Topical Bible: Salutations were Given by Brethren to Each Other

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the early Christian church, salutations among brethren were more than mere formalities; they were expressions of love, unity, and shared faith. The New Testament provides numerous examples of these greetings, reflecting the close-knit community and the spiritual bond among believers.

Biblical Basis

The practice of greeting one another warmly is rooted in the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. In the Gospel of John, Jesus emphasizes love among His followers: "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35). This love was often expressed through salutations, which were both verbal and physical, such as the "holy kiss."

Pauline Epistles

The Apostle Paul frequently instructed believers to greet one another, underscoring the importance of fellowship and mutual affection. In Romans 16:16, Paul writes, "Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings" . This instruction is repeated in other epistles, including 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26, highlighting the widespread practice among early Christians.

Paul's letters often conclude with personal greetings to individuals and groups within the church, demonstrating the personal connections he maintained with fellow believers. For instance, in Colossians 4:10-15, Paul sends greetings from his companions and extends his own to the brethren in Laodicea and Nympha and the church in her house.

Peter and John

The Apostle Peter also emphasizes the importance of greetings in his epistles. In 1 Peter 5:14, he instructs, "Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ" . This salutation reflects the peace and love that should characterize the Christian community.

Similarly, the Apostle John, known for his emphasis on love, includes greetings in his letters. In 3 John 1:14, he writes, "Peace to you. The friends here send you greetings. Greet the friends there by name" . John's personal touch in his greetings underscores the familial nature of the early church.

Cultural Context

In the cultural context of the New Testament, greetings were significant social rituals. The "holy kiss" mentioned by Paul and Peter was a common form of greeting in the ancient Near East, symbolizing peace, reconciliation, and brotherly love. By adopting this practice, early Christians distinguished their gatherings as places of genuine affection and spiritual kinship.

Theological Significance

Theologically, salutations among brethren serve as a reminder of the unity and equality of all believers in Christ. Galatians 3:28 states, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" . Greetings transcended social and cultural barriers, reinforcing the new identity found in Christ.

Practical Application

For contemporary Christians, the practice of greeting one another warmly remains a vital expression of Christian love and community. It serves as a tangible reminder of the spiritual bond shared among believers and the call to live in harmony and peace. Whether through a handshake, a hug, or a verbal greeting, these acts of kindness and recognition continue to foster unity within the body of Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 17:22
And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brothers.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Introductory Letter.
... hearts were warmed, and our thoughts were absorbed by ... with my prayers and my most
affectionate salutations. ... greatest possible efficiency with a given amount of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dibble/thoughts on missions/introductory letter.htm

Letter cciii. To the Bishops of the Sea Coast.
... hitherto, very honourable brethren, you have not given me my ... Rather, by letters of
peace and by salutations of love ... Soothe its anguish, as it were, by a tender ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter cciii to the bishops.htm

Quartus a Brother
... strikingly with the others who send salutations to Rome. ... reason for our Christian
unity is given in that ... When they said they were brethren, they implied, 'We ...
/.../maclaren/romans corinthians to ii corinthians chap v/quartus a brother.htm

2 Cor. xiii. 10
... For therefore is the kiss given, that it may be fuel ... comes to the priest's mouth
as it were an oracle ... having united them to one other by the salutations and the ...
/.../homilies on the epistles of paul to the corinthians/homily xxx 2 cor xiii.htm

Appendix.
... The exercises of the commemoration were concluded with a large ... It would have given
us unfeigned pleasure, as the ... when we might add to the salutations of the ...
/.../various/the sermons and addresses at the seabury centenary/appendix.htm

The First General Epistle of John
... no formal conclusion, no greetings and salutations at the ... title thou parthenou, which
was commonly given to John ... heresies referred to and combated were rife in ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the first general epistle of 2.htm

The Organization of the Apostolic Church.
... he appeared there, he would have given offence had ... 5] he sends his correspondents
the salutations of "the ... unity was not perfect; for there were false brethren ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter iii the organization of.htm

Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that ... testimony of truth,
which God hath given us to ... I answer; Though all this were granted, it would ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The General Conference of 1836
... Bishops Roberts, Soule, Hedding, and Andrew were present, and ... Lord, your kind and
fraternal salutations, as expressed ... Having thus given a brief outline of our ...
/.../chapter 13 the general conference.htm

Of the Primacy of the Romish See.
... honour of Peter, the first place is given to the ... may be supposed he includes all
who were known to ... He even sends salutations from certain individuals, but does ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 6 of the primacy.htm