John Calvin on 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

16 Now the Lord himself. When he ascribes to Christ a work altogether Divine, and represents him, in common with the Father, as the Author of the choicest blessings, as we have in this a clear proof of the divinity of Christ, so we are admonished, that we cannot obtain anything from God unless we seek it in Christ himself: and when he asks that God may give him those things which he had enjoined, he shews clearly enough how little influence exhortations have, unless God inwardly move and affect our hearts. Unquestionably there will be but an empty sound striking upon the ear, if doctrine does not receive efficacy from the Spirit.

What he afterwards adds, who hath loved you, and hath given consolation, etc., relates to confidence in asking; for he would have the Thessalonians feel persuaded that God will do what he prays for. And from what does he prove this? Because he once shewed that they were dear to him, while he has already conferred upon them distinguished favors, and in this manner has bound himself to them for the time to come. This is what he means by everlasting consolation. The term hope, also, has the same object in view — that they may confidently expect a never-failing continuance of gifts. But what does he ask? That God may sustain their hearts by his consolation; for this is his office, to keep them from giving way through anxiety or distrust; and farther, that he may give them perseverance, both in a pious and holy course of life, and in sound doctrine; for I am of opinion, that it is rather of this than of common discourse that he speaks, so that this agrees with what goes before.

CHAPTER 3

2 Thessalonians 3:1-5

1. Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:

1. Quod reliquum est, orate fratres pro nobis: ut sermo Domini currat et glorificetur, quemadmodum et apud vos;

2. And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.

2. Et ut liberemur ab importunis et malignis hominibus: non enim omnium est fides.

3. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.

3. Fidelis autem Dominus, qui confirmabit vos, et custodiet a maligno.

4. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you.

4. Confidimus autem in Domino de vobis, quod quae vobis praecipimus, et facitis, et facturi estis.

5. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.

5. Dominus autem dirigat corda vestra in dilectionem Dei, et exspectationem Christi.