Book of 2 Thessalonians - Chapter 3 - Verse 17

In this verse, the Apostle Paul is emphasizing the authenticity of his letters by indicating that he personally writes the final greeting in each one. By signing his name at the end of his epistles, Paul establishes a unique token that confirms the letter was genuinely written by him. This practice allowed recipients to verify the authorship of the letters and distinguish them from any forgeries or false teachings circulating at the time. Paul's use of this token demonstrates his commitment to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of his messages to the early Christian communities. By including his signature in each letter, Paul not only affirms his authorship but also underscores the personal connection he has with the recipients, making his words more meaningful and impactful.

In this verse, Paul mentions his practice of adding his own salutation to his letters as a way of authenticating his authorship. This personal touch served as a sign of genuineness and was a common practice in ancient letters to verify the sender. The fact that Paul mentions this in every epistle indicates the importance he placed on establishing his identity and authority as an apostle of Christ. By adding his own handwriting, Paul wanted to assure the recipients of his letters that the message they were receiving was truly from him. This demonstrates Paul's commitment to transparency and accountability in his communication with the early Christian communities. The handwritten salutation also reflects the personal connection Paul had with the recipients of his letters, showing his care and concern for their spiritual well-being.