2 Thessalonians 2:17

“Comfort your hearts, &c.] That is, apply the comfort given, and cause it to be received, which unbelief is apt to refuse; and increase it, by shedding abroad the love of Christ, and of the Father; by the discoveries of pardoning grace; by the application of Gospel promises; by the word and ordinances, which are breasts of consolation; and by indulging with the gracious presence, and comfortable communion of Father, Son, and Spirit. The Arabic version reads, “comfort your hearts by his grace”, joining the last clause of the preceding verse to this. This petition stands opposed to a being troubled and distressed about the sudden coming of Christ, as the following one does to a being shaken in…”

“Comfort your hearts--unsettled as you have been through those who announced the immediate coming of the Lord. good word and work--The oldest manuscripts invert the order, "work and word." Establishment in these were what the young converts at Thessalonica needed, not fanatical teaching (compare Co1 15:58). Next: 2 Thessalonians Chapter 3”

“Comfort your hearts; - see the notes, 1Th 3:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:14. The Thessalonians were in the midst of trials, and Paul prayed that they might have the full consolations of their religion. And stablish you - Make you firm and steadfast; 1Th 3:2, 1 Thessalonians 3:13. In every good word and work - In every true doctrine, and in the practice of every virtue. This chapter is very important in reference to the rise of that great anti-Christian power which has exerted, and which still exerts so baleful an influence over the Christian world. Assuming now that it refers to the papacy, in accordance with the exposition which has been given, there are a few important…”

“2:17 Paul’s prayer echoes the purpose of Timothy’s visit to the church—to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonian believers in their faith (1 Thes 3:2). • To comfort you does not merely mean to console, but to exhort or encourage them because of their fears and doubts (2 Thes 2:1-12; 1 Thes 4:18; 5:11).”

“Comfort: Th2 2:16; Isa 51:3, Isa 51:12, Isa 57:15, Isa 61:1, Isa 61:2, Isa 66:13; Rom 15:13; Co2 1:3-6 stablish: Th2 3:3; Isa 62:7; Rom 1:11, Rom 16:25; Co1 1:8; Co2 1:21; Col 2:7; Th1 3:2, Th1 3:13; Heb 13:9; Pe1 5:10; Jde 1:24 in: Jam 1:21, Jam 1:22; Jo1 3:18 Next: 2 Thessalonians Chapter 3”