Topical Encyclopedia Salutations, or greetings, hold a significant place in biblical history, reflecting the customs and social interactions of ancient times. The practice of exchanging salutations is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious life of the people in the Bible, serving as a means of expressing respect, peace, and goodwill.In the Old Testament, salutations often involved blessings and expressions of peace. For instance, when Boaz greeted the reapers in his field, he said, "The LORD be with you," to which they replied, "The LORD bless you" (Ruth 2:4). This exchange highlights the integration of divine acknowledgment in everyday interactions, emphasizing the importance of invoking God's presence and favor in social exchanges. The patriarchs also demonstrated the significance of salutations. When Jacob prepared to meet his estranged brother Esau, he instructed his servants to greet Esau with a message of peace and humility, saying, "Your servant Jacob is right behind us" (Genesis 32:18). This salutation was intended to convey respect and to pacify any lingering animosity, illustrating the strategic use of greetings in reconciliation efforts. In the New Testament, salutations continue to play a vital role in the social and religious fabric of the community. Jesus Himself addressed the importance of greetings in His teachings. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructed His followers, "And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others?" (Matthew 5:47). Here, Jesus challenges His disciples to extend their greetings beyond their immediate circle, promoting a broader sense of love and community. The apostolic letters frequently open and close with salutations, underscoring their importance in early Christian correspondence. The Apostle Paul often began his epistles with a greeting of grace and peace, as seen in Romans 1:7: "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ" . These salutations were not mere formalities but conveyed theological truths and blessings, setting the tone for the message that followed. Furthermore, salutations in the early church were expressions of unity and fellowship. In his letter to the Romans, Paul instructs the believers to "Greet one another with a holy kiss" (Romans 16:16), a practice that symbolized mutual love and acceptance within the body of Christ. This form of salutation was a tangible expression of the spiritual bond shared among believers. The antiquity of salutations in the Bible reveals their multifaceted role in communication, relationship-building, and the expression of faith. Whether through spoken words, written greetings, or physical gestures, salutations served as a bridge between individuals, communities, and God, reflecting the values and beliefs of the biblical world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 18:2And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, see, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 19:1 Library Manuscript Testimony Shewn to be Overwhelmingly in Favour of These ... Paul's Second Imprisonment, and Martyrdom; Peter, his Epistles ... The Epistle to the Ephesians Manuscript Testimony Shewn to be Overwhelmingly in Favour of These ... The Organization of the Apostolic Church. The Epistles of the Apostles. The People among whom we Labour (Continued). A Compendious view of the Christian Life. The Nile and Egypt Subject Index 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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