Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5:28

"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." — 1 Thessalonians 5:28 (ASV)

This customary benediction was probably added in Paul’s own handwriting (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:17–18). His distinctive farewell was always built around his favorite concept, “grace” (GK 3921), which replaced the farewell that was typically used in ancient letters (cf. Acts 15:29). This trait is distinctive in his letters whether his benediction is longer (2 Corinthians 13:14) or shorter (Colossians 4:18; 1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 4:22; Titus 3:15). The primacy of grace resulting from the saving work of “our Lord Jesus Christ” was a constant theme as the apostle sought the welfare of those whom he served (cf. 1:1).