2 Thessalonians 3:14-18 - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all

3:14,15

The Thessalonians are to take the instructions in this letter most seriously, and to note anyone who does not obey them. Moreover, they are then to not associate with such people. The purpose? To make the disobedient ones feel ashamed. This goes very much against the prevailing ethos in our society and in our churches. We do not want to be judgemental! Yet this is an unbiblical approach. Sin matters and is destructive, both for the one who sins and for others. These firm actions are taken in order to help save the disobedient brother. They are not to be regarded as an enemy, rather the actions are taken as a warning so that the brother might repent. With our “don’t cause any trouble” approach we are not really being helpful to anyone. In fact, the reason we do this is often to save ourselves from any conflict, it is not out of any genuine love for others. The sinner will then tend to think that their sin is not serious, for sin is deceptive.

3:16-18

The letter is now brought to a close, in a way that is common amongst Paul’s letters.There is a blessing in v16, a blessing of the peace and the presence of the Lord. Paul writes this last bit in his own hand, the rest of it was probably written by an amanuensis. He closes the letter by declaring the grace of the Lord to be with them all.