(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it. (25) Brethren, pray for us. (26) Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss. (27) I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. (28) The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
It is hardly necessary to make any observations upon those sweet verses, they are in themselves so plain, but they are also so beautiful and affectionate, that I hardly know how to pass them by unnoticed. I shall only, however, just remark how blessedly the Apostle assures the Church of God's faithfulness. God's call is a most decided proof of his faithfulness. For whom he did predestinate, them he also called. And his call looks as sure forward to justify and glorify, as it looks back to his eternal purpose, will, and pleasure in predestinating. Hence, Peter admonisheth the Church to prove their election by their call. Compare Romans 8:29-30 with 2 Peter 1:10
I pray the Reader not to overlook the Apostle's desiring an interest in the prayers of the faithful. It is a sweet thought when the whole Church of God be considered as mutually helping each other in prayer. There should be no schism in the body, but the members should have the same care one for another. 1 Corinthians 12:25. And if so great an Apostle thus sought a remembrance by the people before the Lord, how earnest may it be supposed ought all who now minister in holy things, to say continually to the Church, Brethren, pray for us!
And let not the Reader overlook the Apostle's command, that all the brethren should be greeted, the humblest, the poorest, the least. For, as in the human body there is not a part so inconsiderable but what the whole is concerned for, and cannot but take interest in, both in its pain or pleasure; so, in the mystical body of Christ, all are equally concerned in what belongs to each member, and all, yea, the glorious Head himself Christ Jesus, cannot, (indeed, He would not), say to the feet, I have no need of you. 1 Corinthians 12:21. Oh! what an argument ariseth therefrom, to all that Christian love and affection, which ought to distinguish the members of Christ's body! 1 Corinthians 12:27
One word more. An holy kiss for holy brethren, is a sacred and sanctified description of character for distinguishing the Lord's brethren. Hebrews 3:1; 1 Peter 2:9. Holiness unto the Lord, was to be upon the bells of the horses in the Gospel day. Zechariah 14:20. Jesus wills this holiness in and from himself to his people. Compare Leviticus 11:44 with 1 Peter 1:15-16. And how needful must it be, that all the holy family should have the Scriptures of our God, which are not of any private interpretation, read to them for their instruction, exhortation, and comfort. 2 Peter 1:20-21. And how blessedly Paul closeth all with his Apostolical benediction, and which is his mark of their being his. 2 Thessalonians 3:17.