Greetings from the Churches
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In the New Testament, the practice of sending greetings from one church to another is a testament to the unity and fellowship among early Christian communities. These greetings are often found in the epistles, where the apostles and other leaders convey messages of love, encouragement, and solidarity. Such greetings highlight the interconnectedness of the Body of Christ and the shared mission of spreading the Gospel.

Romans 16:16
"All the churches of Christ send you greetings." This verse is part of a larger section where Paul sends personal greetings to various individuals in the Roman church. The mention of greetings from "all the churches of Christ" underscores the widespread network of believers and their mutual support.

1 Corinthians 16:19-20
"The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, along with the church that meets at their house. All the brothers here send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss." Here, Paul conveys greetings from the churches in Asia, as well as from Aquila and Priscilla, prominent figures in the early church. The instruction to greet one another with a holy kiss reflects the deep familial bonds within the Christian community.

2 Corinthians 13:12-13
"Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints send you greetings." This passage reiterates the practice of greeting with a holy kiss, a sign of peace and unity. The mention of "all the saints" sending greetings emphasizes the collective identity of believers as saints, set apart for God's purposes.

Philippians 4:21-22
"Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me send you greetings. All the saints send you greetings, especially those from the household of Caesar." In this letter, Paul extends greetings from his companions and highlights the presence of believers even within the household of Caesar, indicating the reach of the Gospel into diverse and influential circles.

Colossians 4:15-16
"Give my greetings to the brothers in Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. After this letter has been read among you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea." Paul instructs the Colossians to share his greetings with the Laodiceans and Nympha, showing the practice of circulating letters and greetings among different congregations.

1 Thessalonians 5:26
"Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss." This brief exhortation is part of Paul's closing instructions to the Thessalonian church, reinforcing the practice of expressing love and unity through a holy kiss.

Hebrews 13:24
"Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings." The author of Hebrews sends greetings from believers in Italy, further illustrating the widespread network of early Christians and their commitment to maintaining connections across geographical boundaries.

The practice of sending greetings from one church to another in the New Testament reflects the early Christians' understanding of the church as a global family united in Christ. These greetings served to strengthen bonds, encourage faithfulness, and remind believers of their shared identity and mission.
Greetings from Paul's Fellow Workers
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