II. A Christian salutation.—“Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss” (ver. 26). The “kiss of charity” in those days was a token of friendship and goodwill, something equivalent to the shaking of hands in modern times. In the Syrian Church, before communion, each takes his neighbour’s right hand, and gives the salutation, “Peace!” The greeting was “a holy kiss”—pure and chaste, such as one Christian may give to another, and not sin. Christianity is the soul of courtesy. “Forms may change; but the same spirit of brotherly love and cordial recognition of one another, under whatever diversities of temporal circumstances, should ever characterise those who know the love of a common Saviour, and have entered into the communion of saints” (Lillie). Let the love of the heart toward all the brethren be practically manifested in becoming acts of courtesy and goodwill.
III. A solemn direction.—“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren” (ver. 27). The first epistle to the Thessalonians is, in point of time, the earliest of all the canonical books of the New Testament; and here is a solemn injunction that it be publicly read to all the people. The Romish Church, if she does not deny, very unwillingly allows the reading of Scripture by the laity. “What Rome forbids under an anathema,” says Bengel, “St. Paul enjoins with an adjuration.” None should be debarred from reading or hearing the Word of God. “Women and children are not to be excluded” (Deut. xxxi. 12; Josh. viii. 34, 35). Lois and Eunice knew the Bible and taught it to the child Timothy. The Berœans had free access to the sacred volume, and searched it at their pleasure. The public reading of the Holy Scriptures is an important means of edifying the Church; it is enforced by apostolic authority; it familiarises the mind with the greatest truths; it keeps alive the enthusiasm of the Church for aggressive purposes.
IV. A gracious benediction.—“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen” (ver. 28). The epistle closes, as it began, with blessing. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ is the fountain of all the good that has flowed in upon and enriched the human race. The three great features of that grace—pardon, peace, holiness—are clearly elucidated in this epistle. The fountain is inexhaustible. Its streams of blessing are ever available for needy, perishing man.
Lessons.—1. Prayer is an ever-present duty. 2. Christianity hallows all the true courtesies of life. 3. The Word of God should be constantly read and studied. 4. The best blessings issue from the inexhaustible grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES.
Ver. 25. Pray for Us.
I. We greatly need your prayers.—Our state, like yours, is a state of probation. We have uncommon wants. We have a strict account to give.
II. We request your prayers.—1. You can pray. 2. God will hear you.
III. We may reasonably expect that you will pray for us.—1. We pray for you. 2. We are labouring for your advantage.
IV. We are warranted to expect it from your own professions.—1. You profess a high degree, not only of respect, but of love to your preachers. 2. Some of you can scarcely give us any other proof of it.