2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 – Christ indispensable peace and grace

In the study of 2 Thessalonians, Paul had dealt with three groups of people: the persecutors, the false teachers and the idlers. He had also very ably revealed Christ in the first chapter, talked about the antichrist in the second and dealt with the Christians in the third. Now he had arrived at the point where he was ready to pronounce the threefold blessing on the Thessalonians. So here he pronounced it over them

Firstly, he pronounced that the Lord of peace Himself would grant them peace in every circumstance. His desire was for them to experience the continual and uninterrupted peace in all situations. Secondly, that the Lord would be with them. The peace to be experienced can only be there when the presence of the Lord Jesus is felt. To experience peace, one needs to know the presence of the giver of peace. Thirdly, he prayed that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ will be with them all. Grace is the divine enablement of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a vital ingredient for believers in their Christian journey. Without the grace of God there can be no mercy. Paul concluded this epistle by wishing God’s indispensable grace upon all of them.

In writing most of his letters, Paul usually had one of his traveling companions to act as his amanuensis or scribe. To lend authentication, he would then write a personal statement before he signed off. For this letter, this part was even more important because of some letters written to the Thessalonians purportedly to bear his name. In verse 17, he told them that to sign off was his usual practice and distinguishing mark. It would imply that whatever letter without this imprint would not be his.

Paul’s writings have truly guided us in our journey with the Lord. We thank God for this great apostle, who expounds, explains, inspires and demonstrates to us how to please the Lord, our Master. With the help of all that he had written, we will continue to scale the heights to God’s holy hill. And through the Word, we can find our way up and nestle in His presence and there find our everlasting peace in Him. Amen!