Benedictions, derived from the Latin "benedictio," meaning "blessing," are expressions of divine favor and goodwill. In the context of the New Testament, apostolic benedictions are blessings pronounced by the apostles, often at the conclusion of their epistles, serving as a means of imparting spiritual grace and peace to the recipients. These benedictions are not merely formalities but are imbued with theological significance, reflecting the core tenets of the Christian faith.

Key Apostolic Benedictions

1. The Pauline Benediction: The Apostle Paul frequently concludes his letters with a benediction, encapsulating the essence of his theological message. A quintessential example is found in 2 Corinthians 13:14: "May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." This triune blessing highlights the distinct roles of the Godhead in the believer's life—grace from Christ, love from the Father, and fellowship through the Spirit.

2. The Benediction of Peace: In many of his epistles, Paul emphasizes peace as a central theme. For instance, in Romans 15:33, he writes, "The God of peace be with you all. Amen." This invocation of peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of divine harmony and wholeness, a peace that surpasses human understanding (Philippians 4:7).

3. The Benediction of Grace: The grace of God is a recurring theme in apostolic benedictions. In Galatians 6:18, Paul concludes, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen." This emphasis on grace underscores the unmerited favor bestowed upon believers, enabling them to live in accordance with God's will.

4. The Benediction of Love and Faith: In Ephesians 6:23-24, Paul combines love and faith in his closing words: "Peace to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with an undying love." Here, love and faith are intertwined, reflecting the believer's response to God's initiative.

5. The Benediction of Sanctification: In 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24, Paul offers a benediction focused on sanctification: "Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely, and may your entire spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it." This prayer for sanctification emphasizes the transformative work of God in preparing believers for the return of Christ.

Theological Significance

Apostolic benedictions serve as a reminder of the continuous presence and work of God in the life of the believer. They encapsulate key theological themes such as grace, peace, love, faith, and sanctification, which are central to the Christian experience. These blessings are not only a source of comfort but also a call to live in the light of God's promises and purposes.

Liturgical Use

In Christian liturgy, apostolic benedictions are often used as a means of concluding worship services, reinforcing the message of the sermon and sending the congregation forth with a reminder of God's blessings. They serve as a bridge between the sacred and the secular, encouraging believers to carry the divine presence into their daily lives.

Conclusion

Apostolic benedictions, as found in the New Testament, are rich in theological depth and pastoral care. They reflect the apostles' desire for the spiritual well-being of their readers and continue to be a vital part of Christian worship and devotion.1 Corinthians 1:3
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
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2 Corinthians 1:2
Grace be to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Galatians 1:3
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
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Ephesians 1:2
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Philippians 1:2
Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Colossians 1:2
To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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1 Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, to the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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2 Thessalonians 1:2
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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2 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
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Philemon 1:3
Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Romans 1:7
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Romans 15:5,6,13,33
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
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Romans 16:20,24
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
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1 Corinthians 16:23
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
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2 Corinthians 13:14
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
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Galatians 6:16,18
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and on the Israel of God.
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Ephesians 6:23,24
Peace be to the brothers, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
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Philippians 4:23
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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1 Thessalonians 5:28
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
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2 Thessalonians 3:16,18
Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.
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1 Timothy 1:2
To Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.
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1 Timothy 6:21
Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
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2 Timothy 4:22
The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
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Titus 3:15
All that are with me salute you. Greet them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
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Philemon 1:25
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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Hebrews 13:20,21,25
Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
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1 Peter 1:2
Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, to obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you, and peace, be multiplied.
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1 Peter 5:10,11,14
But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
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2 Peter 1:2-4
Grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,
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2 John 1:3
Grace be with you, mercy, and peace, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
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Jude 1:2
Mercy to you, and peace, and love, be multiplied.
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Revelation 22:21
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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The Several Parts of Worship.
... without some apostolic and post-apostolic precedent ... The oldest forms are the eucharistic
prayers of ... psalms, hymns, doxologies, and benedictions, which afforded ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 53 the several parts.htm

The Synagogue.
... WORSHIP IN THE APOSTOLIC AGE. ... blessest thy people Israel with peace." These benedictions
are traced ... distinguished this service from all heathen forms of worship ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 51 the synagogue.htm

The Anglican Reform
... These were chiefly introduced to supersede the corrupt forms in use ... Benedictions. ...
Revisionists retained "the ancient belief from which no Apostolic branch of ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/chapter i the anglican reform.htm

This HomilyIs Intended to Shew that the Fear of Magistrates is ...
... other; and praying, and receiving Benedictions, [1289] and ... these Homilies, and that
event forms a striking ... evidently derived from the Apostolic phraseology, to ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily vi this homily is.htm

Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.
... Preface to the Commentary on the Benedictions of the Twelve Patriarchs ... yes even if
they were said by the great Gregory of Pontus, a man of apostolic virtues, or ...
/.../various/life and works of rufinus with jeromes apology against rufinus /

Augustin's Part in the Controversy.
... shall be made alive in Christ, certainly contradicts the apostolic declaration,"
and ... 24, 25, and contradicted, as well, all the prayers and benedictions of the ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/iii augustins part in the.htm

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