The answer is: He wrote in his own handwriting

2 Thessalonians 3:17 - Paul emphasized authenticity in his epistles by signing them with his own hand, distinguishing them from forgeries. This practice underlines the importance of personal touch in communication and the assurance of genuine apostolic authority, reminding readers that letters were integral to early Christian community building and teachings.

When you think of Paul the Apostle, it's hard to overlook his immense contribution to the New Testament. His letters, filled with wisdom and encouragement, served a vital role in the early Christian church. By signing his letters in his own handwriting, as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 3:17, Paul not only marked authenticity but added a deeply personal touch.

This action isn’t just a formality; it echoes customs from the wider Greco-Roman world where personal signatures were paramount to prove identity and authority. Think of it like a famous author who signs his books—consumers trust it more! In Paul's time, with rumors of forgery swirling about, such a practice helped reassure his followers they were indeed receiving true teachings.

Interestingly, this method reflects a parallel concept from the Hebrew Scriptures too. For example, during the time of the prophet Jeremiah, letters played a crucial part in reassuring and instructing distant communities (see Jeremiah 29). Paul borrowed this essential idea of community and communication, ensuring his messages fortified believers despite their physical distances.

So, the next time you read one of Paul’s letters, remember it’s more than text; it’s a form of connection, a tangible expression of care and authenticity too often lost amidst the screen-filled communications of today's world. The threads of human connection woven through Paul's handwriting continue to inspire a sense of trust and continuity through generations.