1 THESSALONIANS 5:25-28 - HOLY KISS?

1 THESSALONIANS 5:25-28

HOLY KISS?

1 Thessalonians 5:25 Brethren, pray for us.

Paul asked the Thessalonian believers to intercede, to speak to the Father on behalf of him and his co-laborers.  Paul had prayed for them, instructed them to pray without ceasing, and now specifically asked them to pray on his behalf.  Those in full-time service to the Lord need our consistent prayer support as much or more than they need our monetary contributions.  We need both, but prayer is number one. 

1 Thessalonians 5:26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.

Paul was really big on this holy kiss idea:

Rom. 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

1 Cor. 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

2 Cor. 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss.

1 Pet. 5:14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

What exactly is a holy kiss?  It is a hug and kiss between brothers and sisters in the community faith, whether they were Jews or Gentiles.  So, this would be a familial kiss on the cheek, right? Yes!

Since this was a sign of family intimacy, it is tragically detestable that Judas betrayed Jesus with a kiss.

Matthew 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

Luke 22:48 But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

Human touch, a show of affection, ministers in way that words cannot.  It is healing.  It can convey love and empathy when all words fail.

1 Thessalonians 5:27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.

There were no copy machines, so Paul’s letter would need to be read aloud for the most people to hear it. Also, many of his audience probably could not read. He did not want anyone in the church at Thessalonica to be left out.

1 Thessalonians 5:28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

This was a typical greeting and/or salutation for the Apostle Paul.  The Lord’s grace includes His umbrella of protection, redemption, and power to live for Him.

QUESTIONS:

1. Why do you think Paul encourage a “holy kiss” as a greeting?

2. We do not employ a kiss on the cheek between brothers and sisters in Christ much these days.  What do we do instead? 

3. Whether it is a kiss, a hug, or a handshake, it is important that our greeting be sincere and pure.  Might a holy kiss be misinterpreted now in 2017?