Grace from Beginning to End

1 Corinthians 16:21–24: The salutation with my own hand—Paul’s. If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Paul usually dictated his letters and then took the pen and added his signature. He also added his “benediction of grace” as a mark that the letter was authentic (see Gal. 6:11).

The word anathema is Aramaic and means “accursed” (see 1 Cor. 12:3). Not to love Christ means not to believe in Him, and unbelievers are accursed (John 3:16–21). The word maranatha is Greek and means “our Lord comes” or (as a prayer) “our Lord, come!” (see Rev. 22:20) If a person loves Jesus Christ, he will also love His appearing (2 Tim. 4:8).

Paul had been stern with the Corinthian believers, but he closed his letter by assuring them of his love. After all, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend” (Prov. 27:6).
Paul has shared a great deal of spiritual wisdom with us. May we receive it with meekness and put it into practice to the glory of God! ¹

Application

• Read 2 Timothy 2:15. Why is it important for us to continue our study in 2 Corinthians tomorrow, which has the theme of Godly Encouragement?

Thought to Share

If we quit studying of the Word of God, we will also quit hearing from God. – TWEET IT

Prayer

Lord, thank You that Your Word is true, and that You want to speak to us everyday from the Holy Scriptures.