Farewell 1 Thessalonians 5:25-26.
The concluding remarks of Paul have different themes and emphases, but they all revolve around unity and a common purpose.
Entreaty (v. 25). There are many things we do not understand about prayer. What we do know is that it is an exercise in self consolation. There is a God in heaven, listening to the entreaties of his people. Paul prays for his spiritual charges. He also craves their prayers for him. One person praying can “move the hand of God.” Imagine what a large group praying can accomplish. I wonder if you are doing your part in prayer?
Endearment (v. 26). Paul wants the believers to greet each other with a holy kiss. It is common even today for men of the Middle East to kiss each other on the cheeks, as was the custom in Paul’s time, even in Europe. What makes the Christian kiss holy is the attitude of the kissers and the exclusive way in which it was reserved for those of the family of faith. This is also in contrast to the way of the world, in which kissing was, and still is, loaded with impure innuendo.
Enjoining. (v. 27). There is a possibility that this letter was sent to a leader of the church in Thessalonica, and it is he to whom this oath is administered. Paul was not writing a casual letter. He was writing what he believed to be the message of God to the believers. Nor was it to be read-only to some. Everyone was required to listen to the reading of the letter. If only we could be that serious about reading the same letter, and others, today!
Endowment (v. 28). This letter started with a greeting of grace, it ends with a wish of grace. Grace is the favor of God. It is by grace that we are enabled to live a life that is pleasing to God and to endure what we would otherwise crumble under. Paul has taught the believers how they are to live, but he knows that without the enabling of the grace of God, they will fail. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you, too.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.