“In My Own Hand”: Grapho-Literacy and the Apostle Paul 45 specify that the autograph was a method of authentication (30). For example, Richards claims, “It [2 Thess 3,17] probably was added to protect the Thessalonians from forgeries (2 Thes. 2:2)” (31). This was not an uncommon practice, as later Cyprian will also ask his readers to inspect handwriting as a method of authentication (32). Earlier, Cicero had instructed Atticus to write letters for him in his name (33), and to lie to explain the absence of his authenticating mark: If they notice the absence of my seal (signum) or handwriting (manum), please say that I have avoided using them owing to the sentries (34). Attaching handwriting is, then, a common method for an author to authenticate his epistle, and its absence must sometimes be explained. Alternatively (though sometimes also in conjunction with the idea that Paul’s autographs serve an authenticating function), some scholars stress that Paul’s own handwriting underscores the importance of what he has written, as noted in the above discussion of Gal 6,11. The precise importance being communicated is conceptualized in various ways. Regarding Gal 6,15, Sanders makes a general statement: “This is important to Paul. He wrote it in his own hand …” (35). Wilson claims that the fact that Paul writes Phlm 19 shows that it was “a serious and binding commitment” (36). Dunn notes that Col 4,18 “must count in favour of the view that Paul himself actually held the stylus for these final words”, and that this “reinforces the effect of the letter” by presenting a personal touch (37). Dunn also suggests that in Phlm 19 Paul “is pulling out all the stops and putting the full weight of his (30) BETZ, Galatians, 314; BURTON, Galatians, 347-348; RICHARDS, Secretary, 175; STIREWALT, Paul, 54; WITHERINGTON, Paul Quest, 109. DUNN, Epistles, 289, correctly observes that this verse “adds an important twist to the issue of the pseudonymity of 2 Thessalonians”. For a recent discussion, see K.P. DONFRIED, Paul, Thessalonica, and Early Christianity (Grand Rapids, MI 2002) 54-56, who notes that this verse causes problems for defenders and opponents of Pauline authenticity alike. (31) RICHARDS, Secretary, 174. (32) Cyprian, Epistle 9. (33) Inter alia, Cicero, Att. 11.2, 3, 5, 7. (34) Cicero, Att. 11.2 (WINSTEDT, LCL). (35) E.P. SANDERS, Paul. A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introduction 42; Oxford 1991) 70. (36) WILSON, Critical, 359. (37) DUNN, Epistles, 289.