The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle: so I write.
Read Chapter 3
George Leo Haydock
AD 1849
The salvation of The apostle gives them this caution, for fear the faithful might be deceived by fictitious letters. For they had already received one of this kind, which had terrified them, by foretelling that the day of judgment was at hand. This deception he is here anxious to remove, signing the present communication with his own hand, and sealing it with his own seal. For although the rest of the epistle had been written by another, these words to the end were written by himself. (Estius)
All the civilities of this great doctor of grace terminate in wishing it to his friends. This is his genuine character, because it is the love and continual effusion of his heart. (Bible de Vence)
Amen. This the congregation added after the epistle had been read, and from this circumstance alone has it found a place here. (Polus synopsis Critic rum, p. 1003, vol. 4.)
At the end of every letter he wrote his name both in Hebrew letters and in the Greek, lest what may come from one of the false apostles may be allowed to corrupt them.
This he says that he writes in every Epistle, that no one may be able to counterfeit them, his subscription being subjoined as a great token. And he calls the prayer a salutation, showing that everything they then did was spiritual; even when it was proper to offer salutation, the thing was attended with advantage; and it was prayer, not merely a symbol of friendship. With this he began, and with it he ended, guarding with strong walls what he had said elsewhere, and laying safe foundations, he brought it also to a safe end. Grace be unto you and peace, he says; and again, The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. This the Lord also promised, saying to His disciples, Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Matthew 28:20 But this takes place when we are willing. For He will not be altogether with us, if we place ourselves at a distance. I will be with you, He says, always. Let us not therefore drive away grace. He tells us to withdraw from every brother...
