1 Thessalonians 5:27

I charge you by the Lord thatthis epistle be read unto all the holy brethren Holyis probably an erroneous insertion of the copyists, due to Philippians 4:21, or Hebrews 3:1.

Chargeshould be the much stronger adjure (A.V. margin, and R. V.). It is as much as to say, "I put you on your oath before the Lord to do this:" an extraordinary expression, and one difficult to account for. There is no appearance of such jealousy or party spirit existing in this Church as could lead to the letter being intentionally withheldfrom any of Its members. Two circumstances, however, occur to one's mind which might occasion in some cases neglectof the Epistle, (1) the extreme desire that was felt for St Paul's presence at Thessalonica (ch. 1 Thessalonians 3:6), and the disappointment caused by his failure to return, to which he addressed himself so fully in chaps. 2 and 3. This feeling might lead some to say, "O, it is only a letterfrom him! We do not want that. Why does he not come himself?" (2) Further, amongst the bereaved members of the Church, some in consequence of their recent and deep sorrow (ch. 1 Thessalonians 4:13) might be absent from the Church meetings, so that unless the Epistle were carried to them and read in their hearing, they would miss the consolation designed especially for them. It must be remembered, too, that this is the first Apostolic letter extant, and that the custom of reading such letters officially to the whole Church had yet to be established.

Observe the repetition of "allthe brethren" in 1 Thessalonians 5:26. The same love which dictates the salutation to "all" without distinction, even though some had incurred censure (1 Thessalonians 5:14), prompts the anxiety that "all" should hear this letter read, which contains so much of the Apostle's mind and heart.