Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Ambrosiaster
AD 400
He calls God our Father because all things are created and restored in him. He calls Christ Lord because he redeems us, offering himself on our behalf.
Both grace and peace remove contention. They convey the will of God. Since therefore they were in the grip of error, grace was first sought on their behalf, in order that they should know God and fully obey God and Christ, putting all trust in Christ and nothing else…. Then he also adds “peace from God.” The one who wills ungraciously creates severe discord. .
It could be argued that both should be referred to both, that is, both grace and peace apply no less to God the Father than to our Lord Jesus Christ. Or it could be argued that each should be referred to each, so that grace is referred to God the Father and peace to Christ. It is more likely the latter, since the words immediately following are to the praise of the glory of God’s grace. Thus the “grace” of the Father lies in his willingness to send the Son for our salvation, while the “peace” of the Son lies in the fact that we are reconciled to the Father through him. .
Grace is his word; and he calls God, Father, since this name is a sure token of that gift of grace. And how so? Hear what he says elsewhere; Because you are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Galatians 4:6
And from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Because for us men Christ was born, and appeared in the flesh.
