1 Thessalonians 5:27

KJV

I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

KJV (with Strong's)

I charge {G3726} you {G5209} by the Lord {G2962} that this epistle {G1992} be read {G314} unto all {G3956} the holy {G40} brethren {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I charge you in the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

Berean Standard Bible

I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

American Standard Version

I adjure you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the brethren.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Thessalonians 5:27, the Apostle Paul issues a solemn and binding command, adjuring the Thessalonian believers by the authority of the Lord to ensure that his epistle is read aloud to every member of their holy community. This concluding injunction underscores the profound importance Paul placed on the widespread dissemination and reception of his apostolic teaching, emphasizing the communal nature of scriptural engagement and the divine mandate behind his message for the spiritual edification and unity of the early church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a powerful and emphatic concluding command within Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians. It follows a series of final exhortations and benedictions in [1 Thessalonians 5](/1_thessalonians/5 "1 Thessalonians 5 - Final Exhortations and Benediction"), which include instructions on respectful leadership, mutual encouragement, patience, prayer, and discerning prophecy. The immediate preceding verses (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 5:23-26](/1_thessalonians/5-23-26 "1 Thessalonians 5:23-26 - Paul's Benediction and Greetings")) contain a benediction for sanctification and a request for prayer. By placing this solemn charge at the very end, just before the final grace, Paul highlights its critical importance, ensuring that his entire message, from theological instruction to practical living, would be fully heard and understood by the entire congregation. It is a final, non-negotiable directive designed to guarantee the letter's impact.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century, written communication was a precious commodity. Books were rare and expensive, typically existing as scrolls, and literacy rates were not universal. Churches did not have individual copies of epistles; instead, letters from apostles like Paul were copied and circulated among communities. The primary method for the congregation to receive and understand such a letter was through public reading during communal gatherings, often as part of their worship. Paul's command reflects this reality, ensuring that the message reached everyone, not just the leaders or those who could read. Furthermore, the early church was a diverse body, comprising people from various social strata, including slaves and free individuals, men and women. Paul's insistence on reading to "all the holy brethren" was a deliberate act of inclusivity, reinforcing the egalitarian nature of the new covenant community where all believers had equal access to divine truth.
* **Key Themes:** 1 Thessalonians 5:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the epistle and Pauline theology. Firstly, it powerfully asserts **Apostolic Authority**, demonstrating Paul's conviction that his message carried divine weight, not merely human opinion. His "charge by the Lord" elevates the command to a divine mandate. Secondly, it underscores the **Primacy and Accessibility of God's Word** for the entire community. The command for "all" to hear highlights that divine truth is not exclusive to a select few but is meant for the spiritual nourishment and instruction of every believer, fostering unity and shared understanding, a theme echoed in [Colossians 4:16](/colossians/4-16 "Colossians 4:16 - Circulation of Letters") regarding the circulation of epistles. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **Communal Edification and Unity**. By ensuring that everyone heard the same message, Paul sought to prevent misunderstanding, promote doctrinal consistency, and strengthen the collective faith and practice of the Thessalonian church, aligning with the broader emphasis on the church as one body in Christ (cf. [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **charge (Greek, _horkízō'_):** From G3726 (horkízō), meaning "to put on oath, i.e. make swear; by analogy, to solemnly enjoin." Paul is not merely requesting but is issuing a solemn, binding command, as if putting the recipients under a divine oath. This conveys the utmost seriousness and divine authority behind his instruction, making it a non-negotiable imperative.
* **epistle (Greek, _epistolḗ'_):** From G1992 (epistolḗ), meaning "a written message:--'epistle,' letter." This refers specifically to the letter Paul has just dictated or written. The term emphasizes that this is a formal, authoritative communication, distinct from a casual note, and intended for public and communal reception.
* **all (Greek, _pâs'_):** From G3956 (pâs), meaning "all, any, every, the whole." This word is crucial, emphasizing the comprehensive scope of Paul's command. It means that no one in the congregation, regardless of social status, gender, or age, was to be excluded from hearing the letter. This highlights the inclusivity of God's message and the communal nature of the church's engagement with apostolic teaching.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I charge you by the Lord":** This phrase establishes the divine authority behind Paul's command. The verb "charge" (horkízō) is a powerful, solemn adjuration, akin to putting someone under oath. By invoking "the Lord" (kýrios), Paul indicates that this instruction is not merely his personal wish but a divine mandate, carrying the weight and authority of Christ Himself. This elevates the reading of the epistle from a suggestion to a sacred duty.
* **"that this epistle be read":** This specifies the action required: the public, communal reading of the letter. In an era where written texts were scarce and literacy was not universal, public reading was the primary means by which an entire congregation could receive and absorb apostolic teaching. This command ensures that the contents of the letter, including its theological truths and practical exhortations, would be communicated effectively to the entire body of believers.
* **"unto all the holy brethren":** This defines the intended audience with absolute clarity and inclusivity. "All" (pâs) leaves no room for exclusion, meaning every single member of the community. "Holy brethren" (hágios adelphós) refers to the entire body of believers, sanctified and set apart by God, emphasizing their shared identity in Christ. This underscores Paul's desire for every believer to be equally informed and spiritually nourished by the apostolic message, fostering unity and shared understanding within the church.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to emphasize the gravity and scope of his command. The most prominent is **Solemn Adjuration** (or **Imperative**), conveyed by the strong verb "horkízō" ("I charge you by the Lord"). This is not a polite request but a forceful, divinely backed command, akin to an oath, underscoring the non-negotiable nature of the instruction. This also highlights **Apostolic Authority**, as Paul speaks not merely as a human author but as an apostle commissioned by Christ. Furthermore, the phrase "unto all the holy brethren" utilizes **Inclusivity**, emphasizing that the message is intended for every member of the community without exception, reflecting the unified and egalitarian nature of the early Christian church. The direct and unambiguous language also serves as a form of **Emphasis**, ensuring the final directive is clearly understood and given the utmost priority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Thessalonians 5:27 profoundly reinforces the theological principle of the universal accessibility and necessity of God's Word for all believers. It demonstrates Paul's conviction that divine truth, communicated through apostolic teaching, is not meant for an elite few but for the entire community of faith, serving as the foundation for their spiritual growth, unity, and sanctification. This command highlights the early church's practice of public scripture reading as a primary means of instruction and spiritual formation, a practice rooted in the Old Testament tradition of reading the Law to the people. The solemnity of Paul's charge underscores the divine origin and authority of the apostolic message, equating its reception with obedience to the Lord Himself.

* [Colossians 4:16](/colossians/4-16 "Colossians 4:16 - Circulation of Letters")
* [Deuteronomy 31:11-12](/deuteronomy/31-11-12 "Deuteronomy 31:11-12 - Public Reading of the Law")
* [2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2_timothy/3-16-17 "2 Timothy 3:16-17 - The Profitability of Scripture")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Thessalonians 5:27 provides a timeless blueprint for the church's engagement with God's Word, emphasizing both its communal reception and its universal relevance. For believers today, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of gathering to hear and engage with Scripture collectively. It challenges us to ensure that the Bible, in its entirety, remains central to our corporate worship and individual spiritual lives, accessible and understood by every member of the faith community. It calls us to cultivate a deep reverence for God's inspired Word, recognizing that it is not merely human literature but a divine message intended for our instruction, correction, and growth in righteousness. Furthermore, Paul's insistence on "all" hearing the letter reminds us of the church's call to inclusivity, ensuring that no one is excluded from the life-giving truth of the Gospel and the ongoing teaching of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the practice of public Scripture reading in your church reflect Paul's command for "all" to hear the Word?**
* **In what ways can we ensure that God's truth is accessible and understood by every member of our faith community, regardless of background or spiritual maturity?**
* **What does Paul's solemn "charge by the Lord" teach us about the authority and importance we should ascribe to biblical teaching in our lives?**
* **How does communal engagement with Scripture foster unity and shared understanding within the body of Christ today?**

### FAQ

**Why did Paul issue such a strong command for the letter to be read to "all"?**

Answer: Paul's strong command ("I charge you by the Lord") reflects the critical importance he placed on the entire congregation receiving and understanding his apostolic teaching. In the first century, literacy was not universal, and individual copies of letters were not common. Public reading during communal gatherings was the primary means for the church to hear and absorb the message. By commanding that it be read to "all the holy brethren," Paul ensured that no one—regardless of social status, gender, or age—was excluded from hearing the divine truth and practical instruction contained in the letter. This fostered unity, prevented misinterpretations, and ensured the spiritual nourishment of every believer, aligning with the principle that God's Word is for the entire body of Christ (cf. [Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Ephesians 4:11-13 - Equipping the Saints")).

**What does "I charge you by the Lord" signify about Paul's authority?**

Answer: The phrase "I charge you by the Lord" (Greek: _horkízō_) is a very strong adjuration, meaning to put someone under oath or to solemnly command them. By invoking "the Lord," Paul underscores that this command is not merely his personal request or opinion, but a divine mandate. It signifies that his apostolic authority is derived directly from Christ, and therefore, the instruction to read the letter carries the weight and authority of God Himself. This emphasizes the divine inspiration and authoritative nature of the apostolic writings, which form the foundational doctrine for the church (cf. [Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul's Gospel from Revelation")).

**How does this verse relate to the practice of public reading of Scripture in churches today?**

Answer: 1 Thessalonians 5:27 provides a foundational biblical precedent for the ongoing practice of public Scripture reading in Christian worship services. It affirms that the communal hearing of God's Word is a vital component of the church's spiritual life and edification. Just as the early church relied on public readings for instruction and spiritual growth, so too does the contemporary church benefit from the systematic and reverent proclamation of the Bible to its gathered members. This practice ensures that the entire congregation is exposed to and nourished by the full counsel of God, promoting shared understanding and unity in faith (cf. [Nehemiah 8:8](/nehemiah/8-8 "Nehemiah 8:8 - Reading and Explaining the Law")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Thessalonians 5:27 is a practical command concerning the dissemination of an apostolic letter, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the Living Word of God. Paul's solemn charge for "all" to hear his epistle foreshadows the universal call to hear and respond to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which is intended for "every creature" ([Mark 16:15](/mark/16-15 "Mark 16:15 - Preach the Gospel to Every Creature")). The authority with which Paul issues this command, "by the Lord," points to Christ as the ultimate source of all truth and authority, the one who commissioned the apostles to proclaim His message ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission")). The epistle, as a written form of divine revelation, serves to lead believers into a deeper knowledge of Christ, for "in Him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, in Whom are Hidden Treasures")). Furthermore, the inclusivity of "all the holy brethren" hearing the word reflects Christ's design for His church as a unified body, where all members, regardless of background, are equally partakers of His grace and equally nourished by His truth ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Thus, the reading of the epistle was not an end in itself, but a means to foster a community deeply rooted in Christ, growing in His likeness through the truth He reveals.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Colossians 4:16

And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the [epistle] from Laodicea.

Mark 5:7

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, [thou] Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

Acts 19:13

¶ Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

1 Kings 22:16

And the king said unto him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou tell me nothing but [that which is] true in the name of the LORD?

Numbers 27:23

And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses.

1 Timothy 1:3

As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,

2 Chronicles 18:15

And the king said to him, How many times shall I adjure thee that thou say nothing but the truth to me in the name of the LORD?