King James Version
2 Thessalonians 2
17 verses with commentary
The Day of the Lord
Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, unto him: or, around him
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him</strong>—<em>erōtōmen</em> (ἐρωτῶμεν, 'we ask/beseech') begins the letter's main burden. <strong>By</strong> (<em>hyper</em>, ὑπέρ, 'concerning/about') introduces the topic: <strong>the coming</strong> (<em>parousias</em>, παρουσίας, arrival/presence) of Christ and <strong>our gathe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **Brethren.**—The Apostles have won a hearing for the true Advent doctrine by their sympathetic treatment of it in the former chapter; now they soften their correction of the false doctrine by using tender names.
**By the coming.**—Literally, *for the sake of the coming, *just as in English we adjure persons to do a thing “for God’s sake.” It is a stronger form of adjuration than the simple “b...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**4. Since we heard--**literally, "Having heard." The language implies that he had only heard of, and not seen, them (Col 2:1). Compare Ro 1:8, where like language is used of a Church which he had not at the time visited.
**love ... to all--**the absent, as well as those present [Bengel].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle expresses his love to, and joy in believers.(1-7)
He cautions against the errors of heathen philosophy; also against Jewish traditions, and rites which had been fulfilled in Christ.(8-17)
Against worshipping angels; and against legal ordinances.(18-23)
**Verses 1-7**
The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in ...
Read full commentary →That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand</strong>—<strong>not soon shaken</strong> (<em>mē tacheōs saleuthēnai</em>, μὴ ταχέως σαλευθῆναι, 'not quickly shaken') warns against hasty conclusions. <strong>Shaken in mind</strong> (<em>apo tou noos</em>, ἀπὸ τοῦ νοός, 'from the mind') means...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Not soon shaken.**—The meaning would be clearer if we inserted “so” before “soon,” for it does not mean vaguely that they were for the future not to be lightly shaken, but (as in Galatians 1:6) that they had already been shaken, and that in an unconscionably short time since their first teaching on the subject.
**In mind.**—In the original it is, *from your mind;* *from your reason,*
**Be tr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**5. For--**to be joined with the words immediately preceding: "The love which ye have to all the saints because of (literally, 'on account of') the hope," &c. The hope of eternal life will never be in us an inactive principle but will always produce "love." This passage is abused by Romanists, as if the hope of salvation depended upon works. A false argument. It does not follow that our hope ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle expresses his love to, and joy in believers.(1-7)
He cautions against the errors of heathen philosophy; also against Jewish traditions, and rites which had been fulfilled in Christ.(8-17)
Against worshipping angels; and against legal ordinances.(18-23)
**Verses 1-7**
The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in ...
Read full commentary →Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition</strong>—<strong>Let no man deceive you</strong> (<em>exapatēsē</em>, ἐξαπατήσῃ, thoroughly deceive) warns against any teacher, whatever the method. The day will NOT come <strong>except</strong> (<em>ean mē</em>, ἐὰν μή) two events ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Let no man . . .** **by any means.**—“Whatever device they may adopt—spirit, letter, or what not—they are deceivers or deceived; do not be duped by them.” The form of warning is a mark of St. Paul’s style. (Comp. 1Corinthians 3:18; Ephesians 5:6)
**For . . .** **except.**—The words between are rightly supplied in our version. Probably, St. Paul’s first intention was to turn 2Thessalonians 2:...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**6. Which is come unto you--**Greek, "Which is present among you," that is, which has come to, and remains with, you. He speaks of the word as a living person present among them.
**as it is in all the world--**virtually, as it was by this time preached in the leading parts of the then known world; potentially, as Christ's command was that the Gospel should be preached to all nations, and not be...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle expresses his love to, and joy in believers.(1-7)
He cautions against the errors of heathen philosophy; also against Jewish traditions, and rites which had been fulfilled in Christ.(8-17)
Against worshipping angels; and against legal ordinances.(18-23)
**Verses 1-7**
The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in ...
Read full commentary →Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God</strong>—<strong>opposeth</strong> (<em>antikeimenos</em>, ἀντικείμενος, adversary) and <strong>exalteth himself above</strong> (<em>hyperairōmenos</em>, ὑπεραιρόμενος, lifting himself over) describe total rebellion against de...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Who opposeth and exalteth himself.**—The original continues a quasi-substantival form:—“the opposer and exalter of himself”—well-known descriptions (doubtless) of the Antichrist; several of the details are drawn directly from the description of Antiochus in Daniel 11. Being merely descriptive epithets, we are not at liberty to press the present tense, and say that the Man of Sin was already ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7. As ye also learned--**"Also" is omitted in the oldest manuscripts. The insertion implied that those inserting it thought that Paul had preached the Gospel to the Colossians as well as Epaphras, Whereas the omission in the oldest manuscripts implies that Epaphras alone was the founder of the Church at Colosse.
**of--**"from Epaphras."
**dear--**Greek, "beloved."
**fellow servant--**namel...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle expresses his love to, and joy in believers.(1-7)
He cautions against the errors of heathen philosophy; also against Jewish traditions, and rites which had been fulfilled in Christ.(8-17)
Against worshipping angels; and against legal ordinances.(18-23)
**Verses 1-7**
The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in ...
Read full commentary →Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Remember ye not, that, when I was yet with you, I told you these things?</strong>—Paul's rhetorical question (<em>ou mnēmoneuete</em>, οὐ μνημονεύετε, 'don't you remember?') appeals to prior teaching. During his brief Thessalonian ministry (perhaps 3 weeks, Acts 17:2), he taught end-times chronology. This shows eschatology was basic Christian catechism, not advanced speculation.<br><br>The...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Remember ye** **not.**—A rebuke of the same character as Romans 6:3; 1Corinthians 6:19, and, like those, levelled at ignorance of what in apostolic days were thought the six fundamental points of Christian teaching (Hebrews 5:12; Hebrews 6:1-2). The doctrine of Antichrist would naturally form part of the course on resurrection and judgment. This explains how the doctrine was enforced (1) so ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. your love--**(Col 1:4); "to all the saints."
**in the Spirit--**the sphere or element IN which alone true love is found; as distinguished from the state of those "in the flesh" (Ro 8:9). Yet even they needed to be stirred up to greater love (Col 3:12-14). Love is the first and chief fruit of the Spirit (Ga 5:22).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle expresses his love to, and joy in believers.(1-7)
He cautions against the errors of heathen philosophy; also against Jewish traditions, and rites which had been fulfilled in Christ.(8-17)
Against worshipping angels; and against legal ordinances.(18-23)
**Verses 1-7**
The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in ...
Read full commentary →And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. withholdeth: or, holdeth
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time</strong>—<strong>what withholdeth</strong> (<em>to katechon</em>, τὸ κατέχον, the restraining thing/force) is neuter gender, referring to an impersonal force or principle. This restrainer prevents the man of sin's premature appearance—<strong>that he might be revealed in his time</strong> (<em>kairō</em>, καιρῷ, appoint...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **And now ye know.**—Not “now, because of what I have just said,” for nothing has yet been said in the Letter from which the Thessalonians could gather what withheld the premature manifestation of the Man of Sin. The word “now” is not used exactly in a temporal sense, but as introducing another item. “You remember about Antichrist and his characteristics: very good; and now, what keeps Antichr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. we also--**on our part.
**heard it--**(Col 1:4).
**pray--**Here he states what in particular he prays for; as in Col 1:3 he stated generally the fact of his praying for them.
**to desire--**"to make request."
**might be filled--**rather, "may be filled"; a verb, often found in this Epistle (Col 4:12, 17).
**knowledge--**Greek, "full and accurate knowledge." Akin to the Greek for "kn...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle expresses his love to, and joy in believers.(1-7)
He cautions against the errors of heathen philosophy; also against Jewish traditions, and rites which had been fulfilled in Christ.(8-17)
Against worshipping angels; and against legal ordinances.(18-23)
**Verses 1-7**
The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in ...
Read full commentary →For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way</strong>—<strong>the mystery of iniquity</strong> (<em>to mystērion tēs anomias</em>, τὸ μυστήριον τῆς ἀνομίας, secret of lawlessness) is already operative, though restrained. <em>Mystērion</em> means 'hidden reality now revealed.' Lawlessness works secretly, preparing for open...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **For.**—Logically, the “for” belongs to the clause “he that letteth;” thus:” For, although the mystery is already at work, the wicked one will not be revealed until he that now withholds shall disappear.”
**The mystery of iniquity doth already work.**—Both “mystery” and “iniquity” have the article in the Greek, perhaps (as in 2Thessalonians 2:3) because the phrase was well known to the Thessa...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
10. Greek, "So as to walk"; so that ye may walk. True knowledge of God's will is inseparable from walking conformably to it.
**worthy of the Lord--**(Ep 4:1).
**unto--**so as in every way to be well-pleasing to God.
**pleasing--**literally, "desire of pleasing."
**being fruitful--**Greek, "bearing fruit." This is the first manifestation of their "walking worthy of the Lord." The second is,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The apostle expresses his love to, and joy in believers.(1-7)
He cautions against the errors of heathen philosophy; also against Jewish traditions, and rites which had been fulfilled in Christ.(8-17)
Against worshipping angels; and against legal ordinances.(18-23)
**Verses 1-7**
The soul prospers when we have clear knowledge of the truth as it is in ...
Read full commentary →And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming</strong>—<strong>then</strong> (after restraint removal) <strong>that Wicked</strong> (<em>ho anomos</em>, ὁ ἄνομος, 'the lawless one') is unveiled. But his reign is brief—<strong>the Lord shall consume</strong> (<em>analōsei</em>, ἀναλώσει, ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **And then.**—Then at length, when the obstructor is gone, two things shall happen: (1) the Lawless One shall be revealed, and (2) then the Lord will come and destroy him. The purpose with which St. Paul began this chapter was to show relatively the date of our Lord’s Advent; but he is now so engrossed in describing the events which must precede it, that when he does mention the Advent again h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
11. Greek, "Being made mighty with (literally, 'in') all might."
**according to his glorious power--**rather, "according to the power (the characteristic of 'His glory,' here appropriate to Paul's argument, Ep 1:19; 6:10; as its exuberant 'riches,' in Ep 3:16) of His glory." His power is inseparable from His glory (Ro 6:4).
**unto all patience--**so as to attain to all patient endurance; perse...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-17**
There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the ...
Read full commentary →Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders</strong>—the lawless one's <em>parousia</em> (παρουσία, arrival) mimics Christ's coming. His appearance is <strong>after the working of Satan</strong> (<em>kat' energeian tou Satana</em>, κατ' ἐνέργειαν τοῦ Σατανᾶ, according to Satan's supernatural activity). He manifests <strong>all power</stro...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Even him, whose coming.**—The “even him” does not stand in the Greek; and “whose” might, again, be rendered by *for his own, *or perhaps “though his own.” The purpose of the verses following is not merely to describe Antichrist more fully, but to compare word for word his coming with that which will annihilate him. Again is used of Antichrist a peculiar word consecrated to the Christ: “comin...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
12. You "giving thanks unto the Father." See on Col 1:10; this clause is connected with "that ye may be filled" (Col 1:9), and "that ye may walk" (Col 1:10). The connection is not, "We do not cease to pray for you (Col 1:9) giving thanks."
**unto the Father--**of Jesus Christ, and so our Father by adoption (Ga 3:26; 4:4-6).
**which hath made us meet--**Greek, "who made us meet." Not "is making...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-17**
There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the ...
Read full commentary →And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved</strong>—<strong>all deceivableness</strong> (<em>apatē tēs adikias</em>, ἀπάτῃ τῆς ἀδικίας, 'all unrighteous deception') accompanies the signs. The target: <strong>them that perish</strong> (<em>apollymenois</em>, ἀπολλυμένοις, those in process of d...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **And with all deceivableness.**—“Deceivableness” does not mean “readiness to *be deceived,” *but, according to old English usage, has an active meaning; the words include and expand the list just given “in all sham power and signs and wonders, and, in fact, in every iniquitous fraud.”
**In them that perish.**—Rather, *for them.* These are not the persons who exercise the fraud, but the objec...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. from--**Greek, "out of the power," out of the sphere in which his power is exercised.
**darkness--**blindness, hatred, misery [Bengel].
**translated--**Those thus translated as to state, are also transformed as to character. Satan has an organized dominion with various orders of powers of evil (Ep 2:2; 6:12). But the term "kingdom" is rarely applied to his usurped rule (Mt 12:26); it is ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-17**
There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the ...
Read full commentary →And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie</strong>—<strong>for this cause</strong> (refusing truth-love) <strong>God shall send</strong> (<em>pempei autois</em>, πέμπει αὐτοῖς, actively sends) <strong>strong delusion</strong> (<em>energeian planēs</em>, ἐνέργειαν πλάνης, 'working of error/deception'). This is judicial hardening—God gives truth-r...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **And for this cause**—*i.e.*, because they did not care whether things were true or not. This verse is not a mere repetition of 2Thessalonians 2:9-10. *There* we were told of external dangers which would attend Antichrist’s coming for them that perish: because they had not cared for truth, therefore the presence of the Man of Sin, which could not even imperil the truth-lovers, would for them...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
14. (Ep 1:7.)
**redemption--**rather as Greek, "our redemption."
**through his blood--**omitted in the oldest manuscripts; probably inserted from Ep 1:7.
**sins--**Translate as Greek, "our sins." The more general term: for which Ep 1:7, Greek, has, "our transgressions," the more special term.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-17**
There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the ...
Read full commentary →That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness</strong>—<strong>that they all might be damned</strong> (<em>hina krithōsin pantes</em>, ἵνα κριθῶσιν πάντες, 'that all might be judged/condemned') states the ultimate purpose. Universal judgment falls on those characterized by two negatives: <strong>believed not the truth</strong> (<em>pisteuō</e...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **That they all.**—This is God’s purpose in making them believe the lie—“in order that, one and all, they might be judged.” He who desireth not the death of a sinner, now is said actually to lay plans with the intention of judging him: such are the bold self-contradictions of the Bible! It must not, however, be forgotten for a moment that God did not begin to will the sinner’s judgment till a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
15. They who have experienced in themselves "redemption" (Col 1:14), know Christ in the glorious character here described, as above the highest angels to whom the false teachers (Col 2:18) taught worship was to be paid. Paul describes Him: (1) in relation to God and creation (Col 1:15-17); (2) in relation to the Church (Col 1:18-20). As the former regards Him as the Creator (Col 1:15, 16) and the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-17**
There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the ...
Read full commentary →Stand Firm in the Gospel
But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth</strong>—<strong>But</strong> contrasts the damned (v. 12) with the saved. <em>Opheilomen</em> (ὀφείλομεν, 'we owe') thanksgiving for <strong>brethren beloved of the Lord</strong> (<em>ad...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **But we are bound.**—This may be called a recurrence to the subject dropped at 2Thessalonians 1:3. The pronoun is somewhat emphatic. It might have seemed more natural to have sharpened the contrast between the Thessalonian Christians and the unhappy people just mentioned by beginning “But you.” It is, however, part of St. Paul’s delicacy of sympathy to describe rather the effect upon himself...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**16. For--**Greek, "Because." This gives the proof that He is not included in the things created, but is the "first-begotten" before "every creature" (Col 1:15), begotten as "the Son of God's love" (Col 1:13), antecedently to all other emanations: "for" all these other emanations came from Him, and whatever was created, was created by Him.
**by him--**rather as Greek, "in Him": as the condition...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-17**
There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the ...
Read full commentary →Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ</strong>—<strong>Whereunto</strong> connects election (v. 13) to calling. God <strong>called you</strong> (<em>ekalesen</em>, ἐκάλεσεν, summoned/invited) <strong>by our gospel</strong> (<em>dia tou euangeliou hēmōn</em>, διὰ τοῦ εὐαγγελίου ἡμῶν)—through apostolic preaching. Election becomes effect...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **Whereunto.**—From the neuter gender of the relative in the Greek we see that the antecedent in St. Paul’s mind is not exactly “belief of truth,” nor exactly “sanctification of spirit,” nor yet exactly “salvation,” but the general state of life which is compounded of these three notions—“to which thing He called you.” The election or choice takes place in eternity (2Thessalonians 2:13); the ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
17. (Joh 8:58.) Translate as Greek, "And He Himself (the great He) is (implying divine essential being) before all things," in time, as well as in dignity. Since He is before all things, He is before even time, that is, from eternity. Compare "the first-born of every creature" (Col 1:15).
**by him--**Greek, "IN Him" (as the conditional element of existence, Col 1:16) [Alford].
**consist--**"su...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-17**
There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the ...
Read full commentary →Therefore , brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle</strong>—<strong>Therefore</strong> draws application from election and calling. Two commands: <strong>stand fast</strong> (<em>stēkete</em>, στήκετε, maintain position, don't retreat) and <strong>hold the traditions</strong> (<em>krateite tas paradoseis</em>, κρατεῖτε τὰς πα...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Therefore, brethren, stand fast.**—Such an exhortation is, in itself, conclusive against a theory of irreversible predestination. “Because God chose you from eternity, and called you in time, therefore stand your ground.” If it were impossible for them to quit their ground, it would be needless to exhort them *to* maintain it. If it were possible for them to quit their ground, and yet be as...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
18. Revelation of Christ to the Church and the new creation, as the Originator of both.
**he--**emphatical. Not angels in opposition to the false teachers' doctrine concerning angel-worship, and the power of Oeons or (imaginary) spirit emanations from God (Col 2:10, 18).
**head of the body, the church--**The Church is His body by virtue of His entering into communion corporeally with human nat...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-17**
There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the ...
Read full commentary →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,
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>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</strong>—Paul shifts from command to prayer. <strong>Our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father</strong> (single subject with compound description) emphasizes the unity of Father and Son as source of blessing.<br><br><strong>Wh...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Now.**—Better, *And, *connecting closely the prayer with the exhortation, just as in 1Thessalonians 5:23. “Again,” says St. Chrysostom, “prayer after advice: this is to help in earnest.” The word “Himself,” as in the passage cited, contrasts the Almighty power of our Lord with the partial instructions and feeble help which even Apostles could give, and with the impotence of the Thessalonian...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
19. Greek, "(God) was well pleased," &c.
**in him--**that is, in the Son (Mt 3:17).
**all fulness--**rather as Greek, "all the fulness," namely, of God, whatever divine excellence is in God the Father (Col 2:9; Ep 3:19; compare Joh 1:16; 3:34). The Gnostics used the term "fulness," for the assemblage of emanations, or angelic powers, coming from God. The Spirit presciently by Paul warns th...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-17**
There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the ...
Read full commentary →Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work</strong>—Paul prays for two results: <strong>comfort your hearts</strong> (<em>parakalesai hymas tas kardias</em>, παρακαλέσαι ὑμᾶς τὰς καρδίας, encourage your inner person) and <strong>stablish you</strong> (<em>stērixai</em>, στηρίξαι, fix firmly, establish). The sphere: <strong>every good word and work</strong> (<em>panti...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Comfort your hearts . . .**—“Comfort,” in reference to the “unending comfort” of 2Thessalonians 2:16; and “stablish,” in reference to the “good hope in grace.” The “heart” needs comfort as the seat of emotions. “In every good word and work” (it should be, *work and word*) means in the maintenance of every good doctrine (as opposed to the false teaching which had got abroad about the Advent,...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
20. The Greek order is, "And through Him (Christ) to reconcile again completely (see on Ep 2:16) all things (Greek, 'the whole universe of things') unto Himself (unto God the Father, 2Co 5:19), having made peace (God the Father having made peace) through the blood of His (Christ's) cross," that is, shed by Christ on the cross: the price and pledge of our reconciliation with God. The Scripture phra...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 8-17**
There is a philosophy which rightly exercises our reasonable faculties; a study of the works of God, which leads us to the knowledge of God, and confirms our faith in him. But there is a philosophy which is vain and deceitful; and while it pleases men's fancies, hinders their faith: such are curious speculations about things above us, or no concern to us. Those who walk in the ...
Read full commentary →