What does 2 Thessalonians 3:16 mean?

In this verse Paul appeals to the Lord, who is the source of peace (John 14:27; Romans 5:1), to grant His peace to the church at Thessalonica. The church was experiencing trials, persecution, and trouble within. These were caused by some disorderly members, but the Lord's peace could settle over the congregation and calm its members. Paul's desire was for the Lord's peace to abide with the church always and in every situation.

It is interesting to observe that he prays not only for the Lord's peace to be with the Thessalonians but also for the "Lord of peace" to be with them. Further, he prays for this peace to be with "all" the believers at Thessalonica. Earlier in the letter, Paul referred to fellow Christians who were sinning through laziness and gossip. All the same, this prayer is for the idle as well as for the obedient believers. It was for the shirkers as well as the workers. A peaceful church experiences the Lord's joy as well as His peace (Philippians 4:2–7), and it projects a good testimony to the lost (Philippians 2:14–15).