How does Paul's personal greeting emphasize the importance of fellowship? Setting the Scene • Corinth was a lively, gifted, yet fractious church. • Paul closed his long, corrective letter with several brief commands, final blessings, and one striking personal line. Paul’s Handwriting in Verse 21 “This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.” (1 Corinthians 16:21) Why a Personal Greeting Matters for Fellowship • Tangible Connection – Paul could have left the closing to a scribe, yet he picked up the pen himself. – His familiar handwriting bridged the miles, reminding believers they were more than a project; they were loved friends. • Authenticity and Trust – Seeing his pen strokes assured the Corinthians the words were truly his (cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:17). – Genuine fellowship thrives on transparency and truth. • Shared Affection – In the ancient world a handwritten note signaled warmth and esteem. – Paul’s gesture echoed his earlier call: “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (Romans 16:16) Echoes in Other Letters • Galatians 6:11—“See what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.” • Colossians 4:18—“I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” • Philemon 19—“I, Paul, write this with my own hand…” These parallels show a consistent practice: personal touch is central to Christian community. Living Out the Lesson Today • Value tangible expressions—notes, calls, visits—that say, “You matter to me in Christ.” • Guard authenticity; let words and actions match. • Cultivate affectionate, grace-filled relationships, reflecting the Savior who “loved us and gave Himself for us.” (Ephesians 5:2) Paul’s single sentence, written in his own ink, still urges believers toward warm, authentic, grace-saturated fellowship. |
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