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In My Own Hand

In My Own Hand

Words of Faith 5-2-19

Dr. Jeffrey D. Hoy © 2019

Jeff.Hoy@faithfellowshipweb.com

Faith Fellowship Church - Melbourne, FL

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2 Thessalonians 3

 

    [17] I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

    [18] The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

 

       It was time for Paul to sign off on this letter.  There is good evidence that Paul dictated his letters to a secretary (amanuensis) who actually wrote them down for him.  He would typically sign or seal such letters, but here Paul wrote a greeting with his own hand.  Paul probably wrote something by hand in most of his letters to guarantee their authenticity to the recipients.  In the case of this letter, such a personal salutation was especially needed because some forgeries had circulated claiming to be from Paul (2 Thes. 2:2). 

       Paul's handwriting was undoubtedly distinguishable from his secretary's and was probably recognized by his readers as Paul's own.  Paul closed his letter to the Galatians, "See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand" (Galatians 6:11). Some have suggested that Paul's "thorn in the flesh" may have been a severe vision problem which caused him to write with very large letters when he did put pen to paper (2 Cor. 12:7). 

      What did Paul write?  Not just a statement of authenticity, but a word of blessing as well-- "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all."  This may sound like a simple farewell, but in fact, it was the one final statement that the Apostle Paul wrote in his own hand.  Rather than being the least important words in the letter, they are perhaps the most important of all.

       The final words of Paul to the Thessalonians were to pray, wish and bless upon them the very grace of the Lord Jesus.  Paul knew that the road ahead would be difficult.  He surely prayed for the saving grace and sanctifying grace of the Lord to be with them.  But also, Paul wished for the sustaining grace of the Lord to carry them through the persecutions, trials, and difficulties that were ahead.  He prayed for a grace that would keep them united as they continued to proclaim the Gospel.

       This is undoubtedly an excellent way for us to conclude this study together.  Nothing could be more important.  Nothing should be written in larger letters.  Nothing should have a higher place.  Nothing should be more prominent in the epistle of our heart that the Lord is writing in each of us. 

        May the grace our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  In Jesus' name.