This week's epistle reading from 1 Thessalonians lies within a slightly larger section (5:12-28) in which Paul gives a series of final instructions. Amid these lists of "dos" and "don'ts," Paul also includes two prayers or benedictions (vv.23 and 28). In these few verses Paul covers relationships between members and leaders (vv.12-13), Christian responsibility (both to other community members and to non-Christians [vv.14-15]), interior attitudes of believers (vv.16-18) and the workings of the Holy Spirit (vv.19-22). He then offers a prayer (v.23) with its own assured addendum (v.24). Verses 25-27 are often considered a slightly unrelated Pauline postscript (such as those found in Galatians 6:11 and Colossians 4:18) and then there is closure with yet another prayer (v.28).

It is not altoget…