2:17 preached peace. This “[preaching] of peace”—not only peace between Jew and Gentile but also individual peace with God through the forgiveness of sins—had long been in God’s plan. The promised Messiah was “anointed” to “preach good tidings unto the meek” first among the Jews, but then also to “declare my glory among the Gentiles” (Isaiah 61:1; 66:19). Jesus not only confirmed that He had come in fulfillment of this prophecy to “preach the gospel to the poor” (Luke 4:18) but also reminded the Jews that He had “other sheep” which were “not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” (John 10:16). Later He commissioned His disciples to “be witnesses unto me…unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Then, through Paul and others, He has been “preached unto the Gentiles” and “believed on in the world” (I Timothy 3:16).

2:18 Father. Note the activity of all three persons of the Godhead in reference both to salvation and prayer. We have access to the Father only through faith in the Son and by the implementing work of the Holy Spirit. Note also the work of the Trinity: in redemption and forgiveness (Hebrews 9:14); the presence of the Trinity in our baptismal testimony (Matthew 28:19); in our experience of regeneration (Galatians 4:6); in our assurance and fellowship (II Corinthians 13:14); in witnessing (John 15:26); and in teaching (John 14:26).