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"The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."

Text: Philippians 4:23

PERSONAL GREETINGS

The apostle Paul ended his epistle to the Philippians with personal greetings. What is the significance of these greetings?

“Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who
are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but
especially those who are of Caesar’s household.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Amen.”

Philippians 4:21-23

1. Theological significance

a) There is theological significance.

b) These greetings are from those who are “saints in Christ Jesus”.

c) The greetings are sent from those who are “brethren”.

2. Social significance

a) The social aspect is not cancelled because of the emphasis on the spiritual.

b) The social part remains an integral part of being a human being.

c) As human beings there is a social part that needs to be expressed.

3. Personal significance

a) There was significance to be identified with Paul.

b) They formed a team of people deeply committed to serving the Lord.

c) As a team they sent greetings to the Philippians who supported them.

4. Ecclesiastical significance

a) The Church at Philippi must have been lifted up in their hearts to receive these greetings.

b) They were being especially remembered by the apostle Paul and his fellow-workers.

5. A hint at the spread of the faith

a) The gospel has reached the household of Caesar.

b) Some members of the Roman royal family had become believers!

THE LAST WORD

The apostle Paul felt that the last word must include “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1. It was grace that made salvation possible at all.

2. It will be grace that will sustain every believer in life and ministry till Jesus returns! Amen!