Matthew Poole and continuators on 2 Thessalonians 2:17

17 Comfort your hearts , and stablish you in every good word and work .

Next, we have the things pray'd for, Comfort your hearts Though he said before, who hath given us everlasting consolation. Either the Apostle means, actual possession of what God had given Title to; or a continued supply and encrease of comfort already received. And he prays for this either in respect of the afflictions they suffered, that they might not faint; or to enable them the better to stand fast in the Faith, and not fall away as others. And so it agrees with the next Petition for them.

The word of Truth is this good word, Prov. 4.2. as the Gospel is call'd, 2 Cor. 6.7. And the Doctrines of it are all good, 1 Tim. 4.6. They are good for instruction, for correction, for reproof, for doctrine, 2 Tim. 3.16. All truth is an intellectual good, whether natural, or moral; but evangelical Truth is by way of eminence, good: It is a good word which is a word of Salvation, Acts 13.26. and to be establish'd in it, is firmly to believe it, and to hold it fast against seducing opinion, or persecutions; and by every good word he means all Divine Truth especially the greater Truths; not to hold some Truths and let others goe. And to word the Apostle adds work, that there may be an harmony betwixt Faith and Practise. As the Doctrine of the Gospel are true, so the works they require are good. And good works are manifold, respecting God, our Neighbour, and our selves. A Christian should not only practise them all, but be establish'd in them, which implyes constancy, perseverance and resolution. True Religion is not word only, but work; it is not only speculative, but practical. A sound Mind ought to be joyn'd with an holy Life. And to make a work good, the principle, rule, manner and end must all be good.

Marginal references: 1 Thes. 3.[illegible: 1 letter]