What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:20?

All the brothers here send you greetings.

“All the brothers here send you greetings.” (1 Corinthians 16:20a)

• Paul closes his letter by passing along greetings from the believers who are with him—most likely those in Ephesus at the time (Acts 19:1, 22).

• This shows that the family of God transcends geography; believers who have never met still care for one another because they share the same Lord (Ephesians 4:4–6).

• Such greetings underline real, personal fellowship, not a distant or abstract connection (Philippians 4:21–22; Colossians 4:10–14).

• By including “all,” Paul guards against factional greetings that might fuel the divisions rebuked earlier (1 Corinthians 1:10–13).

• The exchange of greetings demonstrates unity and mutual encouragement, reflecting Jesus’ command that His disciples love one another (John 13:34–35).

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Greet one another with a holy kiss.

“Greet one another with a holy kiss.” (1 Corinthians 16:20b)

• The kiss was a customary sign of friendship in the ancient Near East, but Paul purposely calls for a “holy” kiss—one set apart, pure, and free from ulterior motives (2 Timothy 2:22).

• Scripture repeats this instruction four times (Romans 16:16; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14), underscoring its importance for church life.

• Practical purposes of the holy kiss:

– Publicly affirm reconciliation and peace among believers (Matthew 5:23–24).

– Express family-like warmth that transcends social, ethnic, and economic barriers (Galatians 3:28).

– Reinforce shared holiness; the physical gesture is governed by spiritual purity (Ephesians 5:3).

• While cultural expressions vary today, the principle remains: offer sincere, appropriate, and sanctified affection that builds up the body (Romans 12:10).

• A “holy” greeting protects against worldly misuse of physical affection, redirecting it to Christ-honoring fellowship (1 John 3:18).

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summary

Paul’s brief words carry lasting weight. Greetings from distant believers remind us we belong to a global family in Christ, united by one Spirit. The command to greet one another with a holy kiss calls every generation to demonstrate pure, heartfelt affection that confirms our unity and holiness. Whether expressed through a literal kiss or another culturally fitting gesture, the motive is the same: to embody the love of Christ and strengthen the bond of peace within His church.