1 Thessalonians 5:23–28 (NKJV)
23 Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.
I Thessalonians 5:23-28
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with a holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Paul wraps up the first letter to the Thessalonians with some final thoughts and greetings. Paul re-emphasizes the need for sanctification. He touts the value of the entire tripartite man being preserved by the power of the Holy Spirit. The whole man, spirit, soul, and body, are to be reserved until the day of Jesus Christ. Paul also applauds God as the One Who is able to keep you, faithful and able in all ways.
Paul then moves into his final thoughts, asking the church to pray for him and his team. As always, Paul is under fire from many sides, opposed by the Jewish establishment, the Roman government, and other opponents of the gospel. His request for prayer is logical and needed. He instructs them to greet all the brethren for them with a holy kiss. This sign of affection and connection is representative of the close bond between the brothers and sisters in the church. He then charges them to make sure that the letter be read to all the members of the church, for the edification of the body. Finally, Paul offers a traditional greeting by wishing them the grace of Jesus Christ as an ongoing blessing. Paul communicates his love and appreciation for the Thessalonian church here in this letter, encouraging and affirming this young church as they pursued the ways of Christ as a body. This new, transformational experience is exciting and powerful, and is laying a foundation for the future. With a great overseer and local leadership, they would become an anchor in Macedonia for years to come. They hear to call to sanctification, they desired for preservation, and they did the work of the ministry. May we follow their example and be the church as they were even today.
Devoted To You 