Good morning,
This week we complete our study of the Church at Thessalonica. The believer’s challenge concerning patience until the coming of the Lord is this week’s theme. The Thessalonians are waiting for the Lord’s return. Paul addresses faithful, patient, separated, disciplined, working, and loving while they wait.
Paul’s commendation to the Thessalonian Church. (3:16-18)
a) Paul commends them to the peace and presence of God. (3:16)
b) Paul convinces them with his handwritten salutation – assuring them of the authenticity of this epistle. (3:17)
c) Paul commends them to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ (3:18)
16 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 17 The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Paul finishes his letter to the Thessalonians as he began it, commending the church. Paul was commending them for their faith in the Lord and their great love. He encourages them for their consistent growth.
He also wants them to know that he wrote this letter. Remember, another letter had surfaced purporting to have been by Paul, stating that the Tribulation period had begun and that they had missed the Rapture. This letter corrected the false doctrine.
He concludes by commending them to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul blessed the Church at Thessalonica with his encouragement, answers to questions, and correct doctrinal teaching.
We need to take the Paul’s words of admonishment and apply them to our lives.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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