+I. Should be specially noted.+
+II. Should not be admitted to intimate friendship without
repentance.+
+III. Should be kindly but faithfully admonished.+
Ver. 14. _Obedience should be prompt._--When a large passenger
steamer was sinking, the question whether scores of her passengers
and crew would be saved or drowned was settled within fifteen
minutes. And millions have decided the momentous question of their
eternal salvation or perdition in even less time than that. It seems
to have been short work with Simon Peter when Jesus bade him quit the
nets and follow Him. Peter obeyed at once. Prompt obedience honours
God. It puts the soul immediately within the Almighty's hold; and
when Jesus has His omnipotent grasp of love upon me, none shall be
able to pluck me out of His hands (John x. 28). Prompt obedience
saves.--_Cuyler._
_MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.--Verses_ 16-18.
_Apostolic Courtesy._
The epistle is coming to a close, and the Christian courtesy of the
apostle comes out in the spirit in which he expresses his farewell.
If he has spoken out plainly and even severely, it has not been in
vindictiveness and anger. All that he has said and written is in the
interests of peace. His sharpest reproofs and most faithful
admonitions have been suffused with an undercurrent of
loving-kindness; and his concluding words drop with the gentleness of
refreshing dew.
+I. Apostolic courtesy supplicates the blessing of the Divine peace
and presence.+--"Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always
by all means. The Lord be with you all" (ver. 16). Prayer was the
life-breath of the apostle, as we have frequently pointed out in the
study of these epistles. Considering the dissensions that disturbed
the harmony of the Thessalonian Church, this epistle appropriately
closes with a prayer for peace. First, and most important of all,
peace with God and the individual conscience; then mutual peace and
concord one with another--peace, such as keeps the mind in an even
and heavenly frame, as a sentinel that guards a door, lest foes
should get in and make havoc where God hath commanded peace. Where
God's presence is manifested, there is peace; hence the apostle adds,
"The Lord be with you all." Peace is a Divine gift, and a Divine
experience in man; it is the peace of "the Lord of peace" that we
share.
+II. Apostolic courtesy is expressed in an emphatic Christian
salutation.+--"The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is
the token in every epistle: so I write" (ver. 17). This epistle was
written by an amanuensis, probably Silas or Timothy, at the dictation
of Paul; and the apostle wrote his own signature, adding the
salutation and benediction. This act not only stamped the genuineness
of the epistle but indicated in a most unmistakable manner the
anxiety of the apostle to thoroughly identify himself with all that
was expressed in the epistle, and to assure the Thessalonians of his
personal interest in and love towards them. Christianity is the soul
of courtesy. Bolingbroke once said, "Supposing Christianity to be a
mere human invention, it is the most amiable and successful invention
that ever was imposed on mankind." When the courtiers of Henry IV. of
France expressed their surprise that he returned the salutation of a
poor man, who bowed down before him at the entrance of a village, the
king replied, "Would you have your king exceeded in politeness by one
of the lowest of his subjects?" As he is the best Christian who is
most humble, so is he that truest gentleman that is most courteous.
+III. Apostolic courtesy is indicated in the solemn invocation of the
abiding grace of God.+--"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you all. Amen" (ver. 18). A farewell full of pathos, full of
solemnity, full of peace, full of admiration and love for the
people--all good wishes condensed into a single phrase. Even an
apostle can desire for the Church, or any of its members, no richer
benediction than that comprehended in "the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ."
+Lessons.+--1. _Peace is a prime essential in Church prosperity._
2. _The Christian spirit is the essence of true courtesy._ 3. _We can
invoke no higher blessing on others than to be kept in the enjoyment
of Divine grace._
_GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES._