This verse appears toward the end of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, a letter filled with teaching, correction, and encouragement for the church in Corinth. In this closing section, Paul includes personal greetings, a reminder of communal unity, and a specific cultural expression of Christian fellowship.
Paul’s letter to the Corinthians addresses a variety of issues within the church, including divisions, immorality, worship practices, and doctrinal questions. In chapter 16, Paul concludes his letter with practical instructions, personal updates, and greetings from himself and others in the faith community. This verse is part of a series of closing salutations, emphasizing the interconnectedness of believers both locally and across the broader church.
“All the brothers greet you.”
Connection Across the Church: This phrase reflects the broader fellowship of believers. Paul communicates greetings from other Christian brothers, likely those in the region where he is writing, emphasizing the solidarity of the global church.
Unity in Christ: These greetings remind the Corinthian church that they are not isolated. Despite their struggles and divisions, they are part of a larger family of believers united by faith in Christ.
“Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
The Holy Kiss: In the cultural context of the early church, a kiss was a common expression of greeting and affection. By specifying a "holy" kiss, Paul sets this gesture apart as an act of Christian love and fellowship, free from any inappropriate or worldly connotations.
Sign of Unity and Reconciliation: The instruction to greet one another with a holy kiss was a way to promote unity and mutual acceptance within the body of Christ. It served as a visible expression of love and forgiveness, particularly important in a church like Corinth, where divisions had been a major issue (1 Corinthians 1:10).
- Theological Implications
Christian Fellowship: This verse underscores the importance of genuine fellowship among believers. The greeting reflects the idea that the church is not merely an institution but a family bound by shared faith and love.
Expressions of Unity: By encouraging a specific cultural expression of unity, Paul highlights the significance of visible acts that demonstrate reconciliation and love within the church. This aligns with Jesus’ teaching in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Sanctity of Relationships: The adjective “holy” points to the sanctified nature of Christian relationships. Interactions within the church are to be characterized by purity, love, and respect, reflecting the holy nature of God who dwells among His people.
- Practical Applications
Cultivating Genuine Relationships: In today’s context, while the specific practice of a holy kiss may not be culturally common, the principle remains relevant. We are called to greet one another with warmth, affection, and sincerity, fostering an atmosphere of unity and love.
Promoting Reconciliation: Instructing the Corinthians to greet one another in this manner was likely a call to bridge divides within the church. We too should seek reconciliation and unity, demonstrating love through our actions and words.
Expressing Christian Love: Whether through a handshake, a warm smile, or an embrace, we can find culturally appropriate ways to express the same spirit of love and fellowship that the holy kiss represented in Paul’s time.
Acknowledging the Global Church: Just as Paul conveyed greetings from believers in other places, we can remember that our faith community extends beyond our local church. Praying for, encouraging, and supporting believers in other parts of the world fosters a sense of unity and shared mission.
Cross-References
Ephesians 4:3: “Being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” This passage emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity within the church, which is at the heart of Paul’s instruction to greet one another warmly.
John 13:35 - "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."
Romans 12:10 - "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."
Romans 16:16: “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.” This verse mirrors the instruction in 1 Corinthians, showing that this practice was common in early Christian communities as a sign of unity and love.
1 Peter 5:14: “Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ Jesus.” Peter’s similar exhortation reinforces the idea of affectionate, Christ-centered fellowship among believers.
1 Corinthians 16:20 encapsulates a message of fellowship, affection, and unity among believers. This verse invites us to greet one another with a holy kiss, symbolizing the mutual love and bond within the body of Christ. While cultural practices may change, the underlying principles of mutual affection, reconciliation, and genuine connection remain timeless. This verse challenges us to reflect on how we express love and unity within our own communities and to embrace the broader family of faith with warmth and sincerity.
As we journey through our faith, may we be inspired to cultivate genuine relationships marked by love and unity, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of Christ's love within the community of believers. Just as the early Christians exchanged greetings of affection, may we also embrace the call to foster unity and love among our fellow believers, becoming a living testimony to the presence of Christ in our lives.
1 Corinthians 16:20. All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.