2 Corinthians 1:2

Grace ... and peace. See on Rom. 1:7. This is Paul’s greeting in all but the pastoral epistles, where he adds the word “mercy.” Grace (charis; see on John 1:14) was a common salutation among the Greeks. It expressed the wish that the person to whom it was addressed might experience joy and prosperity. As a Christian greeting, “grace” expressed the desire that the one to whom it was spoken might know the fullness of divine power and blessing. In Christian usage common Greek words often took on new shades of meaning (see Vol. V, p. 106). “Peace,” the favorite greeting of the Jews, wished the one addressed every material and spiritual blessing (see on Isa. 26:3; Matt. 5:9; Luke 1:79; 2:14; John 14:27). Perhaps by the salutation “grace ... and peace” Paul thought to express his desire for fellowship with Christians of both Jewish and Gentile origin. The Christian church unites both Jew and Greek.

God’s “grace” justifies repentant sinners (Rom. 3:24; cf. Titus 2:11); His “peace” keeps their hearts and minds steadfast in Christ (Phil. 4:7).

Our Father. See on Matt. 6:9.

Lord Jesus Christ. See on Matt. 1:1; John 1:38.