Verse 16
‘Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in all ways. The Lord be with you all.’
In closing Paul refers to Jesus as ‘the Lord of peace.’ We are reminded of Isaiah 9:6, of the royal son who was to be born, ‘His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace’. Then he goes on to describe how he will set up His ‘everlasting Kingdom’ with authority and peace in justice and righteousness (compare Psalms 72:7). The coming one, ‘the dayspring from on high’, was to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:79). Thus Paul may have had this passage in mind.
Furthermore of the One who was to come forth as ‘ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting’ Micah declares ‘this one shall be our peace’ (Micah 5:5).
Paul’s more regular phrase is ‘the God of peace’ (1 Thessalonians 5:23; Romans 15:33; Romans 16:20; 1Co 14:33 ; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Philippians 4:9 compare Hebrews 13:20). In view of the use of ‘Lord’ in the Greek Old Testament to signify the name of God, Yahweh, this is a clear indication of Godhood and co-equality.
‘Give you peace.’ The title sums up the reason for the coming of Christ. ‘He is our peace’ (Ephesians 2:14). He came to bring peace and to make peace and reconciliation with God for His own (Romans 5:1), including both Jew and Gentile, giving them access to the Father (Ephesians 2:13-18). And through His coming His people find peace in their hearts, the peace of God which passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), which is to rule in their hearts (Colossians 3:15), wrought by the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
‘At all times and in all ways.’ The thought is comprehensive. Peace, perfect peace, is the lot of the Christian in ever circumstance and in every way because he knows the Lord of peace, and because the Lord is with him.
‘The Lord be with you all.’ This confirms, if it were needed, that the Lord of peace is Jesus Christ. Paul prays that they may enjoy His continual presence with them (see Galatians 2:20)
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