1 Corinthians 16:20

All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Study Bible

All the brothers here send you greetings
All the brothers here
This phrase indicates the unity and fellowship among the believers in the early church. The term "brothers" (Greek: ἀδελφοί, adelphoi) is often used in the New Testament to refer to fellow Christians, emphasizing the familial bond that believers share in Christ. This reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a family, transcending biological ties and societal divisions. The use of "all" suggests a collective and unanimous expression of love and solidarity, highlighting the importance of community in the Christian faith.

send you greetings
The act of sending greetings (Greek: ἀσπάζονται, aspazontai) was a common practice in ancient letters, serving as a way to express goodwill and maintain relationships across distances. In the context of the early church, such greetings were more than mere formalities; they were expressions of spiritual kinship and mutual support. This practice underscores the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities, despite geographical separations. It also reflects the apostolic concern for maintaining unity and encouraging one another in the faith, as seen throughout Paul's epistles.

Greet one another with a holy kiss
Greet one another
The instruction to "greet" (Greek: ἀσπάσασθε, aspasasthe) one another is a call to active engagement and acknowledgment of fellow believers. In the early church, greetings were not just social niceties but were imbued with theological significance, representing acceptance, love, and peace within the body of Christ. This directive encourages believers to foster a welcoming and inclusive community, reflecting the love of Christ in their interactions.

with a holy kiss
The "holy kiss" (Greek: φίλημα ἅγιον, philema hagion) was a customary greeting among early Christians, symbolizing purity, love, and unity. In the cultural context of the time, a kiss was a common form of greeting, but by designating it as "holy," Paul elevates it to a sacred act, set apart for the expression of Christian fellowship. This practice served as a tangible reminder of the believers' shared faith and commitment to living out the holiness to which they were called. It also reinforced the breaking down of social barriers, as all members of the community, regardless of status, were to participate in this expression of mutual affection and respect.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 1 Corinthians, writing to the church in Corinth to address various issues and provide guidance.

2. The Church in Corinth
The recipients of the letter, a diverse Christian community in the city of Corinth, known for its cultural and moral challenges.

3. Brothers and Sisters
Refers to fellow believers in Christ, emphasizing the familial bond within the Christian community.

4. Holy Kiss
A cultural practice in the early church symbolizing love, unity, and peace among believers.

Teaching Points

Unity in the Body of Christ
The instruction to greet with a holy kiss underscores the importance of unity and love within the church. It serves as a reminder that believers are part of a spiritual family.

Cultural Expressions of Fellowship
While the holy kiss was a cultural expression of fellowship in the early church, the underlying principle is to find meaningful ways to express love and unity in our cultural context today.

Authentic Relationships
The greeting with a holy kiss calls for genuine, heartfelt relationships among believers, moving beyond superficial interactions to deep, Christ-centered connections.

Symbol of Peace and Reconciliation
The holy kiss can be seen as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, encouraging believers to resolve conflicts and maintain harmony within the church.

Practical Expressions of Love
Consider how we can practically express love and care for one another in our church communities, whether through words, actions, or gestures that convey warmth and acceptance.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the practice of greeting one another with a holy kiss reflect the unity and love that should characterize the church?

2. In what ways can we adapt the principle of the holy kiss to our modern cultural context to express love and unity among believers?

3. How do other scriptures, such as John 13:34-35, reinforce the importance of love and unity in the Christian community?

4. What are some practical ways we can foster authentic relationships within our church or small group?

5. How can we use symbols or gestures of peace and reconciliation to resolve conflicts and promote harmony in our church community?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Romans 16:16
Paul also instructs the Roman church to greet one another with a holy kiss, highlighting the practice's importance in fostering unity.

1 Thessalonians 5:26
Another instance where Paul encourages the holy kiss, reinforcing its role in Christian fellowship.

John 13:34-35
Jesus commands His disciples to love one another, which is foundational to the practice of greeting with a holy kiss as an expression of love and unity.