Gr. eggizō, “to come near,” “to approach.” Although Jesus said that no man knows the “day and hour” of His second advent, He encouraged Christians to understand the times and to “know” when the advent draws near (see on Matt. 24:36). Christ admonished His disciples ever to be in readiness for His return, and devout Christians in all ages have treasured the hope that His advent might be near in their day.

 See Additional Note on Rom. 13.

 See on v. 7.

 Gr. stērizō, “to set fast,” “to brace,” “to make stable.” God strengthens the heart (see 1 Thess. 3:13), but He asks us to cooperate with Him in that work.

 This admonition is based on the illustration in v. 7. If men are willing to yield to the Lord’s method of seed planting, growth, and harvest, they should be equally willing to submit to His guidance in bringing the spiritual harvest of the world to completion (see Matt. 13:39).