Book of Romans - Chapter 16 - Verse 16

The verse "Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you." is a command found in the Bible, specifically in the book of Romans. In this verse, the Apostle Paul encourages believers to greet each other with a holy kiss as a sign of love and unity within the community of believers. The practice of the holy kiss was a common form of greeting in the early Church and served as a symbol of peace and harmony among Christians. The phrase "The churches of Christ salute you" can be seen as a message of solidarity and support from other Christian congregations to the recipients of Paul's letter. This verse emphasizes the importance of showing love and affection towards one another within the body of Christ, and serves as a reminder of the bond that believers share as members of the global Church.

Within this verse, the act of greeting one another with a holy kiss holds theological significance. In the cultural context of the early church, a kiss on the cheek was a common form of greeting and a sign of love and fellowship. The term "holy kiss" signifies that this act of greeting was to be done in a holy and pure manner, devoid of any inappropriate motives. It served as a symbol of unity, peace, and love among believers. This practice highlighted the importance of affection, harmony, and mutual respect within the body of Christ.

Furthermore, the mention of "the churches of Christ salute you" speaks to the interconnectedness and unity of the early Christian communities. Despite differences in location and congregation, believers were united in their faith and love for Christ. This greeting was a reminder of the bond shared by all followers of Christ, regardless of their specific church affiliation. It emphasized the notion of a universal body of believers, united in their devotion to Christ.