2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 Explained

"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, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work." — 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 (KJV)

A blessing written for people who had been frightened by a forged letter about the end of the world.

Read it in context: The Book of 2 Thessalonians. Also gathered under verses about comfort.

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 in context

What does 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 mean?

'Everlasting consolation' is comfort that does not run out — set against a panic that had a shelf life of days. 'Stablish' is to make firm, the same root as a foundation. Notice what he asks for: not that they be given information, though he has just given them plenty, but that their hearts be steadied. He treats fear as needing something other than a better argument.

What is the context of 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17?

Somebody had circulated a letter in Paul's name claiming the day of the Lord had already come. The Thessalonians were shaken. Paul spends most of the chapter correcting the error and ends it not with more argument but with this prayer.

How do I pray 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17?

Pray it over someone frightened by something they read. Then pray the order Paul uses — comfort first, then establishing in work — because the second is impossible while the first is missing. If you are the frightened one, note that he asks for consolation before he asks for steadiness, and does not expect them the other way round.

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