2 Thessalonians 3:17

The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write. The letter was written by an amanuensis (perhaps Silas or Timothy), and only the closing salutation, 2 Thessalonians 3:17, by Paul's "own hand" (cf. ; ; ). Wherever Paul does not subjoin this autograph salutation, we may presume either he wrote the whole letter himself (), or deemed formal attestation needless. WHICH - which autograph salutation. THE TOKEN - to distinguish genuine letters from spurious ones...

17_The salutation, with my own hand_. Here again he provides against the danger, of which he had previously made mention — lest epistles falsely ascribed to him should find their way into the Churches. For this was an old artifice of Satan — to put forward spurious writings, that he might detract from the credit of those that are genuine; and farther, under pretended designations of the Apostles, to disseminate wicked errors with the view of corrupting sound doctrine. By a singular kindness on the part of God, it has been brought about that, his frauds being defeated, the doctrine of Christ has come down to us sound and entire through the ministry of Paul and others. The concluding prayer explains in what manner God aids his believing people — by the presence of Christ’s grace....

16-18 The apostle prays for the Thessalonians. And let us desire the same blessings for ourselves and our friends. Peace with God. This peace is desired for them always, or in every thing. Peace by all means; in every way; that, as they enjoyed the means of grace, they might use all methods to secure peace. We need nothing more to make us safe and happy, nor can we desire any thing better for ourselves and our friends, than to have God's gracious presence with us and them. No matter where we are, if God be with us; nor who is absent, if God be present. It is through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that we hope to have peace with God, and to enjoy the presence of God. This grace is all in all to make us happy; though we wish ever so much to others, there remains enough for ourselves....

Verse 17. _THE SALUTATION OF PAUL WITH MINE OWN HAND_] It is very likely that Paul employed an _amanuensis_ generally, either to _write_ what he _dictated_, or to make a _fair copy_ of what he wrote. In either case the apostle always subscribed it, and wrote the salutation and benediction with his own hand; and this was what _authenticated_ all his epistles. A measure of this kind would be very necessary if forged epistles were carried about in those times. See note on 1 Corinthians 16:21, and see Colossians 4:18....

THE SALUTATION OF PAUL WITH MINE OWN HAND; - See the notes, 1 Corinthians 16:21. “Which is the token in every epistle.” Greek: “sign.” That is, this signature is a sign or proof of the genuineness of the epistle; compare the notes on Galatians 6:11. SO I WRITE - Referring, probably, to some mark or method which Paul had of signing his name, which was well known, and which would easily be recognized by them....

EXPOSITION CONTENTS.—The apostle now comes to the conclusion of his Epistle. He beseeches the Thessalonians for an interest in their prayers, that the gospel may be rapidly diffused and glorified by numerous conversions, and that he and his fellow workers may be enabled to preach it unhindered by the opposition of their enemies. He expresses his confidence that the Lord will preserve them from evil and render them obedient to his instructions, it being his earnest prayer for them that they might be directed into the love of God and the patience of Jesus Christ. The apostle then proceeds to admonish them on account of the disorderly conduct which many of them exhibited. He had heard that there were some among them who walked disorderly, and who, either from dread or from excitement on account of their belief in the immediate coming of the Lord, had desisted from their worldly employments....

THE SALUTATION OF PAUL WITH MINE OWN HAND,.... In writing his epistles, the body and substance of them he used an amanuensis, but the salutation he wrote with his own hand: WHICH IS THE TOKEN IN EVERY EPISTLE; by which they might be known to be true and genuine, and be distinguished from counterfeit ones: and the rather he mentions this, that they might be troubled neither by word, nor by spirit, nor by epistle, as from them, as they had been, 2 Thessalonians 2:2 for it seems that this wicked practice of counterfeiting the epistles of the apostles, or carrying about spurious ones, under their name, began so early; to prevent which, the apostle took this method, SO I WRITE, as follows:...

2 Thessalonians 3:1. _Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:_ A most important request. What can the ministers of the gospel do, if their people cease to pray for them? Even if their own prayers be heard, as they will be, and a measure of blessing be given, yet it will be but a scant measure, compared with what it would be if all the saints united in their intercessions. Whenever we see the word of God very mighty in one place it ought to encourage us to pray that it may be the same in another place, for it is the same word and the hearts of all men are alike. The same spirit can give the same blessing in every place. Hence Paul says, «Pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified even as it is with you.» Now, if any of you in your church are enjoying rich

III. THANKSGIVING, PRAYER, EXHORTATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS Chapter S 2:13-3:18 _ 1. Thanksgiving and prayer (2 Thessalonians 2:13)_ 2. Prayer for the Word and for deliverance (2 Thessalonians 3:1) 3. Exhortations (2 Thessalonians 3:6) 4. Conclusions (2 Thessalonians 3:16) 2 Thessalonians 2:13 What blessed reasons are stated here to give thanks to God for what He has done for us and for all who believe! Brethren, beloved of

2 THESSALONIANS 3. FINAL COUNSELS AND EXHORTATIONS. The apostle (_a)_ asks for the prayers of the Thessalonian Christians on his own behalf (2 Thessalonians 3:1); (_b_) warns them against dis orderly conduct (2 Thessalonians 3:6); (_c_) concludes with a bene diction (2 Thessalonians 3:16)....