1 Thessalonians consists of a letter from the Apostle Paul to the early Christian church at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 1:1). In chapter 1, Paul issues greetings to the church members. Chapters 2 and 3 continue his greetings and also offer an explanation for his delay in visiting them in person. In chapter 4, Paul begins to address the main theme of his letter, which is to express his concern for the spiritual well-being of the church, and to encourage them to remain faithful to their vows of consecration to God. The advice and exhortations continue into chapter 5. 

1 Thessalonians 5:23 marks the beginning of Paul’s conclusion to his letter. He begins his farewell to his brethren with a prayer to God; first that God would fully sanctify them. The word “sanctify” means to purify or to consecrate. Paul’s preceding words to the church were urgings to them regarding actions and mindsets that consecrated individuals benefit from cultivating, and Paul’s words praying that God would sanctify them is in line with these thoughts. Paul also specifies that he prays God would sanctify them “wholly,” meaning thoroughly and completely. 

In the second part of the verse, Paul prays that “the whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless.” Paul was addressing his words to the church at Thessalonica as a group and intended for his words to be read to them as a group (1 Thessalonians 5:27). His words in chapters 1-5 convey a concern for the church as a group, as well as individuals.

Despite their location or the time in which they lived, all those who God judges worthy of their vows of consecration to God collectively comprise Christ’s church, known in Scripture as the “bride of Christ,” and other titles. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, Paul explains that even though God calls people to consecration from all different backgrounds, they all are united by the same spirit – God’s holy spirit – the power of God that works in their hearts to help each dedicate their lives to serving God. In 1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Paul continues to make this point by comparing the members of the church to a body. The parts may all be different, but are all united together in common purpose. This thought culminates in 1 Corinthians 12:27, where Paul explicitly says “ye (the members of Christ’s church) are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”

Paul’s words concerning “the body” in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 can be interpreted as conveying this same thought. As he begins to say farewell to the Thessalonian church for which he has expressed such concern, he offers his prayer that God will help them maintain faithfulness to their consecration vows (“be preserved blameless”). He offers this prayer for the entire church (“the body”) that they remain faithful to the spirit of God (“the spirit”) and not allow themselves to be corrupted by outside influences (as urged throughout 1 Thessalonians 4 and 5). Similarly, the word “soul” in verse 23 can convey the meaning of mind or core being. When viewed collectively, by praying that the “whole spirit and soul and body” of the church “be preserved blameless” (“preserved,” because they had already consecrated to God, and needed encouragement to remain so), Paul is emphasizing in his concluding thoughts the need for the church to remain focused and completely and wholly true to their primary commitment of serving God.

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
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