2 Thessalonians 3:17

Salutation. Gr. aspasmos (see on Col 4:18; 1 Thess. 5:26). The reference is to the benediction (2 Thess. 3:18), but the greeting bears added significance, since it was written with Paul’s own hand (cf. on 1 Cor. 16:21; Gal. 6:11; Col. 4:18; Philemon 19). The personal autograph was not unusual in dictated letters, but it may have had special meaning in this epistle in view of the possible danger from forged letters (see on 2 Thess. 2:2). Even if no such danger existed, the sight of the personally written greeting would ensure an even more affectionate reception of the letter by the Thessalonians.

Token. Gr. sēmeion, “sign” (see on Luke 2:34), referring not so much to the salutation as to the fact that it was written in Paul’s own handwriting.

In every epistle. This shows that it was customary for Paul to autograph all of his writings, even though he did not expressly mention the fact in each letter.