Introductory Thoughts
Contrary to what many Bible teachers claim, the apostle Paul’s salutations appeared at the end of his epistles and not at the beginning. It is at the end of each of his epistles that one finds the words salute, saluteth, and salutation. Many people do not realize that Paul rarely penned the epistles personally (Romans 16:22). It was such a rare occurrence that the apostle pointed out that he personally took the time and effort to pen the epistle to the churches of Galatia (Galatians 6:11). Paul’s salutation was so important that although he did not personally pen most of his epistles, he informed us that he personally penned his salutation (2 Thessalonians 3:17).
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Paul personally penned his salutations (1 Corinthians 16:21; Colossians 4:18). The word grace is in every salutation of Paul's fourteen epistles. Paul knew grace was important to save (Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 2:11) and to serve (2 Corinthians 9:8; 2 Corinthians 12:9-10; Hebrews 12:28).
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(For everyone): What was the content of Pauls salutation (see 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18)? Why was it so important to him that he actually took the time and effort to personally pen the salutation, contrary to his common practice?
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How important is it to you to be able to salute those who know and love the Lord? Do you share Pauls heart on the matter?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank God for the believers He has brought into your life.
- Ask God to give you a love for your brethren.
Song
GOD BE WITH YOU TILL WE MEET AGAIN
