1 Thessalonians 5:26-28

Concluding Remarks

The kiss, like our handshake, was their way of greeting a friend. Paul did not discourage its use but did urge that it be practiced with a proper attitude, that is one of holiness instead of lustfulness.

Paul obviously saw the reading of this letter to all Christians as imperative. As Kelcy says, the word "charge," or adjure as in some translations, "means 'to cause to swear by.' Paul is in substance saying that he is putting the Thessalonian brethren under oath." He wanted all to receive the comforts and instructions contained in this letter. We should always stress the importance of access to the Bible. No one man, or group of men, should be allowed to make the scriptures their private domain to the exclusion of others.

Paul's final prayer for them was that God's favor would be upon them.