What other epistles show Paul's personal involvement in his letters? Setting the Scene: Paul’s Signature in 1 Corinthians 16:21 “ This greeting is in my own hand—Paul.” (1 Corinthians 16:21) Paul closes the Corinthian letter by physically signing it. The short phrase reminds us that the apostle often dictated to a scribe but still stepped in with his own handwriting to authenticate the message and show affection. Tracing Paul’s Personal Touch Across His Letters Below are the other epistles in which Paul explicitly notes that he is writing—or at least signing—the final lines with his own hand. “ See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand!” – Paul grabs the pen mid-letter, emphasizing urgency and sincerity. – The “large letters” may suggest poor eyesight or simply an emphatic style, underlining that the gospel of grace must not be distorted. “ This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” – From prison, Paul’s final strokes remind readers of both his chains and God’s grace, tying the two together in a powerful testimony. “ This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; in this way I write.” – Here Paul establishes a consistent “signature” to guard against forged letters (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:2). “ I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it…” – In a personal pledge to cover Onesimus’s debt, Paul’s handwriting becomes a legal guarantee, reflecting Christ’s payment of our spiritual debt. Honorable Mentions • Romans 16:22 notes, “I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord,” showing Paul’s use of an amanuensis, but Paul probably added his own closing blessing (Romans 16:25-27). • 2 Corinthians repeatedly says “I write” (e.g., 2 Corinthians 13:10), showing authorial presence, though without the explicit “own hand” phrase. Why Paul Picks Up the Pen • Authentication: Protects the flock from counterfeit letters (2 Thessalonians 3:17). • Affection: Personal handwriting conveys warmth (Philemon 19). • Emphasis: Large letters in Galatians drive home doctrinal urgency. • Example: His willingness to sign, even while chained (Colossians 4:18), models perseverance in ministry. Takeaways for Today • Scripture is both divinely inspired and personally delivered—God speaks through real people in real situations. • Authentic Christian communication carries both truth and personal care. • Paul’s signatures remind us that doctrine and relationship belong together; truth is never impersonal. |
    |