Finally, brethren, farewell
Or "rejoice", with spiritual joy in Christ, their Saviour and
Redeemer; in his person, in whom they were accepted; in his
righteousness, by which they were justified; in his blood, by
which they were washed and cleansed; and in his fulness, from
which they were supplied; and particularly, that they had such a
faithful monitor, such an hearty well wisher of their souls'
welfare, and who was so naturally and affectionately concerned
for their good:
be perfect;
seek after perfection in knowledge, grace, and holiness, and in
the performance of good works: or "be restored"; or jointed and
knit together, as before; see ( 2
Corinthians 13:9 ) let every difference subside, all breaches
be made up, every member take and fill up his place, and all
things be done decently and in order:
be of good comfort;
or "exhort" one another to the diligent discharge of duty, to
love and good works; or comfort one another in all distresses,
inward and outward, both by words and deeds, according to the
ability God has given; or take comfort, be of good heart, do not
refuse to be comforted either by God or men.
Be of one mind;
in religious sentiments, in the doctrines and principles of
grace, and ordinances of the Gospel; for as there is but "one
Lord" to be believed in, so there is, and ought to be, but "one"
system of "faith" to be received, and "one baptism" to be
administered in one and the same way, to one and the same sort of
persons; which sameness of judgment, in faith and worship, is
very necessary to church communion, and the comfort of it; for
how can two, and much less more, walk comfortably together,
unless they are agreed in these things?
Live in peace
both with them that are without, and them that are within, with
all men, and with the members of the church; which to do, is to
the credit of religion, the comfort of church members, and the
joy of Christ's ministers:
and the God of love and peace shall be with
you;
he who is love itself, and has loved his people with an
everlasting love, and who is the author and donor of spiritual
and eternal peace, and who has called his people to peace, and
expects and requires it among themselves, and all men, will grant
to such his gracious presence; than which nothing can be more
grateful and desirable.