Episode 481: Experiencing Shalom

As the apostle Paul wraps up his second letter to new Thessalonian believers, he offers a fourth prayer for them in three chapters (see 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:5). He prays in 2 Thessalonians 3:16, “Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!” Then, after a verse authenticating himself as the author of this letter, he adds in 2 Thessalonians 3:18, “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” Paul’s prayers show that we must depend on the Lord’s grace and strength in every situation, both for our own growth and for the growth of others we care about. 

While it’s not comprehensive, Paul’s concluding prayer and his authenticating signature to this letter give us a short pattern for Christian growth: To grow in Christ, seek His peace in every situation, seek His presence every day, submit to His word as our authority, and saturate our lives with His grace.

Additional scriptures referenced include Romans 8:7; Colossians 1:20-21; Romans 5:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:23; Psalm 38; Ephesians 2:14; Colossians 3:11-15; Psalm 51:11; John 14:16-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:17-18; and Romans 6:1, 14.