What does 1 Corinthians 16:21 mean?
The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. 1 Corinthians 16:21
Explanation
1 Corinthians 16:21 represents a personal touch within the epistle, where the Apostle Paul identifies the salutation as being written with his own hand. The preceding text would likely have been scribed by an amanuensis (a scribe or secretary), which was a common practice in the ancient world for letter writing, particularly for individuals with a high volume of correspondence or those with physical limitations. This personal note likely served to authenticate the letter, ensuring the recipients that it was indeed from Paul himself. The deeper meaning could reflect the personal care and responsibility Paul felt towards the believers in Corinth, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in the faith community.
Historical Context
The epistle of 1 Corinthians was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 53-54 from Ephesus, and it was addressed to the Christian community in Corinth. The early Church often faced confusion and ethical dilemmas. Corinth was a bustling trade center with a diverse population and was noted for its wealth, intellectualism, and moral laxity. In this context, Paul addressed various issues within the church, such as division, immorality, and the proper conduct of worship. The practice of including a personal greeting in one’s own handwriting was not unusual in Paul’s time and served as a signature or seal of authenticity.
Theological Insights
From a theological perspective, 1 Corinthians 16:21 shows that even the great Apostle Paul valued the importance of personal connection and authenticity in his ministry. Theologically, this verse might be seen as an endorsement of the authenticity and authority of the entire letter, reinforcing that it carries apostolic teaching and is not merely human wisdom. Also, it suggests that genuine Christian community is built on personal relationships and not just doctrinal agreement or organizational membership.
Practical Applications
In practical terms, 1 Corinthians 16:21 can encourage individuals to value personal touches in their interactions, ensuring that authenticity is a key component of their relationships and communications. It might also encourage believers to personally invest in their communities and to take ownership of their words and actions. Christians today might use this verse as a prompt for reflecting on how they can personally and authentically engage with their local church and community.
Cross-References
- Colossians 4:18: “The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.”
- 2 Thessalonians 3:17: “The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.”
- Galatians 6:11: “Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.”
Language Study
The phrase “with mine own hand” in Greek is “τῇ ἐμῇ χειρὶ” (tē emē cheiri), which directly translates to “with my hand.” “Ἐμῇ” (emē) is the possessive pronoun “my,” and “χειρὶ” (cheiri) means “hand.” This would have signified to the original readers that Paul took the pen from the scribe and wrote this greeting in his own handwriting, giving a personal assurance of authenticity.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In Jewish tradition and other ancient cultures, scribes played an integral part in composing letters and documents, and the personal sign-off by the sender held special importance as proof of authenticity. This personal touch also holds significance in various religious traditions that value the connection between spiritual leaders and their communities, similar to how a signature or personal note might add value to religious texts or correspondences.
Scientific Perspectives
While there isn’t a direct scientific perspective on this verse, the study of ancient handwriting (paleography) and the use of handwriting analysis (graphology) can offer insights into the culture and authenticity of ancient documents. By analyzing script styles and materials used for writing, scholars can sometimes determine the period a document was written and whether the style matches that of a known author.
Commentaries
Commentators have noted that Paul’s personal greeting served a dual purpose: it authenticated the epistle, making it less likely to be dismissed or altered, and it conveyed the Apostle’s affection for the recipients. Renowned Bible commentators such as Matthew Henry and John Gill emphasize that the personal note from Paul was important to confirm the authority of his teachings and to reinforce his connection with the church in Corinth. Modern scholars often discuss the implications of this practice for understanding the authorship and integrity of the Pauline epistles.
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