2 Tessalonicenses 3
John MacArthur · Citado em PreceptAustin
2 Tessalonicenses 3
MacArthur on finally - Finally (loipos) can have the sense of finality, but it literally means "for the rest," or "besides that" (e.g., 1 Cor. 1:16). Paul used the same term in Philippians 3:1 and 1 Thessalonians 4:1, and in neither instance was he ready to conclude his epistle; he was simply making a transition ("besides that... this"). In several uses of the word, it marks the transition from the letter's doctrinal content to its practical content, as it does here. By it Paul marked his subject change from eschatology to matters of practical sanctification. (See 1 & 2 Thessalonians Commentary) Paul was not prideful and not embarrassed to ask for prayer as we see in other epistles... Romans 15:30+ Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together (PRAYER IS HARD WORK!) with me in your prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints; 32 so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. 2 Corinthians 1:11+ you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that (WHAT PURPOSE?) thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many. Ephesians 6:19; 20+ (PAUL IS WRITING FROM PRISON) and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. (I BELIEVE GOD ANSWERED FOR IN Acts 28:31+ Luke records Paul was "preaching the kingdom of God and teaching concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all openness (BOLDNESS), unhindered.") Colossians 4:3+ praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; 1 Thessalonians 5:25+ Brethren, pray for us. Philemon 1:22 At the same time also prepare me a lodging, for I hope that through your prayers I will be given to you. 2 Corinthians 1:11 you also joining in helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many. Philippians 1:19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, That the Word (logos) of the Lord will spread rapidly (trecho - "speed on" "make progress") - Word of the Lord describes the Gospel (cf Acts 8:14, 25; 13:5, 44, 46, 48, 49; 15:35-36; 16:32; 19:10, 20), which by itself is powerful (Ro 1:16+ - dunamis - dynamic power), but it still must be spread by men and women, by proclamation (cf Ro 10:14-15+). Thus this prayer would imply a request of God to motivate men and women to move out and spread the Gospel. This prayer also implies Spirit filled (Spirit sensitive) individuals because it is the Spirit Who enables us to boldly proclaim the Gospel (cf Acts 4:31+). One is reminded of Psalm 147:15 "He sends forth His command to the earth; His word runs very swiftly." In Acts we repeatedly see the Gospel "running"... Acts 6:7+ The word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith. Acts 12:24+ But the word of the Lord continued to grow and to be multiplied. Acts 19:20+ So the word of the Lord was growing mightily and prevailing. THOUGHT - What a great prayer -- literally a prayer that the "Word of the Lord" may run emphasizing that it is indeed "living and active" (Heb 4:12+) supernaturally charged so to speak! See also 1 Th 2:13, 1Th 1:5-10 Col 1:5-6 2Ti 2:9 Ro 1:16 Isa 55:11 1Pe 1:23). And be glorified (doxazo) - How would the Gospel of the Lord be glorified, praised, honord, exalted? Glorify speaks of giving a proper opinion, proper respect to something. In this case it would be most obviously by demonstrating the Gospel's life transforming power making lost hell bound sinners into saved heaven bound saints, and so by being received (dechomai) and obeyed (cf Jas 1:21-22+). In short, radical repentance in the lives of the recipients of the Word of the Lord, would demonstrate supernatural efficacy of the glorious Gospel (1Ti 1:11+). The fruit of changed lives would give a proper opinion (glorify means to give a proper opinion) of the intrinsic, inherent supernatural power of the Gospel message to penetrate and "circumcise" hearts (Col 2:11+, Ro 2:23+, Dt 10:16+) Passages that allude to the glorifying effect of the Gospel Acts 13:48+ When the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord; and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. Titus 2:10+ not pilfering, but showing all good faith so that (PURPOSE OF GOSPEL TRANSFORMED LIVES) they will adorn ("show the beauty of"; NET = bring credit to) the doctrine of God our Savior in every respect. Just as it did also with you - The Gospel came into the lives of the Thessalonians with life changing power as Paul explained stating "our Gospel did not come to you in word only (IT HAD TO BE PROCLAIMED), but also in power (dunamis) and in the Holy Spirit (the "Jn 3:3-8+ effect" so to speak) and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake." (1Th 1:5+) And the rest of chapter 1 shows the "ripple effect" of lives made righteous by the Gospel as shown by their repentance (turning to God from idols)... You also became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much tribulation with the joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 8 For the word of the Lord (GOSPEL) has sounded forth from you (THIS IS THE WORD WHICH "SPREAD RAPIDLY"), not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything. 9 For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, 10 and (RIGHTEOUS LIVING WAS MOTIVATED BY "RIGHTLY DIRECTED LOOKING" -- ANTICIPATING HIS RETURN AT ANY MOMENT!) to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come. (1Th 1:6-10+) Paul also alludes to the power of the Gospel and their wholehearted reception of it (with you) writing For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted IT not as the word of men, but for what IT really is, the word of God, WHICH also performs ITS work in you who believe. (1Th 2:13) Spread Rapidly (5143) trecho from dremo = to run or walk hastily) means literally to move faster than a walk, making rapid linear movement. To speed on or to make progress. Trecho therefore describes someone in haste (Mt 28:8, Mk 5:6, Jn 20:2, 4, Lk 24:12). Figuratively trecho describes rapid propagation of doctrine, spreading without restraint (2Th 3:1). It also pictures one exerting effort, striving hard, spending strength to attain a goal (Ro 9:16, Gal 5:7, 2:2, Php 2:16, He 12:1). In Gal 5:7 trecho describes the course of the conduct. BDAG characterizes the figurative use of trecho as "to make an effort to advance spiritually or intellectually." In 1Cor 9:24, 26+ Paul uses trecho to emphasize the preparation and effort necessary to run spiritually (run in 1Cor 9:24 is present imperative calling for dependence on the Holy Spirit to obey) and not with the intent of defeating rivals (as in the actual Olympics) for our fellow believers are not our rivals in this grace race! Pray (4336) proseuchomai from pros = toward, facing, before [emphasizing the direct approach of the one who prays in seeking God’s face] + euchomai = originally to speak out, utter aloud, express a wish, then to pray or to vow. Greek technical term for invoking a deity) in the NT is always used of prayer addressed to God (to Him as the object of faith and the One who will answer one’s prayer) and means to speak consciously (with or without vocalization) to Him, with a definite aim (See study of noun proseuche). Proseuchomai encompasses all the aspects of prayer -- submission, confession, petition, supplication (may concern one's own need), intercession (concerned with the needs of others), praise, and thanksgiving. Vine says that proseuchomai carries with it a notion of worship (but see the Greek word for worship = proskuneo) which is not present in the other words for prayer (eg, aiteo, deomai, both of which involve spoken supplication)
2 Tessalonicenses 3
MacArthur - God will firmly establish believers on the inside and guard them on the outside from the evil one (most likely a reference to Satan; cf. Matt. 13:19, 38; John 17:15; 1 John 2:13-14; 3:12; 5:18-19). The Lord fills His children with internal spiritual strength (2 Cor. 4:16; Eph. 3:16) while He shields them from external attacks (Eph. 6:16). Jude summarized this concept well when he wrote that God "is able to keep [believers] from stumbling, and to make [them] stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy" (Jude 24). (See 1 & 2 Thessalonians Commentary) Faithful (4103) pistos from peitho = to persuade - induce one by words to believe, have confidence) is something or someone who is worthy of faith or keeps promises and is applied to God, humans, His Word, etc Pistos means dependable (worthy of reliance or trust), trustworthy, steadfast, unswerving. Strengthen (4741) sterizo from histemi = to stand as in 1 Pe 5:12 "stand firm in" the true grace of God. Histemi also root of "Resist" - anthistemi and of "firm" - stereos, both used by Peter in 1 Pe 5:9) means to make firm or solid, to set fast, to fix firmly in a place, to establish (make firm or stable), to cause to be inwardly firm or committed, to strengthen. The basic idea is that of stabilizing something by providing a support or buttress (a projecting structure of masonry or wood for supporting or giving stability to a wall or building), so that it will not totter. Protect (5442) phulasso means to watch, to carry out the function as a military guard or sentinel (cp Ac 23:35, 28:16), to keep watch, to have one's eye upon lest one escape, to guard a person that he might remain safe (from violence, from another person or thing, from being snatched away, from being lost). The NT uses phulasso of guarding truth (eg, 1Ti 5:21, 6:20, 2Ti 1:14-note) 2 Thessalonians 3:4 We have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you are doing and will continue to do what we command. KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. ESV 2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. NET 2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we are confident about you in the Lord that you are both doing– and will do– what we are commanding. BGT 2 Thessalonians 3:4 πεποίθαμεν δὲ ἐν κυρίῳ ἐφ᾽ ὑμᾶς, ὅτι ἃ παραγγέλλομεν [καὶ] ποιεῖτε καὶ ποιήσετε. NIV 2 Thessalonians 3:4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. NLT 2 Thessalonians 3:4 And we are confident in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we commanded you. YLT 2 Thessalonians 3:4 and we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that the things that we command you ye both do and will do; CSB 2 Thessalonians 3:4 We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do what we command. We have confidence : Ro 15:14 2Co 2:3 7:16 8:22 Ga 5:10 Php 1:6 Phm 1:21 that you are doing and will continue to do: 2Th 3:6,12 Mt 28:20 Ro 2:7 15:18 1Co 7:19 14:37 2Co 2:9 7:15 Php 2:12 1Th 4:1,2,10 2 Thessalonians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: Philippians 2:12+ So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out (present imperative see our need to depend on the Holy Spirit to obey) your salvation with fear and trembling; 1 Thessalonians 4:1+ Finally then, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us instruction as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more. 2 For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. KEEP ON KEEPING ON We have confidence (peitho) in the Lord concerning you - Have confidence is in the perfect tense indicating that Paul had to settled conviction regarding the saints as a result of a past completed process of turning this matter over in his mind until he was finally persuaded. Paul's confidence was not in self (his good teaching, etc) but in the Lord (see locative of sphere). Wycliffe Bible Commentary adds that "The faithfulness of God helps to assure the obedient response of the Thessalonians both in the present (ye both do) and in the future (will do)." (Online) That you are doing and will continue to do what we command - Paul's confidence in the saints at Thessalonica is based on two thoughts, one past (see 1Th. 1:3, 6-8; 1Th 3:12-13; 1Th 4:1), what they were doing and the other future, indicating he fully believed they would continue to obey his "marching orders." In other words he was not concerned that they had experienced a transient, passing response to the Gospel, but that it would be action and obedience that persevered (even in face of difficulties which are always just around the corner for every genuine disciple of Christ). Paul of course is not calling for a legalistic continuing but a continuing motivated by love enabled by the Spirit. Confidence (persuaded) (3982) peitho means literally to persuade or induce by words to believe. Peitho is a strong verb, carrying the components of confidence, reliance, and hope. The NT uses (see examples below) in the perfect tense mean to cause to come to a particular point of view or course of action. The idea is to come to a settled persuasion concerning something or to be persuaded. It means to be so convinced that one puts confidence in something or someone. The idea of a settled conviction is the result of a past completed process of turning a matter over in one’s mind until one is persuaded of it. 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:5 And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. ESV 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. NET 2 Thessalonians 3:5 Now may the Lord direct your hearts toward the love of God and the endurance of Christ. BGT 2 Thessalonians 3:5 Ὁ δὲ κύριος κατευθύναι ὑμῶν τὰς καρδίας εἰς τὴν ἀγάπην τοῦ θεοῦ καὶ εἰς τὴν ὑπομονὴν τοῦ Χριστοῦ. NIV 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God's love and Christ's perseverance. NLT 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord lead your hearts into a full understanding and expression of the love of God and the patient endurance that comes from Christ. YLT 2 Thessalonians 3:5 and the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God, and to the endurance of the Christ. CSB 2 Thessalonians 3:5 May the Lord direct your hearts to God's love and Christ's endurance. May the Lord : 1Ki 8:58 that He may incline our hearts to Himself, 1Ch 29:18 and direct their heart to Thee; Ps 119:5,36 Incline my heart to Thy testimonies, And not to dishonest gain.Pr 3:6 Jer 10:23 Jas 1:16-18 into the love of God : De 30:6 the LORD your God will circumcise your heart Jer 31:33 Ro 5:5 8:28 1Co 8:3 but if anyone loves God, he is known by Him.Ga 5:22 Jas 2:5 1Jn 4:19 and into: Ps 40:1 130:5,6 La 3:26 Lu 12:36,37 Ro 8:25 Php 3:20,21 1Th 1:3,10 2Ti 4:8 Tit 2:13 Heb 9:28 2Pe 3:12 Rev 3:10,11 13:10 the steadfastness of Christ. : Heb 12:2,3 1Pe 4:1 2 Thessalonians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passage: 1 Thessalonians 3:11 Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; Deuteronomy 30:6+ (PROMISE FOR ISRAEL IN FUTURE! SOME IN ISRAEL ARE ALREADY EXPERIENCING IT - WATCH SOME OF THEIR TESTIMONIES!) “Moreover the LORD your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, so that you may live. A SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL AND TOUCHING PRAYER May the Lord direct (kateuthuno) your hearts into the love (agape) of God and into the steadfastness (hupomone) of Christ - Yes, Paul was confident in them but not presumptuous regarding their "pressing" on toward the goal of Christlikeness. And so he immediately punctuates his confidence in them with prayer for them. He is asking the Lord to keep them on the track they are currently running on. He first asks God for direction in their hearts, not just to make them smarter sinners (in their head), but to make them more like the Savior (heart work). And then he specifically asks for them to experience the love of God, and in context of their "doing" in the previous verse, this would remind them that BEING precedes DOING, and as he commanded the saints at Corinth "let all you do be done in love (in the present passage because they are energized by the supernatural, unconditional, giving type love that God is)." (1Co 16:14+). And secondly, he prays for them to have the supernatural (Spirit enabled) endurance just as their Lord manifested on earth, as for example when He "endured the cross, despising the shame" (Heb 12:2+). It was almost like "preventive maintenance" for the saints. By that I mean, yes, he was confident in their walk, but he knew that there would be challenges, and so before those difficulties and testing came he was praying for their steadfast adherence to their course, for as Peter had taught "you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps." (1Pe 2:21+) And they could only follow in His steps if they had the same supernatural enabling power of the Spirit and in essence that is what Paul is praying for these saints. THOUGHT - This is a short, simple prayer, but when unpacked it is a spiritual stick of dynamite! This a great prayer to pray for your disciples who are currently doing well and obeying the commands of the Lord. It is good "preventive maintenance" for their future walk. This prayer will undergird them when the winds of adversity begin to blow, which they invariably will! MacArthur- Direct, "make straight," is the same word (kateuthuno) used in 1 Thessalonians 3:11 to indicate the removing of all obstacles and hindrances as someone opened a pathway or road. Paul did not want their spiritual progress to come to a halt, but rather that the Lord would clear the way so their hearts or inner persons would move into the love of God....Paul desired that his audience go down the pathway deeper and deeper into God's love for them, which in turn would cause them to love Him more and more. (See 1 & 2 Thessalonians Commentary)
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MacArthur on command - Paul’s directions were not mere suggestions but rather they carried the weight and authority of a judge’s court order which the apostle delivered and enforced (cf. vv. 4, 6, 10, 12). Here, he required separation so that obedient Christians were not to fellowship with habitually disobedient believers. (See The MacArthur Study Bible) That you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life - Keep away from means to hold oneself aloof, to keep away from or keep one's distance from and in the present tense calls for this to be carried out continually. The practical application would be no social interactions which clearly would be the equivalent of a "rebuke." Paul does not say they are to excluded from the fellowship of the local body ("excommunication") Brother indicates these are believers in the local body (so there is a touch of gentleness), but even so, Paul does not make exceptions for them. Leads...life is the common verb peripateo referring to one's lifestyle, one's daily conduct and is in the present tense indicating that this was not an occasional lapse into laziness, but was their continual practice. Their unruly life or disorderly life (one that literally does not keep in step with others and thus is out of rank) is explained in 2Th 3:11+ as the result of not working on one hand and meddling in other people's business on the other hand.
2 Tessalonicenses 3
MacArthur adds that "Since he had not yet been put out of the fellowship (1 Cor. 5:2) and delivered to Satan (1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Tim. 1:20), the congregation was not yet to treat him "as a Gentile and a tax collector" (Matt. 18:17), but to admonish him as a brother. (See 1 & 2 Thessalonians Commentary) Regard (consider, count) (2233)(hegeomai from ago = to lead, carry, bring) has two basic meanings in the NT. One is to lead as one would do in a supervisory capacity as when describing men in any leading position - ruler, leader, governor (Acts 7:10+) and stands opposite of a diakonos or servant in (Lk 22:26+). The second meaning USED IN THE PRESENT PASSAGE means to engage in an intellectual process (2Co 9:5, Php 2:25, Php 3:8, 2Pe 1:13). In this latter sense, hegeomai conveys the picture of leading out (note the root verb of origin = ago = to lead) before the mind, and thus to regard, esteem, count, reckon. In this sense, hegeomai pictures one giving careful thought to something and not making a quick decision. In secular Greek hegeomai was a mathematical term which meant "Think about it and come to a conclusion." Enemy (hostile) (2190) echthros from échthos = hatred, enmity; noun = echthra = enmity, hostility) is an adjective which pertains to manifesting hostility or being at enmity with another, where enmity is a deep seated animosity or hatred which may be open or concealed or a "deep-rooted hatred." In the active sense echthros means to be hateful, hostile toward, at enmity with or adversary of someone. In the passive sense echthros pertains to being subjected to hostility, to be hated or to be regarded as an enemy. Echthros is one who has the extreme negative attitude that is the opposite of love and friendship. An enemy is one that is antagonistic to another; especially seeking to injure, overthrow, or confound the opponent. Scripture often uses echthros as a noun describing "the adversary", Satan! Like father like son! (THE COROLLARY IS THAT SATAN WOULD LOVE FOR US TO DO HIS BUSINESS AND CONSIDER OUR BELIEVING BROTHER AN ENEMY!) Admonish (warning, cautioning, gently reproving, exhorting)(3560)(noutheteo from nous = mind + títhemi = place) (see also Nouthesia) literally means to place in the mind and so to warn or give notice to beforehand especially of danger or evil, by reasoning with them. The idea is to lay it on the mind or heart of the person, with the stress being on influencing not only the intellect, but also the will, emotions and disposition. The idea is to counsel about avoidance or cessation of an improper course of conduct. Noutheteo used 8x in NT - Acts 20:31; Rom. 15:14; 1 Co. 4:14; Col. 1:28; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Thess. 5:14; 2 Thess. 3:15 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all! KJV 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. ESV 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. NET 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all. BGT 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ κύριος τῆς εἰρήνης δῴη ὑμῖν τὴν εἰρήνην διὰ παντὸς ἐν παντὶ τρόπῳ. ὁ κύριος μετὰ πάντων ὑμῶν. NIV 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. NLT 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you his peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all. YLT 2 Thessalonians 3:16 and may the Lord of the peace Himself give to you the peace always in every way; the Lord is with you all! CSB 2 Thessalonians 3:16 May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you. Now may the Lord of peace Himself : Ps 72:3,7 Isa 9:6,7 Zec 6:13 Lu 2:14 Joh 14:27 Ro 15:33 16:20 1Co 14:33 2Co 5:19-21 13:11 Eph 2:14-17 1Th 5:23 Heb 7:2 13:20 continually grant you peace in every circumstance: Nu 6:26 Jud 6:24 *marg: Ps 29:11 85:8-10 Isa 26:12 45:7 54:10 66:12 Hag 2:9 Joh 16:33 Ro 1:7 Php 4:7-9 The Lord be with you all: 2Th 3:18 1Sa 17:37 20:13 Ps 46:7,11 Isa 8:10 Mt 1:23 28:20 2Ti 4:22 Philemon 1:25 2 Thessalonians 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Related Passages: Numbers 6:26 The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.’ Psalm 29:11 The LORD will give strength to His people; The LORD will bless His people with peace. Psalm 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will say; For He will speak peace to His people, to His godly ones; But let them not turn back to folly. Isaiah 57:19 Creating the praise of the lips. Peace, peace to him who is far and to him who is near,” Says the LORD, “and I will heal him.” Isaiah 26:3 “The steadfast of mind You will keep in perfect peace, Because he trusts in You. Isaiah 26:12 LORD, You will establish peace for us, Since You have also performed for us all our works. Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful. John 16:33 “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 20:19 So when it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were shut where the disciples were, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and *said to them, “Peace be with you.” John 20:21 So Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you; as the Father has sent Me, I also send you.” John 20:26 After eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus *came, the doors having been shut, and stood in their midst and said, “Peace be with you.” PRAYER TO THE LORD OF PEACE How appropriate is this designation as the Lord of peace, because there is potential for disunity (lack of peace) in the local Body of Christ with these busybodies. Now - This marks a transition from the precious section of disciplining lazy saints. Indeed, in light of the previous section, NOW it is time to PRAY! MacArthur- true spiritual peace is completely different from the superficial, ephemeral, fragile human peace. It is the deep, settled confidence that all is well between the soul and God because of His loving, sovereign control of one's life both in time and eternity. That calm assurance is based on the knowledge that sins are forgiven, blessing is present, good is abundant even in trouble, and heaven is ahead. The peace that God gives His beloved children as their possession and privilege has nothing to do with the circumstances of life. (See 1 & 2 Thessalonians Commentary) May the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance - Surprisingly this is the only designation that specifically describes God as the Lord of peace. He is of course called by the synonymous term the God of peace in 1Th 5:23 (and see below). Clearly He is the Source of peace, the very essence of peace, and thus He Alone is able to bring peace to the potential conflict in the local body (something Satan would love to see happen!) Grant is didomi (meaning to give as an expression of generosity) in the aorist active optative mood (mood of prayer) (Also Ro 15:5; 2Ti 1:16, 18.). Continually speaks of peace, so it is asking God that outward circumstances would not destroy inner peace. The clear implication is that His peace for believers is always available, independent of the circumstances (Are you experiencing His peace in the midst of your fiery trial beloved? It is possible...supernaturally!) NIV translates with the phrase “at all times and in every way.” The believer receives peace “at all times and in all ways—under all circumstances and conditions, whatever comes” (Amplified). God described as peace is found in Jdg 6:24; Ro 15:33; 16:20; 1Co 14:33; 2Co 13:11; Php 4:9; 1 Th 5:23; Heb. 13:20