2Thessalonians 3:16-18 Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Thessalonians was written from Athens.
‘The Lord of peace.’ From Isaiah 47:5 we read that God says: “I make peace” meaning freedom from war or civil disorder; harmony in human and divine relations; quietness and tranquillity. God is the Author of peace and Christ is called “the Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6-7). All real and lasting peace comes from God; it originated with Him.
‘Give you peace.’ The Greek word for peace is eirene, the state of quietness, rest, repose, harmony, order and security amid turmoil, strife, and temptations.
From Isaiah 26:3 we have the promise of being in perfect peace for all men of all ages who meet the condition of keeping the mind stayed on God, and who trust in Him at all times, in all things, and in all places (Ps. 91:1-16).
Christ promises to leave us with His peace and to give it to us if we won’t let our hearts be troubled or afraid (John 14:27). We must lay our burdens and troubles on Him and live in righteousness to accomplish this truth.
In Psalm 34:14 we are commanded to depart from evil, to do good, to seek peace and pursue it.
We see three final commands in 2 Peter 3:14-18 that save the soul: Be diligent that you may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless (2Pet. 3:14). Beware lest you also (like the backsliders of 2Pet. 2:1-22), being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness (2Pet. 3:17). Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ (2Pet. 3:18).
‘The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.’ Compare this with the ending of other epistles of Paul.
To be continued…
Living the Word 