II Thessalonians 3:17

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 (Romans, Second Corinthians, Ephesians, Philippians, First Thessalonians) wherein he does not specify his having done so. so I write--so I sign my name: this is a specimen of my handwriting, by which to distinguish my geniune letters from forgeries.

In the close of the foregoing chapter, the apostle had prayed earnestly for the Thessalonians, and now he desires their prayers, encouraging them to trust in God, to which he subjoins another petition for them (Th2 3:1-5). He then proceeds to give them commands and directions for correcting some things he was informed were amiss among them (Th2 3:6-15) and concludes with benedictions and prayers (Th2 3:16-18).

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.