We are nearly at the end of this letter to the Church in Corinth. Paul co-wrote it with a man known by everyone, Sosthenes, or perhaps he transcribed as Paul dictated his letter (1:1). Here we see something interesting:
“ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.” (1 Corinthians 16 v 21)
Paul makes a deliberate choice to put his name on the letter by personally signing it.
In doing so he brings authentication, personal connection and also emphasising his own personal desire and investment into their lives.
It encourages us in our walk of faith:-
- Just as God became flesh in Christ and Paul embodied himself into the truth of this letter by signing it, the gospel isn’t only something we believe but we carry in our hearts, we speak with our mouths and we carry out actions with our own hands. We put our name to the gospel.
- By signing his name Paul stands by everything he has had written and even the rebukes he has given. He wasn’t hiding behind Sosthenes and we don’t hide either. We don’t hide behind what the Church believes or because we were brought up this way. No we have put our name to the gospel.
- Paul bridges the gap by signing this letter. They are distant geographically but he wants to draw near. We know small gestures do carry weight. The most meaningful acts of kindness are usually the smaller ones even those that mean you put your name on the letter.
The Bible isn’t a book of doctrines it is a divine inspiration fueled through living communications.
Missions Paul 