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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 16:19–24. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The apostle closes his epistle,
I.With salutations to the church of Corinth, first from those of Asia, from Priscilla and Aquila (who seem to have been at this time inhabitants of Ephesus, vid. Act 18:26), with the church in their house (Co1 16:19), and from all the brethren (Co1 16:20) at Ephesus, where, it is highly probable at least, he then was. All these saluted the church at Corinth, by Paul. Note, Christianity does by no means destroy civility and good manners. Paul could find room in an epistle treating of very important matters to send the salutations of friends. Religion should promote a courteous and obliging temper towards all. Those misrepresent and reproach it who would take any encouragement from it to be sour and morose. Some of these salute them much in the Lord. Note, Christian salutations are not empty compliments; they carry in them real expressions of good-will, and are attended with hearty recommendations to the divine grace and blessing. Those who salute in the Lord wish their brethren all good from the Lord, and breathe out their good wishes in fervent prayers. We read also of a church in a private family, Co1 16:19. It is very probable that the family itself is called the church in their house. Note, Every Christian family should in some respects be a Christian church. In some cases (as, for instance, were they cast away on a foreign shore, where there are no other Christians), they should be a church themselves, if large enough, and live in the use of all ordinances; but in common cases they should live under the direction of Christian rules, and daily offer up Christian worship. Wherever two or three are gathered together, and Christ is among them, there is a church. To these salutations he subjoins,
1.An advice, that they should greet one another with a holy kiss (Co1 16:20), or with sincere good-will, a tacit reproof of their feuds and factions. When the churches of Asia, and the Christian brethren so remote, did so heartily salute them in the Lord, and own and love them as brethren, and expressed so much good-will to them, it would be a shame for them not to own and love one another as brethren. Note, The love of the brethren should be a powerful incentive to mutual love. When the other churches of Christ love us all, we are very culpable if we do not love one another.
2.He subjoins his own salutation: The salutation of me Paul with my own hand, Co1 16:21. His amanuensis, it is reasonable to think, wrote the rest of his epistle from his mouth, but at the close it was fit that himself should sign it, that they might know it to be genuine; and therefore it is added (Th2 3:17), Which is my token in every epistle, the mark of its being genuine; so he wrote in every epistle which he did not wholly pen, as he did that to the Galatians, Gal 6:11. Note, Those churches to whom apostolical letters were sent were duly certified of their being authentic and divine. Nor would Paul be behind the rest of the brethren in respect to the Corinthians; and therefore, after he has given their salutations, he adds his own.
II.With a very solemn warning to them:
If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maran-atha, Co1 16:22. We sometimes need words of threatening, that we may fear. Blessed is he, says the wise man, who feareth always. Holy fear is a very good friend both to holy faith and holy living. An how much reason have all Christians to fear falling under this doom! If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema, Maran-atha. Here observe,
1.The person described, who is liable to this doom: He that loveth not the Lord Jesus Christ. A meiōsis, as some think; he who blasphemes Christ disowns his doctrine, slights and contemns his institutions, or, through pride of human knowledge and learning, despises his revelations. It stands here as a warning to the Corinthians and a rebuke of their criminal behaviour. It is an admonition to them not to be led away from the simplicity of the gospel, or those principles of it which were the great motives to purity of life, by pretenders to science, by the wisdom of the world, which would call their religion folly, and its most important doctrines absurd and ridiculous. Those men had a spite at Christ; and, if the Corinthians give ear to their seducing speeches, they were in danger of apostatizing from him. Against this he gives them here a very solemn caution. "Do not give into such conduct, if you would escape the severest vengeance." Note, Professed Christians will, by contempt of Christ, and revolt from him, bring upon themselves the most dreadful destruction. Some understand the words as they lie, in their plain and obvious meaning, for such as are without holy and sincere affection for the Lord Jesus Christ. Many who have his name much in their mouths have no true love to him in their hearts, will not have him to rule over them (Luk 19:27), no, not though they have very towering hopes of being saved by him. And none love him in truth who do not love his laws and keep his commandments. Note, There are many Christians in name who do not love Christ Jesus the Lord in sincerity. But can any thing be more criminal or provoking? What, not love the most glorious lover in the world! Him who loved us, and gave himself for us, who shed his blood for us, to testify his love to us, and that after heinous wrong and provocation! What had we a power of loving for, if we are unmoved with such love as this, and without affection to such a Saviour? But,
2.We have here the doom of the person described: "Let him be Anathema, Maran-atha, lie under the heaviest and most dreadful curse. Let him be separated from the people of God, from the favour of God, and delivered up to his final, irrevocable, and inexorable vengeance" Maran-atha is a Syriac phrase, and signifies The Lord cometh. That very Lord whom they do not love, to whom they are inwardly and really disaffected whatever outward profession they make, is coming to execute judgment. And to be exposed to his wrath, to be divided to his left hand, to be condemned by him, how dreadful! If he will destroy, who can save? Those who fall under his condemning sentence must perish, and that for ever. Note, Those who love not the Lord Jesus Christ must perish without remedy. The wrath of God abides on every one who believes not on the Son, Joh 3:36. And true faith in Christ will evermore be productive of sincere love to him. Those who love him not cannot be believers in him.
III.With his good wishes for them and expressions of good-will to them.
1.With his good wishes: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, Co1 16:23. As much as if he had said, "Though I warn you against falling under his displeasure, I heartily wish you an interest in his dearest love and his eternal favour." The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ comprehends in it all that is good, for time or eternity. To wish our friends may have this grace with them is wishing them the utmost good. And this we should wish all our friends and brethren in Christ. We can wish them nothing more, and we should wish them nothing less. We should heartily pray that they may value, and seek, and obtain, and secure, the grace and good-will of their Lord and Judge. Note, The most solemn warnings are the result of the tenderest affection and the greatest good-will. We may tell our brethren and friends with great plainness and pathos that, if they love not the Lord Jesus Christ, they must perish, while we heartily wish the grace of Christ may be with them. Nay, we may give them this warning that they may prize and lay hold of this grace. Note also, How much true Christianity enlarges our hearts; it makes us wish those whom we love the blessings of both worlds; for this is implied in wishing the grace of Christ to be with them. And therefore it is no wonder that the apostle should close all,
2.With the declaration of his love to them in Christ Jesus: My love be with you all, in Christ Jesus, Amen, Co1 16:24. He had dealt very plainly with them in this epistle, and told them of their faults with just severity; but, to show that he was not transported with passion, he parts with them in love, makes solemn profession of his love to them, nay, to them all in Christ Jesus, that is, for Christ's sake. He tells them that his heart was with them, that he truly loved them; but lest this, after all, should be deemed flattery and insinuation, he adds that his affection was the result of his religion, and would be guided by the rules of it. His heart would be with them, and he would bear them dear affection as long as their hearts were with Christ, and they bore true affection to his cause and interest. Note, We should be cordial lovers of all who are in Christ, and who love him in sincerity. Not but we should love all men, and wish them well, and do them what good is in our power; but those must have our dearest affection who are dear to Christ, and lovers of him. May our love be with all those who are in Christ Jesus! Amen.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Paul makes it clear that he has written the subscript with his own hand.
To avoid any suspicion of forgery, Paul signs the letter with his own hand.
"The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand;" intimates that the Epistle was composed with great seriousness; and therefore he added,
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Summary
1 Corinthians 16:21 concludes Paul's first epistle to the Corinthian church with a personal, handwritten greeting. This brief but significant verse serves as an authenticating signature, confirming the letter's legitimacy and conveying the apostle's direct pastoral care and apostolic authority. In an era where letters were typically dictated to a scribe, Paul's personal inscription underscored the genuine origin and divine inspiration of his message, reinforcing his deep connection with the recipients despite the challenging issues addressed throughout the letter.
Context
Literary Context
This verse appears at the very end of 1 Corinthians, following Paul's final instructions regarding the collection for the saints, his travel plans, and various exhortations for steadfastness, love, and vigilance. The preceding verses (1 Corinthians 16:19-20) include greetings from Aquila and Priscilla, and "all the brethren." The personal salutation in 1 Corinthians 16:21, written in Paul's own hand, immediately precedes the final benediction (1 Corinthians 16:23-24) and the anathema maranatha (1 Corinthians 16:22). This placement ensures that the final, most personal, and authoritative words are directly from Paul, serving as a seal on the entire epistle's content and authority.
Historical & Cultural Context
In the ancient Greco-Roman world, it was common practice for authors, especially those who were prolific or had physical limitations (like poor eyesight, which some scholars suggest Paul may have had), to dictate their letters to an amanuensis or scribe. This allowed for efficiency and often resulted in a more polished literary style. However, to prevent forgery and to add a personal touch, the author would frequently write the concluding greetings or a postscript in their own hand. This served as a verifiable signature, establishing the letter's authenticity. Forgers were a real concern in the early church, attempting to circulate letters under apostolic names, making such authenticating marks crucial. Paul explicitly refers to this practice as his "token in every epistle" in 2 Thessalonians 3:17.
Key Themes
1 Corinthians 16:21 contributes to several overarching themes within the epistle and Paul's broader ministry. Firstly, it strongly reinforces the theme of Apostolic Authority. Throughout 1 Corinthians, Paul asserts his apostleship to correct doctrinal errors and moral failings (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 9). His personal signature validates the divine origin and binding nature of his instructions. Secondly, it highlights Authenticity and Trust. In a community riddled with factions and questions about leadership, Paul's personal authentication builds trust in the message's genuine source. Finally, it underscores Pastoral Care and Personal Connection. Despite the stern rebukes and theological corrections, this personal greeting conveys Paul's deep affection and genuine concern for the Corinthian believers, reminding them that his challenging words come from a heart of love, a theme woven throughout the epistle, particularly in 1 Corinthians 13.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word, derived from a verb meaning "to greet" or "to embrace," refers to a greeting, either in person or by letter. In the context of ancient letters, it specifically denotes the formal or personal greeting at the beginning or end of a letter. Here, it emphasizes the personal, handwritten nature of the closing remarks, distinguishing it from the body of the letter which was likely dictated. It signifies a warm, personal address rather than a mere formal sign-off.
This is the name of the apostle, a Roman citizen whose original Hebrew name was Saul. The name "Paul" means "little" or "small." By identifying himself, Paul reinforces the personal nature of the greeting and the authoritative source of the entire letter. His consistent use of this name in his epistles underscores his identity as the apostle to the Gentiles, commissioned by Christ.
This term literally refers to the human hand. In this context, it specifically indicates that the writing was done by Paul's own physical hand, not by a scribe. Figuratively, "hand" can also denote power or means, but here its literal sense is paramount for authentication. It highlights the direct, personal involvement of the author in the final act of communication, a tangible link between the apostle and the recipients.
Verse Breakdown
"The salutation of [me] Paul"
This phrase identifies the specific part of the letter that is being highlighted – the concluding greeting. By adding "of [me] Paul," the apostle explicitly states that he, Paul, is the author of this particular section. This is not merely a general greeting but one personally penned by the apostle himself, setting it apart from the rest of the letter, which was likely dictated. It serves as a personal stamp of approval and ownership.
"with mine own hand"
This clause clarifies the method of writing. It emphasizes that the words were physically inscribed by Paul's own hand, contrasting with the common practice of using an amanuensis. This detail was crucial for authenticating the letter in the ancient world, serving as a personal signature or seal. It underscored the genuineness of the epistle and the direct involvement of Paul in its final form, assuring the recipients of its apostolic origin and authority.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Emphasis through explicit declaration. Paul does not merely sign his name; he draws attention to the act of writing "with mine own hand," making a deliberate statement about the authenticity of the greeting and, by extension, the entire letter. This serves as a form of Authentication, a practical literary device used to verify the document's origin in an era prone to forgeries. Furthermore, this personal touch functions as a form of Intimacy, transforming a formal closing into a warm, personal farewell, reinforcing the apostle's genuine pastoral relationship with the Corinthian church. The very act described is a Metonymy, where "hand" stands for the act of writing and the personal involvement of the author.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Corinthians 16:21, though brief, speaks volumes about the nature of divine communication and apostolic authority. Paul's personal authentication of his letter underscores the importance of the message's origin and its reliability. Just as Paul took pains to ensure his words were recognized as genuinely his, God has providentially preserved and authenticated His inspired Word for all generations. This verse reminds us that the Scriptures are not merely human writings but divinely breathed, delivered through human agents who often personally vouched for their message. It highlights the blend of divine inspiration and human instrumentality in the transmission of truth.
Reflection and Application
In a world saturated with information, much of it unverified or even intentionally misleading, the need for authenticity and genuine communication remains paramount. Paul's handwritten salutation reminds us of the value of personal integrity and the power of a direct, heartfelt connection. For believers today, this verse encourages us to be people of our word, to communicate with sincerity, and to ensure that our messages, whether spoken or written, reflect our true intentions and character. It also prompts us to value the authenticity of God's Word, recognizing the divine care taken to preserve its truth for us. In our relationships, a "personal touch" often transcends mere formality, building deeper trust and understanding, much like Paul's final, handwritten greeting to the Corinthians, which sealed his pastoral care and apostolic authority.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Paul explicitly state he wrote this part "with mine own hand"?
Paul explicitly stated he wrote this part "with mine own hand" primarily for authentication. In the ancient world, letters were often dictated to a scribe (amanuensis). To prevent forgeries and to confirm the letter's genuine origin, authors would add a personal, handwritten postscript or greeting. This served as a verifiable signature, a "token in every epistle" as Paul himself noted in 2 Thessalonians 3:17. It also added a personal touch, reinforcing his direct connection and pastoral care for the recipients, despite the formal nature of dictated correspondence.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 1 Corinthians 16:21 focuses on Paul's authentication of his letter, it subtly points to the ultimate authentication of God's message in Jesus Christ. Just as Paul's personal hand sealed his words, God's ultimate revelation is not merely a dictated message but an incarnate Word, personally "signed" by the very presence of Christ. Jesus, the Word made flesh, is God's most personal and undeniable communication to humanity (Hebrews 1:1-3). His life, death, and resurrection serve as the divine "signature" of God's redemptive plan, authenticating His promises and revealing His character more fully than any written word alone could. The apostles, including Paul, were witnesses to this living Word (1 John 1:1-3), and their written testimonies, authenticated by their personal sacrifice and the Spirit's power, point us to the ultimate, Christ-centered fulfillment of God's saving truth.