In the New Testament, the practice of sending greetings to various saints is a significant aspect of the epistolary tradition. The Apostle Paul, in particular, frequently includes personal greetings in his letters to the early Christian communities, reflecting the close-knit nature of the early Church and the importance of personal relationships in the spread of the Gospel.

Romans 16:1-16
One of the most extensive lists of greetings is found in Romans 16:1-16. Paul commends Phoebe, a deaconess of the church in Cenchreae, and entrusts her with the delivery of his letter to the Romans. He then sends greetings to a diverse group of individuals, including Priscilla and Aquila, his "fellow workers in Christ Jesus" (Romans 16:3), who risked their lives for him. Paul also greets Epaenetus, "the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia" (Romans 16:5), and Mary, who "worked very hard for you" (Romans 16:6). The list continues with Andronicus and Junia, Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, and many others, each noted for their faith and service.

1 Corinthians 16:19-20
In 1 Corinthians 16:19-20, Paul extends greetings from the churches of Asia, specifically mentioning Aquila and Priscilla, who host a church in their home. This passage highlights the role of house churches in the early Christian movement and the hospitality of believers who opened their homes for worship and fellowship.

Philippians 4:21-22
Paul's letter to the Philippians concludes with greetings to "every saint in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:21). He also notes that "all the saints send you greetings, especially those from the household of Caesar" (Philippians 4:22), indicating the reach of the Gospel even into the imperial household.

Colossians 4:7-18
In Colossians 4:7-18, Paul sends greetings through Tychicus, "a beloved brother, a faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord" (Colossians 4:7), and Onesimus, "our faithful and beloved brother" (Colossians 4:9). He also mentions Aristarchus, Mark, Justus, Epaphras, Luke, and Demas, each contributing to the ministry in various ways. Paul instructs the Colossians to "greet the brothers in Laodicea, as well as Nympha and the church that meets at her house" (Colossians 4:15).

2 Timothy 4:19-21
In 2 Timothy 4:19-21, Paul sends greetings to Prisca and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus. He also mentions Erastus and Trophimus, providing insight into the network of relationships that supported his ministry.

Hebrews 13:24
The author of Hebrews concludes with a simple yet profound instruction: "Greet all your leaders and all the saints" (Hebrews 13:24). This reflects the communal nature of the early Church and the respect for those in leadership.

The greetings in these epistles serve as a testament to the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities. They reveal the personal bonds and mutual support that were vital to the growth and perseverance of the Church in its formative years. Through these greetings, the apostles and early Christians exemplified the love and unity that are central to the Christian faith.