2 Thessalonians 3:16
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord of peace - Jesus Christ, who is called our peace, Eph 2:14; and The Prince of peace, Isa 9:6. May he give you peace, for he is the Fountain and Dispenser of it. Always - Both in your own consciences, and among yourselves. By all means - Παντι τροπῳ· By all means, methods, occasions, instruments, and occurrences; peace or prosperity in every form and shape. Instead of εν παντι τροπῳ, in every way, etc., εν παντι τοπῳ, in every place, is the reading of A*D*FG, some others; with the Vulgate and Itala. Chrysostom, Ambrosiaster, Augustine, and others, have the same reading: May God grant you prosperity always, and everywhere. The Lord be with you all - This is agreeable to the promise of our Lord: Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world; Mat 28:20. May the Lord, who has promised to be always with his true disciples, be with you! Christians are the temple of God, and the temple of God has the Divine presence in it. May you ever continue to be his Church, that the Lord God may dwell among you!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Lord of peace--Jesus Christ. The same title is given to Him as to the Father, "the GOD of peace" (Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co2 13:11). An appropriate title in the prayer here, where the harmony of the Christian community was liable to interruption from the "disorderly." The Greek article requires the translation, "Give you the peace" which it is "His to give." "Peace" outward and inward, here and hereafter (Rom 14:17). always--unbroken, not changing with outward circumstances. by all means--Greek, "in every way." Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "in every place"; thus he prays for their peace in all times ("always") and places. Lord be with you all--May He bless you not only with peace, but also with His presence (Mat 28:20). Even the disorderly brethren (compare Th2 3:15, "a brother") are included in this prayer.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now the Lord of peace himself,.... The Prince of peace, who is peaceable himself, and the author of peace in all his churches, and who requires peace, calls for it, and encourages it: give you peace always by all means; both a conscience peace, through the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, and faith in them, which passes all understanding, and which, when he gives, none can take away; and a church peace, being freed from all such disorderly persons and their abettors, the disturbers of it: and indeed, the way to have true peace and prosperity in churches is to keep up the discipline of God's house. The apostle prays for it in faith, upon an observance of the rules he had given; he prays for constant and perpetual peace, which is greatly to be desired; and that it might be had by all means, and in every way through praying, preaching, administering the ordinances, laying on censures, when necessary, and Christian conversation. Some copies, and the Vulgate Latin version, read "in every place"; as well as at Thessalonica. The Lord be with you all; by his presence, to comfort and refresh; by his power, to keep and preserve; by his grace, to assist; and by his Spirit, to counsel, advise, and direct.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In this conclusion of the epistle we have the apostle's benediction and prayers for these Thessalonians. Let us desire them for ourselves and our friend. There are three blessings pronounced upon them, or desired for them: - I. That God would give them peace. Note, 1. Peace is the blessing pronounced or desired. By peace we may understand all manner of prosperity; here it may signify, in particular, peace with God, peace in their own minds and consciences, peace among themselves, and peace with all men. 2. This peace is desired for them always, or in every thing; and he desired they might have all good things at all times. 3. Peace by all means: that, as they enjoyed the means of grace, they might with success use all the means and methods of peace too; for peace is often difficult, as it is always desirable. 4. That God would give them peace, who is the Lord of peace. If we have any peace that is desirable, God must give it, who is the author of peace and lover of concord. We shall neither have peaceable dispositions ourselves nor find men disposed to be at peace with us, unless the God of peace give us both. II. That the presence of God might be with them: The Lord be with you all. We need nothing more to make us safe and happy, nor can we desire any thing better for ourselves and our friends, than to have God's gracious presence with us and them. This will be a guide and guard in every way that we may go, and our comfort in every condition we may be in. It is the presence of God that makes heaven to be heaven, and this will make this earth to be like heaven. No matter where we are if God be with us, nor who is absent if God be with us, nor who is absent if God be present with us. III. That the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ might be with them. So this apostle concluded his first epistle to these Thessalonians; and it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that we may comfortably hope to have peace with God and enjoy the presence of God, for he has made those nigh that were afar off. It is this grace that is all in all to make us happy. This is what the apostle admired and magnified on all occasions, what he delighted and trusted in; and by this salutation or benediction, written with his own hand, as the token of every epistle (when the rest was written by an amanuensis), he took care lest the churches he wrote to should be imposed on by counterfeit epistles, which he knew would be of dangerous consequence. Let us be thankful that we have the canon of scripture complete, and by the wonderful and special care of divine Providence preserved pure and uncorrupt through so many successive ages, and not dare to add to it, nor diminish from it. Let us believe the divine original of the sacred scriptures, and conform our faith and practice to this our sufficient and only rule, which is able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16 The final prayer echoes Jesus’ blessing in John 14:27 (cp. Num 6:26) and contrasts with the situation these believers faced in Thessalonica (2 Thes 1:4-10; 1 Thes 2:14). Paul was always conscious of the Lord Jesus’ presence with his people (Rom 15:33; Phil 4:9).
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Signature and Final Greetings
15Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.16Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ's Legacy of Peace
By J. Glyn Owen1.7K43:40PeaceISA 9:6MAT 6:33JHN 14:27ROM 5:1PHP 4:7COL 3:152TH 3:16In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of peace as mentioned in John 14:27. He highlights the elusive nature of peace in today's world, despite the various efforts made to achieve it. The preacher emphasizes that the peace that Jesus offers is different from what the world gives, and it is a legacy that he leaves with his disciples. He also mentions that peace is not given to the wicked, as they are in conflict with God. The sermon concludes by reminding the audience that Jesus is the ultimate peace-bringer and peacemaker.
Fixed on God
By Erlo Stegen1.3K49:45Following JesusISA 26:3MAT 6:33JHN 14:27ROM 8:6PHP 4:7COL 3:152TH 3:16In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the importance of trusting in God and keeping our minds fixed on Him. He quotes Isaiah 26:3, which states that God will keep us in perfect peace if our minds are stayed on Him. The speaker shares a personal experience of feeling unwell but being able to take the service because of his trust in God. He emphasizes the need to trust in God and rely on His peace, which surpasses all understanding. The sermon encourages listeners to abide in God and experience the abundant life that comes from trusting in Him.
On Peace
By Thomas Reade0PSA 29:11ISA 26:3JHN 14:27JHN 16:33ROM 5:1PHP 4:7COL 3:152TH 3:16Thomas Reade preaches on the theme of peace, reflecting on the fall of Adam and Eve from a state of serenity and communion with God to a world of sin and trouble. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God and staying our minds on Him to experience perfect peace, which was made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Reade highlights that true stability and peace can only be found in God, as earthly sources are fleeting and unreliable, and encourages believers to seek peace through faith in Christ, as the Holy Spirit alone can produce lasting peace in the soul.
Peace of God
By St. Polycarp of Smyrna0PSA 29:11JHN 14:27ROM 5:12TH 3:16St. Polycarp of Smyrna addresses the Church of God in Philippi, extending mercy and peace from God Almighty and the Lord Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of seeking God's mercy and peace in a world filled with turmoil and challenges, encouraging believers to find solace and strength in the Savior. Polycarp's message underscores the abundant grace and salvation available through Jesus Christ, urging the congregation to hold fast to their faith amidst trials and tribulations.
Liv. to Mr Robert Blair
By Samuel Rutherford0PSA 27:8PSA 103:3EPH 2:82TH 3:16REV 5:9Samuel Rutherford reflects on his own shortcomings and unworthiness, acknowledging his constant struggle with sin and doubt, yet finding solace in being a ransomed sinner and sick one in need of Christ's redemption and grace. He marvels at the free gift of salvation in Christ, emphasizing that it is not based on any merit or payment from humans but solely on God's grace. Rutherford expresses his desire for a deeper love for Jesus and longs for the day when the light of God's presence shines brighter in Scotland. He concludes by praying for the establishment and strengthening of his dear brother in Christ until the return of Jesus.
Paul a Pattern of Prayer
By J. Wilbur Chapman0MRK 11:24JHN 14:14EPH 1:15EPH 3:17PHP 1:9COL 1:91TH 5:232TH 3:16HEB 11:6HEB 13:20JAS 5:161JN 1:9J. Wilbur Chapman preaches on the power of prayer, emphasizing Jesus' assurance that anything asked in His name will be done. Chapman highlights the importance of belief in Christ, faith in His promises, confession and forsaking of sins, and the exercise of faith in prayer. He draws inspiration from Paul's prayers for spiritual blessings such as Pentecost, perception, purity, power, perseverance, perfectness, and peace, guiding believers on how to pray effectively and align their will with God's.
The Christian's Rest
By Thomas Reade0ISA 26:3MAT 11:28JHN 14:272TH 3:16HEB 4:3Thomas Reade preaches about the Christian's rest, emphasizing that true rest is found in Jesus Christ, the believer's resting-place and refuge. He highlights the importance of faith, which transforms the inner man, purifies the soul, and enables believers to renounce worldly vanities. Reade warns against the restlessness and desire for change that lead to sin and sorrow, urging believers to seek true rest in Jesus amidst trials and tribulations. He also addresses the dangers of false doctrines, emphasizing the need to hold fast to the truth of God's Word and the rest that comes from trusting in Jesus.
The Peace of God
By Watchman Nee0Trust in GodDivine PeacePSA 29:11ISA 26:3MAT 11:28JHN 14:27JHN 16:33ROM 15:13PHP 4:7COL 3:152TH 3:161PE 5:7Watchman Nee emphasizes that 'the peace of God' is not merely a gift but the very essence of God's nature, a peace that remains unshaken even amidst chaos and rebellion. He illustrates how God's peace was undisturbed during the fall of angels and humanity, demonstrating His ability to wait patiently for the right time to restore creation through His Son. This divine peace is promised to guard the hearts and minds of those who commit their concerns to God in prayer, highlighting the importance of trust and surrender in our relationship with Him.
The Blessing of Peace
By Thomas Reade0ISA 26:3JHN 14:27ROM 5:1PHP 4:7COL 3:152TH 3:16Thomas Reade preaches about the blessing of peace that comes from Jesus, contrasting the fate of the wicked who mock sin and the believer who finds peace in Christ. He emphasizes that true peace is a gift from God, the fruit of the Spirit, and a legacy of Christ to His people. Reade encourages believers to abide in Christ through faith, even in the midst of tribulations, as Jesus promises peace to those who remain in Him. He reminds the congregation of the peace Jesus bestowed upon His disciples after His resurrection, urging them to trust in the Savior's love and find solace in His promises.
The Peace of God Ruling in the Christian's Heart
By Charles Finney0Peace Of GodTrust in God's PlanPSA 29:11ISA 26:3MAT 11:28JHN 14:27JHN 16:33ROM 15:13PHP 4:7COL 3:152TH 3:161PE 5:7Charles Finney emphasizes the significance of allowing the peace of God to govern our hearts, explaining that this peace is derived from God and reflects His own tranquility. He outlines the conditions necessary for both God and Christians to experience peace, highlighting the importance of internal harmony, faith, and submission to God's will. Finney encourages believers to trust in God's wisdom and providence, asserting that true peace comes from faith in His perfect plan, even amidst life's uncertainties. He calls Christians to recognize their calling to enjoy this divine peace and to actively seek it in their lives. Ultimately, Finney illustrates that the peace of God can rule in our hearts when we align our desires with His will and trust in His goodness.
Small Things Give Anxiety
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 31:202TH 3:16Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about finding peace in God's presence, emphasizing the importance of hiding our lives in Him to experience true tranquility and joy. She highlights how the small daily cares and burdens can overwhelm us, but through prayer and surrender to God, we can find peace and strength to navigate life's challenges. Tileston encourages believers to trust in God's care and help, allowing Him to transform their anxious lives into centers of peace and fruitful activities.
Picture of Rest
By Charles E. Cowman0PSA 4:8PSA 29:11ISA 26:3ISA 32:17MAT 11:28JHN 14:27JHN 16:33ROM 8:6PHP 4:72TH 3:16Charles E. Cowman preaches about the profound peace that Jesus offers, contrasting it with the world's idea of rest by using the analogy of two painters depicting rest differently. Despite the external turmoil in Christ's life, His inner peace remained unwavering, always available to those who sought Him. Cowman emphasizes that true rest is not just a fleeting feeling but a deep-rooted tranquility found in God, even in the midst of trials and betrayals.
The Lord Our Peace
By Octavius Winslow0Peace in ChristThe Atonement of JesusISA 26:3ISA 27:5JHN 14:27ROM 5:1EPH 2:14PHP 4:7COL 3:152TH 3:161TI 2:5HEB 7:25Octavius Winslow emphasizes that Jesus is our peace, highlighting the importance of understanding that true peace comes not from our own efforts but from Christ himself. He explains that peace is a foundational grace of the Spirit, accessible to believers even in the absence of joy, and that it is through faith in Jesus and His atoning work that we can experience this peace. Winslow encourages believers to anchor their faith in Christ, who bore our sins and secured our reconciliation with God, ensuring that we can find peace even amidst life's storms. He reminds us that maintaining our peace requires vigilance against temptation and a close walk with Jesus, who is the source of our tranquility. Ultimately, the sermon reassures us that God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, is available to those who trust in Him.
Perfect Peace
By David Wilkerson0Perfect PeaceTrust in GodPSA 29:11ISA 25:12ISA 26:3ISA 57:19MAT 11:28JHN 14:27JHN 16:33ROM 15:13PHP 4:72TH 3:16David Wilkerson emphasizes that in times of panic and chaos, God's faithful people will experience perfect peace, a peace that surpasses all understanding. He references Isaiah 57:19, highlighting God's promise of peace to those who trust in Him, especially during tumultuous times. Wilkerson encourages believers to commit to seeking God wholeheartedly, preparing themselves for His coming judgment while resting in His assurance of peace. He reassures that even amidst widespread anxiety, God will provide the strength to manage fear and anxiety through His Spirit. Ultimately, this perfect peace is a testament to God's glory and power in the lives of His people.
The Very Peace of Christ
By David Wilkerson0Peace of ChristRole of the Holy SpiritPSA 29:11ISA 26:3MAT 11:28JHN 14:27JHN 16:14JHN 16:33ROM 15:13PHP 4:7COL 3:152TH 3:16David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound promise of Jesus in John 14:27, where He offers His peace to the disciples, a peace that is unlike anything the world can provide. This assurance comes at a critical moment as the disciples face the impending trial of Christ's crucifixion, highlighting the contrast between worldly peace and the deep, abiding peace of Christ. Wilkerson explains that this peace is made accessible through the Holy Spirit, who reveals Christ to believers and guides them through their challenges. The sermon reassures that even in turmoil, the peace of Christ remains a constant source of strength and comfort for those who believe. Ultimately, the message is about embracing the peace that comes from knowing Christ and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Of Peace and Tranquility of Mind.
By John Gill0Comfort in ChristSpiritual PeacePSA 29:11PSA 119:165ISA 26:3MAT 9:2JHN 14:27ROM 5:1GAL 5:22PHP 4:72TH 3:161JN 4:18John Gill emphasizes the significance of internal peace and tranquility of mind, distinguishing it from external peace that may be experienced in society or among individuals. He explains that true peace is a spiritual state achieved through the work of the Holy Spirit, who comforts and leads believers to the blood and righteousness of Christ, ultimately resulting in forgiveness and a tranquil conscience. Gill highlights that this peace is a gift from God, available only to those who are justified and have faith in Christ, and it is characterized by its permanence and ability to withstand life's tribulations. He encourages believers to seek this peace through the truths of the gospel and the love of God, which dispels fear and anxiety.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord of peace - Jesus Christ, who is called our peace, Eph 2:14; and The Prince of peace, Isa 9:6. May he give you peace, for he is the Fountain and Dispenser of it. Always - Both in your own consciences, and among yourselves. By all means - Παντι τροπῳ· By all means, methods, occasions, instruments, and occurrences; peace or prosperity in every form and shape. Instead of εν παντι τροπῳ, in every way, etc., εν παντι τοπῳ, in every place, is the reading of A*D*FG, some others; with the Vulgate and Itala. Chrysostom, Ambrosiaster, Augustine, and others, have the same reading: May God grant you prosperity always, and everywhere. The Lord be with you all - This is agreeable to the promise of our Lord: Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world; Mat 28:20. May the Lord, who has promised to be always with his true disciples, be with you! Christians are the temple of God, and the temple of God has the Divine presence in it. May you ever continue to be his Church, that the Lord God may dwell among you!
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Lord of peace--Jesus Christ. The same title is given to Him as to the Father, "the GOD of peace" (Rom 15:33; Rom 16:20; Co2 13:11). An appropriate title in the prayer here, where the harmony of the Christian community was liable to interruption from the "disorderly." The Greek article requires the translation, "Give you the peace" which it is "His to give." "Peace" outward and inward, here and hereafter (Rom 14:17). always--unbroken, not changing with outward circumstances. by all means--Greek, "in every way." Most of the oldest manuscripts read, "in every place"; thus he prays for their peace in all times ("always") and places. Lord be with you all--May He bless you not only with peace, but also with His presence (Mat 28:20). Even the disorderly brethren (compare Th2 3:15, "a brother") are included in this prayer.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now the Lord of peace himself,.... The Prince of peace, who is peaceable himself, and the author of peace in all his churches, and who requires peace, calls for it, and encourages it: give you peace always by all means; both a conscience peace, through the blood, righteousness, and sacrifice of Christ, and faith in them, which passes all understanding, and which, when he gives, none can take away; and a church peace, being freed from all such disorderly persons and their abettors, the disturbers of it: and indeed, the way to have true peace and prosperity in churches is to keep up the discipline of God's house. The apostle prays for it in faith, upon an observance of the rules he had given; he prays for constant and perpetual peace, which is greatly to be desired; and that it might be had by all means, and in every way through praying, preaching, administering the ordinances, laying on censures, when necessary, and Christian conversation. Some copies, and the Vulgate Latin version, read "in every place"; as well as at Thessalonica. The Lord be with you all; by his presence, to comfort and refresh; by his power, to keep and preserve; by his grace, to assist; and by his Spirit, to counsel, advise, and direct.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In this conclusion of the epistle we have the apostle's benediction and prayers for these Thessalonians. Let us desire them for ourselves and our friend. There are three blessings pronounced upon them, or desired for them: - I. That God would give them peace. Note, 1. Peace is the blessing pronounced or desired. By peace we may understand all manner of prosperity; here it may signify, in particular, peace with God, peace in their own minds and consciences, peace among themselves, and peace with all men. 2. This peace is desired for them always, or in every thing; and he desired they might have all good things at all times. 3. Peace by all means: that, as they enjoyed the means of grace, they might with success use all the means and methods of peace too; for peace is often difficult, as it is always desirable. 4. That God would give them peace, who is the Lord of peace. If we have any peace that is desirable, God must give it, who is the author of peace and lover of concord. We shall neither have peaceable dispositions ourselves nor find men disposed to be at peace with us, unless the God of peace give us both. II. That the presence of God might be with them: The Lord be with you all. We need nothing more to make us safe and happy, nor can we desire any thing better for ourselves and our friends, than to have God's gracious presence with us and them. This will be a guide and guard in every way that we may go, and our comfort in every condition we may be in. It is the presence of God that makes heaven to be heaven, and this will make this earth to be like heaven. No matter where we are if God be with us, nor who is absent if God be with us, nor who is absent if God be present with us. III. That the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ might be with them. So this apostle concluded his first epistle to these Thessalonians; and it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ that we may comfortably hope to have peace with God and enjoy the presence of God, for he has made those nigh that were afar off. It is this grace that is all in all to make us happy. This is what the apostle admired and magnified on all occasions, what he delighted and trusted in; and by this salutation or benediction, written with his own hand, as the token of every epistle (when the rest was written by an amanuensis), he took care lest the churches he wrote to should be imposed on by counterfeit epistles, which he knew would be of dangerous consequence. Let us be thankful that we have the canon of scripture complete, and by the wonderful and special care of divine Providence preserved pure and uncorrupt through so many successive ages, and not dare to add to it, nor diminish from it. Let us believe the divine original of the sacred scriptures, and conform our faith and practice to this our sufficient and only rule, which is able to make us wise unto salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:16 The final prayer echoes Jesus’ blessing in John 14:27 (cp. Num 6:26) and contrasts with the situation these believers faced in Thessalonica (2 Thes 1:4-10; 1 Thes 2:14). Paul was always conscious of the Lord Jesus’ presence with his people (Rom 15:33; Phil 4:9).