Grace and Peace

2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 “Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all,” 2 Thessalonians 3:16. Paul used someone other than himself to pen most of his letters. We do not know exactly why Paul did this, but we learn in today’s passage that he did at least pen one verse in his own handwriting. Paul even made an explicit point to let the readers know that this final admonition was written in his own hand. There is a lot of speculation as to why Paul would do this. Was it because he wanted to show his special care in writing this particular letter? Was it simply his sign of authenticity? This could very well be the case. There may have even been a case of forgery that led to the idea that the day of Christ had already come. (See 2 Thessalonians 2:2.) What is really important here was Paul’s salutation. He wrote (may) “the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means” and “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” Paul wished grace and peace to his readers. As believers, we have received both God’s grace and peace. Paul now prayed that these two wonderful gifts would continue with us. Paul wished for the believers in Thessalonica and believers everywhere to be filled with God’s wonderful grace and peace.     JUST A THOUGHT Do you find rest and comfort in God’s grace and peace in your life? Nathan Rogers

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