But the Lord is faithful
Or "God" as the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic versions read, as do
also the Alexandrian and Claromontane copies. This is said for
the comfort of the saints, lest they should be discouraged upon
hearing that all professors of faith in Christ had it not, who
might be ready to take it to themselves, and fear, that either
they had it not, or if they had, that they might lose it, and
fall from it. Wherefore the apostle observes to them the
comfortable attribute of God's faithfulness, which he will not
suffer to fail. He has promised many things, and he is faithful
that has promised, who also will do them, nor will any good thing
he has promised ever fail.
Who shall stablish you:
in the doctrines of the Gospel, so as not to be moved away from
them, or be finally and totally seduced by those unreasonable and
wicked men; and also in the grace of faith, which though it may
be weakened, and there may be a falling from a degree of the
steadfastness of it, as to its act and exercise, yet it shall
never finally and totally fail, he who is the author will be the
finisher of it; and likewise in the profession both of the
doctrine and grace of faith, which true believers shall hold fast
unto the end; for God will not suffer the righteous to be moved,
or to depart from him; he has promised them perseverance, and he
is faithful to give it to them.
And keep you from evil:
from the evil of sin; not from the being and commission of it
entirely, which is not to be expected in this life; but from the
dominion of it, at least from its reigning unto death, and from
the damning power of it: and also from that evil one Satan; from
his snares and temptations, so as to be entangled and overcome by
them; for God is faithful, who will not suffer his to be tempted
beyond their strength, but will enable them to bear it, and make
way for their escape, and deliver out of it; and likewise from
evil men, unreasonable and wicked men, so as not to be drawn
aside by them, by their principles and practices, by their frowns
or flatteries.