1 Thessalonians 5:28

Text (1 Thessalonians 5:28)

28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Translation and Paraphrase

28.

(Now) may the favor of our Lord Jesus, the anointed one, be with you. (Amen)

Notes (1 Thessalonians 5:28)

1.

The benediction of grace is found at the end of every one of Paul's letters (including Hebrews). See Romans 16:24; 1 Corinthians 16:23; etc.

2.

It is not found at the close of the letters by Peter, Jude, James, or John. The book of Revelation, however, closes with a benediction of grace. Revelation 22:21.

3.

Grace means favor, as explained in the notes on 1 Thessalonians 1:1, paragraph 12.

4.

The word Amen is not given at the close of Nestle's Greek text (it is in the margin), nor in the American Standard version. But it is included in many ancient manuscripts, and we include it in our paraphrase. It seems such an appropriate closing, both here and at the end of Part One of the epistle. See notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:13, paragraph 6.

5.

The postscript at the close of I Thessalonians in the King James version, The first epistle unto the Thessalonians was written from Athens, is NOT part of the inspired text by Paul, and also it is not true. See Introductory Section IV, paragraph 4.

STUDY SUGGESTION

Turn now to the Did You Learn? questions on the following pages [see Chapter Comments], and answer questions 19 to 51.