2 Thessalonians 2:13 ; 2 Thessalonians 3:5
I. The salvation to which the Thessalonians are described as chosen of God is regarded chiefly in the aspect of a present possession, and it is "in (not through) sanctification of the Spirit." The words surely mean spiritual sanctification; an inward process, not merely outward change of conduct. The salvation without doubt is that which is possessed in advancing holiness, the sanctification wrought in the spirit of man by the Divine Spirit. A renewal of the spirit of the believer which of necessity manifests itself in the renewal of his life.
II. "Stand fast." The duty of perseverance is enforced upon the Thessalonians, both as a Church and as individuals steadfast adherence to all truly Christian doctrine and practice and that is possible only where there is loving loyalty to Jesus Christ Himself.
III. After precept comes prayer, and the prayer is that their hearts may be comforted and stablished in every good word and work. Thus, through meditation and action alike, the one ministering to the other, would they attain to tried Christian character the crown of Christian life. It is instructive to notice that, as in 1 Thessalonians 3:11, the Saviour is associated in prayer with God the Father as directing the outward movements, the external details of Paul's work, so in this passage He is similarly associated with God the Father in ministering to the soul-prosperity of believers. God the Son is thus represented as one with God the Father in being the Source of all guiding and protecting care, and the Source of all spiritual blessing.
IV. While Paul directs his readers' thoughts to the faithfulness of their Saviour, he will also encourage them by the assurance that he himself has confidence in them a confidence which he holds fast, because he rests on the faithfulness of their common Lord. He believes that they are even now doing, and that they will continue to do, all that he enjoins, whatever be the tendency to faintness (for Christian work is toil); he is persuaded that the grace of perseverance will be theirs. So long as men have their hearts ever turning to the love of God, they will be "strengthened with all might unto all patience," so that they, doing whatsoever is commanded, may endure unto the end.
J. Hutchison, Lectures on Thessalonians,p. 308.
References: 2 Thessalonians 2:13. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. v., p. 178; Magee, Church of England Pulpit,vol. xxi., p. 272. 2 Thessalonians 2:15. H. Hitchens, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xxvi., p. 284; F. Pigou, Ibid.,vol. xxvii., p. 289. 2 Thessalonians 2:16. J. Baldwin Brown, Christian World Pulpit,vol. v., p. 387; R. Tuck, Ibid.,vol. xix., p. 291.