Paul passes closing greetings in verses 19–20. Then, the last lines open with Paul’s autograph before issuing a quick series of energetic final declarations. These verses could be viewed as six or more separate but related statements, since Paul does not string the statements together with a series of conjunctions. Such a serial closing is not in strict keeping with the normal conventions of ancient letter writing, although Paul’s letters generally demonstrate a penchant for ending with a set of brief final remarks.

16:19 Paul mentions the churches in the province of Asia (lit. “the churches of Asia”), thus clustering the distinct assemblies in a distinct geographical region into a network of congregations. Aquila and Priscilla also send greetings through Paul to the Corinthians, so that …