)(peripoiesis from peripoieomai = literally means to make around oneself and then to acquire or purchase) means that which is acquired by purchase with the corresponding idea of preservation of that which is purchased. Used only 5x in NT - Eph. 1:14; 1 Thess. 5:9; 2 Thess. 2:14; Heb. 10:39; 1 Pet. 2:9 Steve Lewis summarizes Paul's contrasts...(Paul Contrasts the Lawless with the Saved) Followers of the Lord Jesus Christ Followers of the "man of lawlessness" Those who are loved and chosen by God from eternity (2 Th 2:13) Those who [by their own choice] perish (2 Th 2:10) Those who put their faith in the Truth (2 Th 2:13) Those who do not receive the love of the truth (2 Th 2:10), but put their faith in falsehood (2 Th 2:11-12) Those who are sanctified by the Holy Spirit (2 Th 2:13) Those who are deceived by Satan (2 Th 2:9), so that wickedness seems good to them (2 Th 2:12) Those who are called through the gospel (2 Th 2:14) Those who reject the gospel which could have saved them (2 Th 2:10) Those who are destined for glorification (2 Th 2:14) Those who are destined for condemnation (2 Th 2:12) These two verses form a miniature systematic theology of salvation! • They describe the elements of the "Golden Chain of Redemption" (Rom 8:29-30) o "Fore-Loved" by God o Election to Salvation o Sanctification by the Holy Spirit o Faith in the Truth o Effectual Calling through the Gospel o Ultimate Glorification of the Believer In the area of election alone, here is what this section shows: FACT IMPLICATION God has chosen or elected them to salvation The doctrine of election is true This was from "the beginning" -- from eternity (see John 1:1; Eph 1:4; 3:9-11) The doctrine of eternal election is true This involved choosing the individuals to whom Paul speaks in this letter The doctrine of individual election is true 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. Amplified So then, brethren, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions and instructions which you were taught by us, whether by our word of mouth or by letter. Wuest So then, brethren, be constantly standing firmly, and be holding fast to the teachings which were delivered to you to be passed on to others, which you were taught either orally or through our letter. BGT 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Ἄρα οὖν, ἀδελφοί, στήκετε καὶ κρατεῖτε τὰς παραδόσεις ἃς ἐδιδάχθητε εἴτε διὰ λόγου εἴτε δι᾽ ἐπιστολῆς ἡμῶν. NET 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold on to the traditions that we taught you, whether by speech or by letter. NLT 2 Thessalonians 2:15 With all these things in mind, dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter. ESV 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter. NIV 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter. GNT 2 Thessalonians 2:15 ἄρα οὖν, ἀδελφοί, στήκετε, καὶ κρατεῖτε τὰς παραδόσεις ἃς ἐδιδάχθητε εἴτε διὰ λόγου εἴτε δι᾽ ἐπιστολῆς ἡμῶν. KJV 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. YLT 2 Thessalonians 2:15 so, then, brethren, stand ye fast, and hold the deliverances that ye were taught, whether through word, whether through our letter; ASV 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye were taught, whether by word, or by epistle of ours. CSB 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, either by our message or by our letter. NKJ 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. stand firm: 1Co 15:58 16:13 Php 4:1 hold to : 2Th 3:6 1Co 11:2 the traditions Ro 16:17 Jude 1:3 whether by word of mouth: 2Th 2:2 3:14 2 Thessalonians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries So then - Term of conclusion. Based on the truth about our security in Christ and our hope of glory in Him. Brethren (adelphos), stand firm - Stand firm is a command in the present imperative (see need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) calling for the saints to continue to persevere and remain firm in their faith in the Lord, especially in view of the "persecutions and afflictions." (2 Th 1:4+) Earlier Paul had requested that they not be shaken from their composure (2 Th 2:2+), but now he commands then to stand firm. THOUGHT - Christians are in constant danger of being swept downstream by the currents of ungodly culture. They are prone to let the truths they know and the relationship they enjoy with God grow cold. It's like spiritual entropy. (Phil 1:27) Stand firm (4739)(steko can mean to stand literally ("whenever you stand praying… " Mk 11:25) but in the other NT uses steko is used figuratively meaning in a positive sense of to stand firm in faith and duty, to be constant, to persevere, to remain steadfast, to continue in a state. It can mean to be firmly committed in conviction or belief. In Jn 8:44 Jesus uses steko in a negative sense describing the fact that the devil absolutely does not stand in the truth. And hold to the traditions which you were taught whether by word of mouth or by letter from us - NLT says "keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you both in person and by letter." Hold to like the first command is in the present imperative (see need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) Recall that in 2 Th 2:5 Paul reminded the Thessalonians that he had taught them these things while he was still with them and now commands them to hold them fast. Note it was not just any word or letter but was "our" word and "our" letter. THOUGHT - Hold God's Word with a firm grasp and never let it slip away. Like a relay race, each generation must take the baton and make sure it is held firmly so as to be passed on to the next generation (2 Ti 2:2+). We are all prone to let the truths we know and the relationship we enjoy with God grow cold. We need to vigorously hold to what we have been taught by God’s servants. THOUGHT - In no way can this verse be used to support the idea that man-made traditions and rules hold equal authority to the revealed Word of God in the closed canon of Scripture. (Lewis) Hold to (2902) krateo) has basic meaning be strong or possess power and thus means to take hold of, grasp, hold fast. Krateo is from word that means strength (kratos ), therefore the idea can be to ''seize'' (soldiers came to seize Jesus). Krateō is used here meaning to “hold fast” with the idea of being loyal to or closely united with someone or something. Traditions (3862)(paradosis from paradidomi = deliver in teaching) means literally to give from the presence of, thus to give personally. It signifies an act of transmission or that which is transmitted and thus refers to that which is handed down or transmitted from generation to generation; injunction delivered or from one to another. It was used to refer to the Pharisaic traditions which had been engrafted on the Mosaic Law (Mt 15:2, 6; Mk 7:3, 13). Paradosis "means literally “to give from the presence of,” thus “to give personally.” It signifies an act of transmission or that which is transmitted. In the New Testament it is used in the latter sense, without indicating the method of transmission or implying any lapse of time such as is usually associated with the English word tradition." (Wuest) Lewis adds paradosis "is from the verb paradidomi and implies that the teacher is faithfully passing on a specific message received from a higher authority. The traditions or opinions of men are valuable only to the extent that they confirm the intended meaning of the Word of God." Were taught (1321)(didasko from dáo= know or teach; English = didactic; see study of related noun didaskalia and the adjective didaktikos) means to provide instruction or information in a formal or informal setting. Didasko means to teach a student in such a way that the will of the student becomes conformed to the teaching taught. So the teacher teaches in such a way that as the student is taught, he/she now changes his/her mind saying in essence ''I won't do it this way, but I will do it this way because I've learned this doctrine or this teaching.'' Doctrine determines direction of our behavior--conformed to world or to God? (cf Ro 12:1+) Teaching that Scripture finds significant is not that which gives information alone but which produces (Spirit enabled) transformation (2 Cor 3:18+), making disciples (learners) who seek to live supernaturally (enabled by the Spirit - Eph 5:18+) in loving obedience to the will of our Father Who art in Heaven. David Jeremiah - GET BUSY FOR GOD 2 THESSALONIANS 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. Paul says, “Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). The daily news can discourage us. But in the midst of it all, there is Jesus and His encouragement. We need to cultivate our relationship with Him until He is not just one of the things in our life, He is the one thing in our life—the focus of who we are. “Comfort your hearts and establish you in every good word and work,” Paul goes on to say. This is not the time to wear a white robe, sit on a fence, and passively wait for the Lord’s return. This is a time to use the powers and energy you have and get busy for God. The most simple objective of Christians is not only to go to heaven, but to take as many people with us as we can. Share the gospel, teach children, build up one another, strengthen one another, encourage those who are fallen, and reach out to those who are hurting. In every good work, “occupy till I come” (Luke 19:13 KJV), said the Lord. This is no time for idleness. This is a time for us to seek the truth and live it out every day. (Sanctuary) Related Resource: What is sola scriptura? | GotQuestions.org -- Discusses the role of "traditions" 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, Amplified Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, Who loved us and gave us everlasting consolation and encouragement and well-founded hope through [His] grace (unmerited favor), Wuest Now, our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father who loved us and who gave us everlasting encouragement and a good hope, this gift having been given us in [His] grace, BGT 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς καὶ [ὁ] θεὸς ὁ πατὴρ ἡμῶν ὁ ἀγαπήσας ἡμᾶς καὶ δοὺς παράκλησιν αἰωνίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα ἀγαθὴν ἐν χάριτι, NET 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, NLT 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal comfort and a wonderful hope, ESV 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, NIV 2 Thessalonians 2:16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, GNT 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ κύριος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦς Χριστὸς καὶ [ὁ] θεὸς ὁ πατὴρ ἡμῶν ὁ ἀγαπήσας ἡμᾶς καὶ δοὺς παράκλησιν αἰωνίαν καὶ ἐλπίδα ἀγαθὴν ἐν χάριτι, KJV 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, YLT 2 Thessalonians 2:16 and may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and our God and Father, who did love us, and did give comfort age-during, and good hope in grace, ASV 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, CSB 2 Thessalonians 2:16 May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal encouragement and good hope by grace, NKJ 2 Thessalonians 2:16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and our God and Father, who has loved us and given us everlasting consolation and good hope by grace, Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself: 2Th 1:1,2 Ro 1:7 1Th 3:11 who has loved us: 2Th 2:13 Joh 3:16 13:1 15:9,13 Ro 5:8 Eph 2:4,5 5:2,25 Tit 3:4-7 1Jn 3:16 4:9,10 Rev 1:5 3:9 given us eternal comfort: Ps 103:17 Isa 35:10 51:11 60:19,20 61:7 Lu 16:25 Joh 4:14 Joh 14:16-18 16:22 2Co 4:17,18 Heb 6:18 1Pe 1:5-8 Rev 7:16,17 Rev 22:5 and good hope: Ro 5:2-5 8:24,25 Col 1:5,23 1Th 1:3 Tit 1:2 2:13 Heb 6:11 Heb 6:12,19 7:19 1Pe 1:3-5 1Jn 3:2,3 by grace: Ac 15:11 18:27 Ro 4:4,16 5:2 11:5,6 2 Thessalonians 2 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries PAUL'S CLOSING PRAYER/BENEDICTION Now may of our Lord (kurios) Jesus (Iesous) Christ (Christos) Himself and God our Father, Who has loved (agapao) us - First note that Paul puts the Son and the Father on the same plane. Jesus is fully God just like His Father. Paul had just used this same verb agapao in calling the believers beloved (2 Th 2:13), and now reiterates that God has loved them. It is good to be reminded of God's love past, present and future, and given the persecutions and the fears that they might be in the Day of the Lord, Paul reminds them of God's love as he does all of us in Romans 8:37 writing "in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him Who loved us." And given us eternal comfort and good hope by (literally "in", so in the sphere of) grace - Given describes a decision by the will of the Father and based on no merit in us as beneficiaries of such amazing grace and so great a salvation. God grants men hope, confidence, assurance, and security in the future if they will accept them as a gift. Comfort is consolation and encouragement forever and ever. And since we are already in eternity, this comfort from God is available to us even now. The teaching of encouragement is for the purpose of strengthening/establishing believer Ro 15:4; Phil 2:1; Heb 12:5; Heb 13:22. Hope by itself would have been sufficient but Paul refers to is as good hope, where good (agathos) describes this hope as constitutionally good, beneficial in effect, pleasant, agreeable, joyful in its fruits. Hope in Scripture is the absolute certainty of future good. It is "defined" as "full assurance." (Heb 6:11) 1Ti 1:1 describes our hope as a person, Christ Jesus Our Hope. We have the blessed hope of His soon return to rescue us from the wrath to come (1 Th 1:10+). As I like to say the believer's hope is not a "hope so," but a "hope sure!" The antithesis of hope is despair, something all of us experience in our time of stay on the earth, but which we will never experience throughout eternity to come. If that does not emote a "Hallelujah" I don't know what will! Eternal (166)(aionios) means a perpetual eternal, everlasting, without beginning or end (our salvation of course had a "beginning" but will have no end), that which always will be. It is a difficult idea to put into language. Comfort (3874)(paraklesis from parakaléo = beseech <> pará = side of + kaléo = call) refers to calling to one's side or one's aid which can be for the purpose of providing solace, comfort, consolation, exhortation, encouragement. Or stated another way it has the root meaning of coming alongside someone to give assistance by offering comfort, counsel, or exhortation. Ponder that in light of eternity in Heaven! God Himself coming alongside us and giving us unspeakable comfort forever! Comfort is from Latin com = with + fortis = strong, and means to invigorate, to enliven, to cheer, to strengthen one's mind when depressed, to give new vigor to one's spirits, to give strength or hope to another, to ease their grief or trouble. Good (18)(agathos) means intrinsically good, inherently good in quality and with the idea of good which is also profitable, useful, benefiting others, benevolent. Hope (1680)(elpis) in Scripture is not the world's definition of "I hope so", with a few rare exceptions (e.g., Acts 27:20) Hope is defined as a desire for some future good with the expectation of obtaining it. Hope is always an expectation of something good as well as descriptive of something for which we must wait. Paul used this great word 4x in his first epistle - 1 Th 1:3, 1 Th 2:19, 1 Th 4:13, 1 Th 5:8 (and all are worth spending a few moments in meditation!) (See related study The Blessed Hope: Part 1) Grace (favor) (5485)(charis) conveys the sense of favor. Grace is God's unmerited favor and supernatural enablement and empowerment for salvation and for daily sanctification. Grace is everything for nothing to those who don't deserve anything! Someone has written that the word grace is probably the greatest word in the Scriptures, even greater even than “love,” because grace is love in action, and therefore includes it. It is hardly too much to say that God has in no word uttered Himself and all that was in His heart more distinctly than in this word grace (charis)!