Bible Diary - 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

February 14, 2008

Paul closes this first letter to the new Christians in Thessalonica with a blessing and an admonition, a more or less typical “yours truly” of the early Christian era. His prayer for them is that they all continue steadfastly on the path to complete holiness. My twenty-first century self is still a little uncomfortable with holiness and perfection as a rational expectation, but I know that the God of peace has promised it and He is faithful to his promises, even when no one else is. That’s more than enough for now.

Conclusion

5:23 Now may the God of peace himself make you completely holy and may your spirit and soul and body be kept entirely blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 5:24 He who calls you is trustworthy, and he will in fact do this. 5:25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us too. 5:26 Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 5:27 I call on you solemnly in the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters. 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Even as Paul prays for his friends, he asks them for their prayers. He is in prison and no doubt suffering. If Paul doesn’t scruple to ask for the prayers of his fellow Christians, neither should I, as uncomfortable as the thought of someone praying for me may be.

Paul’s ending admonition is that they share widely his letter. I am reading it today, so they must have paid attention!

Dave, wanting to become a praying fool like Paul.

-sdg-

Posted by Dave | Filed Under Bible