What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 13:12? Greet • The apostle closes this letter with a warm, Spirit-inspired command: “Greet…” (2 Corinthians 13:12). It is an action word, urging initiative rather than passivity. • Scripture repeatedly ties greeting to Christian love and unity—“Greet one another with a holy kiss” appears in Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26 as well. Paul treats the practice as basic family etiquette within the household of faith. • Jesus affirmed purposeful greeting when He said, “If you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others?” (Matthew 5:47). Believers should outdo the world in extending warmth, because Christ has first greeted us with grace (Romans 15:7). one another • The words highlight mutuality. The greeting is not only leader-to-congregation or older-to-younger; it flows in every direction. • “Love one another” (John 13:34) and “serve one another” (Galatians 5:13) echo the same horizontal emphasis. • Practical implications: – It breaks down social, ethnic, and economic barriers (Colossians 3:11). – It fosters reconciliation; a strained relationship is harder to ignore when a heartfelt greeting is expected (Matthew 5:23-24). – It teaches the watching world that believers truly belong to one another (John 17:21). with a holy kiss • The kiss was the customary first-century greeting of affection and respect, much like a handshake, hug, or polite bow today (Luke 7:45; Acts 20:37). • Paul adds the word “holy” to ensure purity of motive and action. The greeting is set apart—free from romantic intent, manipulation, or hypocrisy (1 Peter 1:22). • How the principle translates today: – The form may vary by culture—handshakes, embraces, verbal blessings—but the essence remains a tangible, affectionate acknowledgment of shared life in Christ. – It should be intentional, not perfunctory, conveying genuine care (1 Peter 5:14). – It reminds the church that fellowship is physical as well as spiritual; believers are embodied souls who need wholesome touch and eye-to-eye affirmation. summary Paul’s brief command, “Greet one another with a holy kiss,” urges every believer to take active, mutual steps toward warm, pure, familial fellowship. Whatever cultural form the greeting takes, its substance—intentional affection rooted in the holiness of Christ—remains binding. Obeying it strengthens unity, showcases the gospel’s reconciling power, and turns routine hellos into sacred moments of grace. |
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