Paul added this final postscript to encourage three more actions and to stress one basic attitude.
5:25 Paul believed that intercessory prayer would move God to do things that He would not do otherwise (cf. James 4:2).
"The ministry of prayer is the most important service that the Church of Christ can engage in."134
5:26 The man to man and woman to woman kiss of brotherly affection in Christ was and is a customary greeting in many parts of the world. In North American culture an embrace or handshake more often communicates the same sentiments.
5:27 Paul recognized the edifying value of this letter and perhaps its divine inspiration, so he firmly charged that someone read it aloud to all the congregation of saints.
"The sudden switch from the plural to the singular of the first person is significant; the most probable explanation is that Paul took over the pen at this point and added the adjuration and the concluding benediction with his own hand . . ."135
5:28 Finally, he expressed his longing that the unmerited favor of God would continue to be his readers' experience and source of joy. Paul typically mentioned God's grace in his farewells. It was one of his favorite themes. This benediction is identical to the ones in Romans 16:20 and 1 Corinthians 16:23.
