Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
Read it in contextPeace and authentication
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (2 Thessalonians 3:16 to 2 Thessalonians 3:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The final prayer and Paul's own greeting close the letter with peace and a mark by which his letters may be recognized.
3:16Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
3:17The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.
3:18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the named author, with Silvanus and Timothy as co-senders; the closing greeting identifies Paul's hand. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:17. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (2 Thessalonians 1:1–3:18): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about persecution, confusion over the day of Christ, and disorderly conduct among some members. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians, encouraged in affliction and corrected about the day of the Lord and disorderly conduct. Biblical references: 2 Thessalonians 1:1; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; 2 Thessalonians 3:6. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Peace and authentication. Read 2 Thessalonians 3:16 through 2 Thessalonians 3:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The final prayer and Paul's own greeting close the letter with peace and a mark by which his letters may be recognized. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter addresses continuing persecution and confusion concerning the day of Christ. It does not state a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; the place of writing is not explicitly named. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Peace and authentication (2 Thessalonians 3:16 to 2 Thessalonians 3:18).
Start reading at 2 Thessalonians 3:16. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The return of the Lord Jesus is joined with judgment, rest for the afflicted, and correction of misleading claims. Details should be read within this argument without asserting modern identifications as facts. See 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2 Thessalonians 2:2. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Stand fast, resist misleading claims, and continue responsible work. Anticipation of the Lord's coming is not presented as a reason to abandon ordinary obligations. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
2 Thessalonians 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.
Connection to the wholePaul requests prayer and expresses confidence in the Lord's establishing work, directing the church toward love and patient waiting for Christ.
Connection to the wholePaul contrasts the missionaries' example with unwillingness to work and instructs the church to correct the disobedient without treating them as an enemy.
Connection to the wholeThe final prayer and Paul's own greeting close the letter with peace and a mark by which his letters may be recognized.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
2 Thessalonians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the Thessalonian church again amid persecution and confusion about the day of Christ. The letter joins correction of that confusion with steadfastness, prayer, and responsible work.