1 Thessalonians 5:27

Text (1 Thessalonians 5:27)

27 I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the brethren.

Translation and Paraphrase

27.

I adjure you by the Lord (and His authority, as a judge might demand of people under oath), that this letter be read to all the (holy) brothers (to your whole congregation).

Notes (1 Thessalonians 5:27)

1.

Paul evidently thought that his letter could be understood by the common people in the church, as he gave strict orders that it be read to all of them.

The Roman Catholic clergy has often held back the Bible from their people, saying that the laity cannot interpret correctly the Bible without an infallible guide. However, Lois, Eunice, the Bereans, the Ephesians, and many others all read and understood the Scriptures without any official interpreter to explain them. 2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:15; Acts 17:11; Ephesians 3:4.

2.

Public reading of the Scriptures does more good than we ever dream of. People will make many applications of the word of God as the Holy Spirit lays it on their hearts.

3.

When we read the Scriptures publicly, we might well remember the example of Ezra who read distinctly and gave the sense. Nehemiah 8:8.

4.

Paul's command to the Thessalonians to read his epistle publicly is put in the form of a judicial oath. He placed them under oath to do this. This certainly emphasized the importance that Paul attached to his writings. (The force of this command as an oath is brought out in our paraphrase.) For a similar oath, see Acts 19:13.

5.

Paul also commanded the Colossians to read their epistle to the Laodiceans, and that they likewise read the one from Laodicea. Colossians 4:16.