CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
2 Thessalonians 3:16. Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always.—The Church at Thessalonica had been passing through stormy waters. The apostle prays that God may give them to
“Feel His halcyon rest within
Calming the storms of dread and sin.”
2 Thessalonians 3:17. The salutation … the token.—As though he said, “This that I am about to write is my sign-manual.”
2 Thessalonians 3:18. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.—Whatever St. Paul’s handwriting may have been, it could not well be more characteristic than this word “grace,” as certainly he could not have chosen a more beautiful word to engrave on his seal.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18
Apostolic Courtesy.
The epistle is coming to a close, and the Christian courtesy of the apostle comes out in the spirit in which he expresses his farewell. If he has spoken out plainly and even severely, it has not been in vindictiveness and anger. All that he has said and written is in the interests of peace. His sharpest reproofs and most faithful admonitions have been suffused with an undercurrent of loving-kindness; and his concluding words drop with the gentleness of refreshing dew.
I. Apostolic courtesy supplicates the blessing of the divine peace and presence.—“Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thessalonians 3:16). Prayer was the life-breath of the apostle, as we have frequently pointed out in the study of these epistles. Considering the dissensions that disturbed the harmony of the Thessalonian Church, this epistle appropriately closes with a prayer for peace. First, and most important of all, peace with God and the individual conscience; then mutual peace and concord one with another—peace, such as keeps the mind in an even and heavenly frame, as a sentinel that guards a door, lest foes should get in and make havoc where God hath commanded peace. Where God’s presence is manifested, there is peace; hence the apostle adds, “The Lord be with you all.” Peace is a divine gift, and a divine experience in man; it is the peace of “the Lord of peace” that we share.
II. Apostolic courtesy is expressed in an emphatic Christian salutation.—“The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write” (2 Thessalonians 3:17). This epistle was written by an amanuensis, probably Silas or Timothy, at the dictation of Paul; and the apostle wrote his own signature, adding the salutation and benediction. This act not only stamped the genuineness of the epistle, but indicated in a most unmistakable manner the anxiety of the apostle to thoroughly identify himself with all that was expressed in the epistle, and to assure the Thessalonians of his personal interest in and love towards them. Christianity is the soul of courtesy. Bolingbroke once said, “Supposing Christianity to be a mere human invention, it is the most amiable and successful invention that ever was imposed on mankind.” When the courtiers of Henry IV. of France expressed their surprise that he returned the salutation of a poor man, who bowed down before him at the entrance of a village, the king replied, “Would you have your king exceeded in politeness by one of the lowest of his subjects?” As he is the best Christian who is most humble, so is he the truest gentleman that is most courteous.
III. Apostolic courtesy is indicated in the solemn invocation of the abiding grace of God.—“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen” (2 Thessalonians 3:18). A farewell full of pathos, full of solemnity, full of peace, full of admiration and love for the people—all good wishes condensed into a single phrase. Even an apostle can desire for the Church, or any of its members, no richer benediction than that comprehended in “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Lessons.—
1. Peace is a prime essential in Church prosperity.
2. The Christian spirit is the essence of true courtesy.
3. We can invoke no higher blessing on others than to be kept in the enjoyment of divine grace.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
2 Thessalonians 3:16. The Omnipresent God—
I. In history.—Shaping the course and destiny of nations.
II. In providence.—
1. Guarding.
2. Guiding His people.
III. In grace.—
1. Manifesting His goodness in Christ.
2. Giving inclination and power to do His will.
3. Demanding and bestowing personal holiness.
4. Ensuring constant peace.
Peace in Danger.—During the great earthquake in London, when thousands were running about and crying in terror, when buildings were falling and the ground rocking like the ocean in a storm, Wesley gathered a few of his followers in one of their little chapels, and calmly read to them the forty-sixth psalm, “God is our refuge and strength.”
2 Thessalonians 3:17-18. Christian Courtesy—
I. Takes pains to make itself evident.—“So I write.”
II. Is a hearty expression of personal regard.—“The salutation of Paul with mine own hand.”
III. Invokes the blessing of divine grace on all (2 Thessalonians 3:18).