Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, salutations by letter refer to the greetings and opening remarks found in the epistles or letters of the New Testament. These salutations are significant as they set the tone for the message, establish the relationship between the sender and the recipients, and often include theological insights. The apostle Paul, along with other New Testament writers, frequently used salutations to convey grace, peace, and blessings from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.Pauline Epistles: The apostle Paul is known for his distinct style of salutation, which typically includes a greeting of grace and peace. For example, in Romans 1:7, Paul writes, "To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" . This greeting not only conveys a blessing but also affirms the recipients' identity as beloved and called by God. In 1 Corinthians 1:3, Paul similarly begins with, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" . This formulaic greeting is consistent across many of his letters, including Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians, emphasizing the centrality of grace and peace in the Christian life. General Epistles: The general epistles, written by other apostles and early church leaders, also contain salutations that reflect their unique perspectives and purposes. For instance, James begins his letter with a straightforward greeting: "James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings" (James 1:1). This salutation identifies the author and addresses the dispersed Jewish Christians, setting the stage for practical teachings on faith and works. Peter's first epistle opens with a rich theological greeting: "Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the elect, exiles scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, chosen according to the foreknowledge of God the Father and sanctified by the Spirit for obedience to Jesus Christ and sprinkling by His blood: Grace and peace be yours in abundance" (1 Peter 1:1-2). This salutation highlights the Trinitarian work of God in the lives of believers and the abundance of grace and peace available to them. Johannine Epistles: The letters of John, while brief, also contain meaningful salutations. In 2 John 1:3, the elder writes, "Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, will be with us in truth and love" . This greeting underscores the themes of truth and love, which are central to John's writings. Revelation: The book of Revelation, penned by John, begins with a unique salutation that includes a doxology: "John, To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from Him who is and was and is to come, and from the seven Spirits before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:4-5). This greeting not only offers grace and peace but also exalts the eternal nature and authority of Christ. Significance: Salutations by letter in the New Testament are more than mere formalities; they are theological statements that reflect the core beliefs of the early Christian community. They remind readers of the grace and peace available through Christ, the unity of believers, and the divine calling upon their lives. These greetings serve as a powerful introduction to the teachings and exhortations that follow, anchoring the message in the foundational truths of the Christian faith. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 16:21The salutation of me Paul with my own hand. Nave's Topical Index 2 Corinthians 13:13 Colossians 4:18 Philippians 4:21 2 Thessalonians 3:17 2 John 1:13 3 John 1:14 Library Letter Lxxxi. (AD 405. ) Letter clxxii. (AD 416. ) The Letter of the Synod to the Emperor and Empress. Letter xxvii. (AD 395. ) Constantius, Being Afraid of his Brother's Threats, Recalls ... Introductory Letter. Letter xii. To Antony, Monk. Salutations. Conclusion. Letter Xcvii. (AD 408. ) Letter Lxii. St. Ambrose Excuses Himself for Having Omitted an ... Resources What is the Hail Mary that Catholics say so often? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of 2 John - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org What can we learn from what the Bible says about Paul and Timothy? | GotQuestions.org Salutations: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Salutations were Given by all Passers-By Salutations were Given by Brethren to Each Other Salutations were Given by Inferiors to Their Superiors Salutations were Given by Superiors to Inferiors Salutations were Given: On Entering a House Salutations: "Are You Well, My Brother?" Salutations: "May God be Gracious to You" Salutations: "Peace (Hebrew: Shalom) to This House" Salutations: "Peace to You" (Hebrew: Shalomleka) Salutations: "Peace" (Hebrew: Shalom) Salutations: Denied to Persons of Bad Character Salutations: Expressions Used as all Hail Salutations: Expressions Used as Art Thou in Health? Salutations: Expressions Used as Blessed be Thou of the Lord Salutations: Expressions Used as God be Gracious to Thee Salutations: Expressions Used as Hail Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace be to This House Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace be With Thee Salutations: Expressions Used as Peace to Thee, and Peace to Thine House, and Peace to All Salutations: Expressions Used as The Blessing of the Lord be Upon You, we Bless You in The Salutations: Expressions Used as The Lord be With You Salutations: Expressions Used as The Lord Bless Thee Salutations: from a Master to his Servants, "May the Lord be With You" Salutations: Given to Christ in Derision Salutations: Often Accompanied by Bowing Frequently to the Ground Salutations: Often Accompanied by Embracing and Kissing the Feet Salutations: Often Accompanied by Falling on the Neck and Kissing Salutations: Often Accompanied by Falling Prostrate on the Ground Salutations: Often Accompanied by Kissing the Dust Salutations: Often Accompanied by Laying Hold of the Bear With the Right Hand Salutations: Often Accompanied by Touching the Hem of the Garment Salutations: Often Sent by Letter Salutations: Often Sent Through Messengers Salutations: Persons in Haste Excused from Giving or Receiving Salutations: Servants to Their Masters, "May the Lord Bless You" Salutations: The Jews Condemned for Giving, Only to Their Countrymen Salutations: The Pharisees Condemned for Seeking, in Public Related Terms |
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