Charles Ellicott Commentary 2 Thessalonians 3:16

"Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Lord be with you all." — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (ASV)

Now—Rather, And, or But. The prayer is joined to the exhortations, as in 2 Thessalonians 2:16 and elsewhere, and of course bears upon their subject.

The Lord of peace—We had the God of peace at the close of the last letter (1 Thessalonians 5:23; see the note there). The "peace" prayed for here perhaps has a more immediate reference to external matters than in the parallel passage. St. Chrysostom suggests the danger of quarrels breaking out because of the administration of the prescribed discipline. The conduct of these restless busybodies was in itself destructive of peace, both for their own souls and for the community.

But the words "by all means," or, more literally, in every shape and form, show that the Apostle is extending his view over all the subjects mentioned in this letter. He is praying for "peace all throughout, in every form": peace through all persecutions and from all persecutions; peace through the terrors of the reign of Antichrist and the Judgment Day; and peace among themselves, in their own hearts, and with God.

The Lord be with you all—This is another way of expressing the prayer for peace, for where He enters, He says, Peace be unto you. The word "all" is strongly emphasized, connecting with the words "always" and "in all forms." St. Paul had spoken with strong censure of some, but he wishes to show that he bears no ill will toward anyone. He concludes by blessing all, just as he began by giving thanks for all (2 Thessalonians 1:3).