Q. A mislaid note inquires whether " that blessed hope" is equivalent to, or distinct from, "the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ."
A. I apprehend that the form of the phrase in Greek (one article to the two connected substantives) does not at all of necessity identify them, but only joins them in a common class. Compare 2 Thess. 2:11Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, (2 Thessalonians 2:1), where the same construction occurs. Yet none would maintain that " the coming or presence of our Lord Jesus Christ " is the same thing as " our gathering together unto him." They are meant, I think, to be regarded as associated together in the mind of the Holy Ghost, though in themselves distinct objects. It may help some to a better understanding of Titus 2:1313Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; (Titus 2:13), if they bear in mind that the true sense is "the appearing of the glory"—in contrast with the grace which has already appeared. (Ver. 11.) " That blessed hope" seems to me still nearer, and more personal, to the heart. (Compare 1 Tim. 1:11Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope; (1 Timothy 1:1).)
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