# Connecting Statement:

Paul ends with a blessing from God.

# Now

Paul uses this word here to mark a change in topic.

# Lord Jesus Christ himself

Here "himself" gives additional emphasis to the phrase "Lord Jesus Christ." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-rpronouns]])

# may our Lord ... who loved us and gave us

The words "our" and "us" refer to all believers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-exclusive]])

# gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace

"caused us to have eternal comfort and good hope through grace"

# eternal comfort
"comfort that never ends" or "unceasing encouragement"

# good hope
Here "hope" means a "certain expectation." Alternate translation: "certainty that we will receive good things from him" or "confidence that we will good things from him"

# through grace
"because of his kindness"