Final Instructions

I Thessalonians 5:25-28

“Brethren, pray for us.” (I Thessalonians 5:25)

Paul was not asking for superficial “Lord , bless the missionaries type of prayer, but for a earnest fervent prayer for specific needs. II Thessalonians 3:1-2 illustrates what he wanted them to pray about. “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: And that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith.” Paul didn’t want to waste God’s time on those who were not willing to hear the gospel or allow it to be heard by others. He wished to obey Jesus’ injunction in Matthew 7:6. “Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”

He was also concerned that he would be able to present the Word of God properly, that it would be clearly and correctly understood. Colossians 4:2-4 directs, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving; Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds: That I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.” He wanted his preaching to be like he had done at Corinth. “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” (I Corinthians 2:4-5)

“Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.“ (I Thessalonians 5: 26)

Jesus commanded his disciples to love one another in John 13:34-35, stipulating that it would be the evidence of our love for him. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” Paul here instructs the church to demonstrate that love in a very personal way. It in no way implies a sexual relationship. Both failure to demonstrate our love in a personal manner, and improper demonstrations leave doubt of the reality of our love. People need those demonstrations, but they need to be motivated by proper love.

Because of the ease of abuse many have ignored Paul’s directions, or forbidden others to obey.. Please note the following commands.
“Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.” (Romans 16:16)
“All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.” (I Corinthians 16:20)
“Greet one another with an holy kiss.” (II Corinthians 13:12)
“Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.” (I Peter 5:14)

Jesus, Paul, and Peter all stressed the importance of personal demonstrations of love in a holy, chaste manner.

“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.” (I Thessalonians 5:27)

Like his other letters, the Epistle to the Thessalonians was not intended solely for the ones to whom it was addressed. It was for all Christians, and was to be handled like the Colossian Letter. “And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.“ (Colossians 4:16)

Peter explains his reasons for writing his epistles., “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: 2pe 3:2 That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:: (II Peter 3:1-2)

They will be of limited value if others are not allowed to know what was written as well.

1th 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.