Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

The Apostle Paul was a man who lived out the will of God for his life. What a blessed life to be living in the center of God’s will, doing His bidding. God sent a young man Timothy to be his companion and fellow soldier in the Lord’s army. He derived no small comfort from his fellowship with Timothy. It was during his 2nd missionary journey that Timothy was commissioned to follow him in the gospel work.

The parting note of ardent prayer for God’s blessing to be upon His people is most fitting and comforting. The Lord is the bestowal of blessings. Unless the Lord shows favour, God’s people are without strength and wisdom to move forward in life. It is all by the grace of God that we are who we are, sinners saved by grace.

William MacDonald observed insightfully, “Paul’s personal note began with a passionate warning probably aimed at false teachers (cf. 12:3) whom he believed to be already present in the congregation (cf. 2 Cor. 11:3-4).”

In the letters that the Apostle Paul sends out to the churches or individuals, they are usually done by dictation. He would dictate and a fellow worker would write it down.

William MacDonald observed, “All the brethren in the assembly join in sending their loving greetings to their fellow believers in Corinth. The apostle enjoins his readers to greet one another with a holy kiss.”

William MacDonald observed well, “The churches of Asia refers to the congregations in the province of Asia (Asia Minor today), of which Ephesus was the capital.” Christian greetings conveying love and fellowship in the Lord.