Bible Commentaries

In conclusion the apostle urged them to pray for him that the preaching of the Word in other places might be with power and victory. He affirmed his confidence in them, and expressed his desire for their continual patience.

In a very practical way he rebuked those who were neglecting their earthly calling, making themselves chargeable to the care of others. As he had not withdrawn himself from the ordinary avocation of his life while ministering the Word to them, it was of the utmost importance that they should walk by the same rule. The true attitude of "waiting for the Son" is ever unceasing fidelity to all the responsibilities of the present.

In view of this, the apostle laid down the principle that "if any will not work, neither let him eat." Any view of life which makes work distasteful and causes its neglect is wrong.

The letter closes with the apostle's words of tender desire for these Thessalonian Christians. He does not forget their troublous circumstances, and he supremely desires peace for them. However, for him, peace is associated only with the Lordship of Jesus, whom he here speaks of as the "Lord of peace," and whose presence he evidently considers will assure the Thessalonians that very blessing.

The personal salutation and the apostle's declaration that such signature is guarantee of the genuineness of his writing were for their safeguarding against spurious communications, such as had caused them trouble in the matter of the Advent. There is the addition of one little word in this final benediction as compared with its form in the first Epistle. It is the word "all." Thus the apostle takes in those whom he had been rebuking and correcting, and so reveals the greatness of his heart and his love.