How does 1 Corinthians 16:20 relate to Romans 16:16 on greetings? Shared wording that links the two passages • 1 Corinthians 16:20: “All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” • Romans 16:16: “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.” Both verses carry the same twin ideas: 1. The wider body of believers sends greetings. 2. Local believers are commanded to greet one another with “a holy kiss.” Paul repeats the exact phrase, showing that this was not a casual suggestion but a practiced, Spirit-guided pattern for the early churches. What the “holy kiss” communicates • Affection without impurity: “Holy” sets the greeting apart from worldly or romantic connotations (2 Timothy 2:22). • Family identity: The kiss was a near-eastern sign of kinship. In Christ, believers are truly brothers and sisters (Ephesians 2:19). • Equality in Christ: Regardless of background—Jew or Gentile, slave or free—the same greeting applied (Galatians 3:28). • Visible peace: It manifested the reconciliation Christ achieved (Ephesians 4:3). Other supporting texts: 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14—all call for a “holy kiss,” reinforcing that the practice was widespread and intentional. Why Paul links local and universal greetings • Unity across distance: By repeating the formula, Paul knits scattered congregations into one fellowship (Colossians 2:5). • Mutual encouragement: Knowing other churches “send greetings” lifts eyes above local struggles (Philippians 1:27). • Apostolic authority: The greeting carries Paul’s seal, reminding each church it stands under the same gospel teaching (1 Corinthians 4:17). Practical implications for believers today • Preserve holiness: Whatever form a greeting takes—handshake, hug, verbal warmth—it must remain pure and edifying. • Cultivate family warmth: Church should feel like home, not a cold meeting hall (Hebrews 13:1). • Demonstrate visible unity: Regularly acknowledge sister congregations, missionaries, and global believers, echoing “All the churches of Christ send you greetings.” • Guard against favoritism: Extend the same sincere welcome to every believer, mirroring the impartial love of the Lord (James 2:1). Key takeaway Paul’s identical instruction in 1 Corinthians 16:20 and Romans 16:16 shows that warm, holy, family-style greetings are a non-negotiable expression of Christian unity—both within the local assembly and across the universal Church. |
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