2Th 3:16-18 | TNotes | STEP | 3:16 The final prayer echoes Jesus’ blessing in John 14:27 (cp. Num 6:26 ) and contrasts with the situation these believers faced in Thessalonica (2 Thes 1:4-10 ; 1 Thes 2:14 ). Paul was always conscious of the Lord Jesus’ presence with his people (Rom 15:33 ; Phil 4:9 ).

a3:16►

bJohn 14:27►

cNum 6:26►

d2 Thes 1:4-10►

e1 Thes 2:14►

fRom 15:33►

gPhil 4:9►

h3:17►

iRom 16:22►

j1 Pet 5:12►

k1 Cor 16:21►

lGal 6:11►

mCol 4:18►

nPhlm 1:19►

o2 Thes 2:2►

p3:18►

q1 Thes 5:28►

‏ 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18

3:16 ^a The final prayer echoes Jesus’ blessing in John 14:27 ^b (cp. Num 6:26 ^c) and contrasts with the situation these believers faced in Thessalonica (2 Thes 1:4-10 ^d; 1 Thes 2:14 ^e). Paul was always conscious of the Lord Jesus’ presence with his people (Rom 15:33 ^f; Phil 4:9 ^g).
3:17 ^h A secretary had written this letter for Paul (Rom 16:22 ⁱ; 1 Pet 5:12 ^j). Now Paul takes the pen to add a final greeting in his own hand (cp. 1 Cor 16:21 ^k; Gal 6:11 ^l; Col 4:18 ^m; Phlm 1:19 ⁿ). Because he suspected that a letter he had not written was circulating under his name (2 Thes 2:2 ^o), he emphasizes this authenticating procedure to prove this letter is from him.
3:18 ^p Ancient letters frequently ended with a wish for health or prosperity, but Paul’s blessing is much grander: He calls on the Lord Jesus Christ to grant grace to the recipients (see 1 Thes 5:28 ^q).