27I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren. 28The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Paul’s final words take on a weighty significance, due to his word usage. When he says, “I adjure you by the Lord,” he uses a common ancient oath form, where it is insisted that one put himself under oath, with a deity as a witness. This is similar to what the high priest snarled at Jesus: “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” (Matt. 26:63).
But why such a heavy command for reading a letter to the believers in Thessalonica? The answer is this: Paul was writing to all the believers, not just those localized in Thessalonica. If we are correct that this is one of Paul’s earliest letters (if not the earliest), then he is setting a precedent that his general letters to churches were meant to be read not only by church leaders, but to all believers in the church. Some sects and denominations teach that only the pastor or clergy are qualified to interpret the Scripture correctly, therefore the layperson should not read it for him or herself. This was essentially the Jews’ attitude in the first century. The rabbis were needed to give the interpretation, and so people listened to what the rabbis said, more so than what the Scripture said. So now we can see why Paul “adjures” his readers.
The reading of Scripture in the church meetings became foundational to the early church. This was especially important because individual Christians would have had sparse access to the apostolic letters. Mass printing did not come for another 1400 years, so copies were made by hand. Until those copies became widespread, the reading of the letters in the church became part of their worship.
Paul’s letters were also circulating from an early date, and this by design. He wrote to the Colossians:
When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. (Col. 4:16)
Truly the apostle embraced the idea that his letters would extend his ministry beyond what he could do in person.
Finally, he closes out his letter with his signature invocation, extending the hope that his readers will experience the ever-present grace of the Lord in their lives and their fellowship. This is a prayer, a wish, and a hope.
Lord, help me grow in grace as I read Your Word daily.
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