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,

Himself - by His own might, contrasted with our feebleness; ensuring the efficacy of our prayer. Here our Lord Jesus stands first; in 1 Thessalonians 3:11 "God our Father." By Christ's grace we come to the Father's love (2 Corinthians 13:14).

Which hath loved us - in our redemption. Referring both to our Lord Jesus (Romans 8:37; Galatians 2:20) and God our Father (John 3:16).

Everlasting consolation. Not transitory, as worldly consolations in trials (Romans 8:38). This for all time present, then 'good hope' for the future (Alford).

Through grace - Greek, 'IN grace;' to be joined to "hath given." Grace is the element in which the gift was made.

Comfort, [ parakalesai (G3870), singular verb, marking that the Son and Father are one]

Your heart - unsettled as you have been through those who announced the Lord's immediate coming.

Good word and work. So G g. But A 'Aleph (') B Delta f, Vulgate, invert the order, 'work and word.' Establishment in these were what the young converts needed, not fanatical teaching (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:58).

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