What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:21?

This greeting

- “This greeting” points back to the final words of the letter (1 Colossians 16:19-20) and highlights that what follows carries a personal warmth that cannot be faked.

- Scripture repeatedly shows that personal greetings convey genuine love in the body of Christ (Romans 16:3-16; Philippians 4:21-22).

- By singling out the greeting, Paul underscores that every word is purposeful and reliable, reminding us that “The words of the LORD are pure words” (Psalm 12:6).

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is in my own hand

- Paul normally dictated his letters (Romans 16:22), but here he grabs the pen to authenticate the message.

- This handwritten line acts as a spiritual signature, protecting the church from forged teachings (2 Thessalonians 3:17: “This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; this is how I write.”).

- It also models personal involvement in ministry: leaders do not remain distant but invest themselves tangibly (Galatians 6:11; Colossians 4:18).

- The phrase reinforces the trustworthiness of the entire epistle, aligning with the promise that “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Titus 3:16).

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Paul

- Naming himself last gives weight to the authority Christ granted him as an apostle (1 Colossians 1:1).

- It reminds the Corinthians of his relationship to them—both fatherly (1 Colossians 4:15) and firm when needed (2 Colossians 13:10).

- Placing his name right after the handwritten note signals accountability: the same man who taught them now signs off personally, echoing Jesus’ words “Let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No’” (Matthew 5:37).

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summary

Paul pauses at the end of 1 Corinthians to write a short, handwritten line: “This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.” Each phrase matters. The greeting conveys affectionate authenticity, the handwriting guarantees the epistle’s integrity, and the name “Paul” affirms apostolic authority and accountability. Taken together, the verse assures us that every inspired word we hold is personal, trustworthy, and lovingly delivered.