1 Thessalonians 5:27
“I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Paul solemnly charges that this letter be read aloud to all the believers.
What Does 1 Thessalonians 5:27 Mean?
Paul ends with a solemn command: 'I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.' He puts the weight of the Lord behind the request, wanting to be sure the letter reaches everyone. It was to be read aloud to the whole gathered church, so that none would miss its comfort and counsel.
The earnestness here shows how much Paul valued what he had written, not as his private word but as a message for all the believers. In a time when few had copies, the letter would be read aloud to the assembly, and Paul wanted 'all' to hear it, leaving no one out. The same care for inclusiveness that marked the holy kiss marks this charge. He longed for every member to share in the encouragement and instruction the letter held. There is a quiet dignity in this, the conviction that God's word to the church belongs to the whole church. Paul makes sure his words of hope and holiness will reach every listening heart.