2 Thessalonians 3:17

“The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, &c.] 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, (<530202>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…”

“The Epistle was written by an amanuensis (perhaps Silas or Timothy), and only the closing salutation written by Paul's "own hand" (compare Rom 16:22; Co1 16:21; Col 4:18). Wherever Paul does not subjoin this autograph salutation, we may presume he wrote the whole Epistle himself (Gal 6:11). which--which autograph salutation. the token--to distinguish genuine Epistles from spurious ones put forth in my name (Th2 2:2). in every epistle--Some think he signed his name to every Epistle with his own hand; but as there is no trace of this in any manuscripts of all the Epistles, it is more likely that he alludes to his writing with his own hand in closing every Epistle, even in those Epistles…”

“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. return to 'Top of Page'”

“3:17 A secretary had written this letter for Paul (Rom 16:22; 1 Pet 5:12). Now Paul takes the pen to add a final greeting in his own hand (cp. 1 Cor 16:21; Gal 6:11; Col 4:18; Phlm 1:19). Because he suspected that a letter he had not written was circulating under his name (2 Thes 2:2), he emphasizes this authenticating procedure to prove this letter is from him.”

“with: Co1 16:21; Col 4:18 the token: Th2 1:5; Jos 2:12; Sa1 17:18 2 Thessalonians 3:18”