Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28

"And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is he that calleth you, who will also do it. Brethren, pray for us. Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss. I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the brethren. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." — 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 (ASV)

The apostle prays that they might be sanctified more perfectly, for the best are sanctified only in part while in this world; therefore, we should pray for and press toward complete holiness. And since we would fall if God did not carry on his good work in the soul, we should pray to God to perfect his work until we are presented faultless before the throne of his glory.

We should pray for one another; and fellow believers should in this way express brotherly love. This letter was to be read to all the fellow believers. Not only are ordinary people allowed to read the Scriptures, but it is their duty, and something they should be persuaded to do. The word of God should not be kept in an unknown language, but translated, so that, since knowing the Scriptures is important for all people, they all may be able to read them.

The Scriptures should be read in all public congregations, especially for the benefit of those who are unlearned. We need nothing more to make us happy than to know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is an ever-flowing and an overflowing fountain of grace to supply all our needs.