1 Corinthians 16:19- “The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.”

Extended Explanation

As Paul nears the end of his first letter to the Corinthians, he includes greetings from fellow believers. He first mentions the churches in the province of Asia (modern-day western Turkey), showing that the Christian faith was spreading beyond Corinth.

He then highlights Aquila and Priscilla, a married couple who were faithful servants of the gospel. They had a house church, meaning believers gathered in their home for worship and teaching. This was common in the early days of Christianity when churches did not yet have designated buildings.

Paul describes their greeting as “warmly in the Lord”, emphasizing the deep love and unity that Christians share through their faith in Christ. Even though Aquila and Priscilla were far from Corinth, they still cared about their brothers and sisters there.

This verse demonstrates the close relationships among early Christians, even across different regions. It reminds us that the church is not just one local group but a global family of believers.

Historical Context

The province of Asia (not to be confused with the continent of Asia) was a Roman region that included cities like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Pergamum. Paul spent over two years in Ephesus (Acts 19:8-10), and many churches were planted there. These believers now sent their greetings to Corinth, showing a strong connection between early Christian communities.

Aquila and Priscilla were a well-known Christian couple who had worked alongside Paul. They were originally from Rome but had been forced to leave because of Emperor Claudius’ decree expelling Jews (Acts 18:2). They had settled in Corinth, where they met Paul, and later moved to Ephesus. They were tentmakers, like Paul, and had a deep commitment to spreading the gospel.

Their house church was part of a common practice in the early church. Since Christianity was still new and sometimes persecuted, believers often met in homes rather than public buildings. These house churches played a major role in the growth of Christianity.

Theological Implications

1. The church is a global family. Paul’s greetings from distant churches show that Christians are not isolated but part of a worldwide body of believers.

2. Christian hospitality is essential. Aquila and Priscilla used their home for God’s work. This demonstrates that the church is not about buildings but about people gathering together to worship and grow in faith.

3. Believers should encourage and support one another. The fact that these churches sent greetings shows the importance of maintaining strong spiritual connections even across long distances.

4. Married couples can serve God together. Aquila and Priscilla provide an example of how a husband and wife can work side by side in ministry, using their gifts and resources to further God’s kingdom.

Literary Analysis

This verse follows Paul’s typical pattern in his letters—after teaching and exhortation, he includes personal greetings. This adds a warm, relational touch to his writing, reminding the Corinthians that they are not alone in their faith.

The phrase “greet you warmly in the Lord” is significant. The greeting is not just friendly—it is based on their shared relationship with Christ. The church in their house reflects a key theme in early Christianity: the church is not about a location but about a community of believers.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Romans 16:3-5 – “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house.”
• Colossians 4:15 – “Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.”
• Acts 18:1-3 – (Paul meets Aquila and Priscilla in Corinth, and they work together as tentmakers.)
• Acts 18:24-26 – (Aquila and Priscilla teach Apollos more about Jesus, showing their dedication to spreading the gospel.)
• Ephesians 2:19-22 – “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.” (The unity of the church as a spiritual family.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. The church is more than a building. Many early Christians met in homes, reminding us that the heart of the church is the people, not the place. Today, we should focus more on relationships and less on structures.

2. Christian friendships matter. Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla had a deep bond, and they stayed connected even across great distances. This reminds us to value and maintain strong spiritual friendships.

3. Hospitality is an important part of faith. Aquila and Priscilla used their home to bless others. We should ask ourselves: How can we use what we have to serve God and encourage others?

4. We should encourage and recognize those who serve faithfully. Paul regularly mentioned fellow workers like Aquila and Priscilla, showing that honoring and appreciating those who labor for the gospel is important.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is reflected in the unity and encouragement within His church. Even though the churches in Asia were far from Corinth, they still sent greetings because they cared. This shows that God creates a spiritual family that extends beyond physical boundaries.

God also shows His love by calling ordinary people to do His work. Aquila and Priscilla were tentmakers—not religious leaders—but they faithfully served God. This proves that anyone can be used for God’s purposes if they are willing.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus came to unite believers into one body, the church. This verse reflects that unity. Paul’s greetings from other churches and the house church of Aquila and Priscilla show that the gospel creates a family of faith, just as Jesus intended.

• John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (Aquila and Priscilla’s love and hospitality reflect this.)
• Matthew 18:20 – “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (House churches in the early church embodied this truth.)
• John 14:2-3 – Jesus spoke of preparing a place in His Father’s house, showing that God’s family is not just earthly but eternal.

Just as Jesus welcomed and gathered His disciples, Aquila and Priscilla welcomed believers into their home. Their actions reflected the servant-hearted nature of Christ.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How can you strengthen your connections with other believers, even those far away?
2. In what ways can you use your home or resources to serve others, like Aquila and Priscilla did?
3. Why is Christian community so important, and how can you be more involved in it?
4. How does this verse challenge your understanding of what the church really is?
5. Who in your life has been a spiritual encourager, and how can you show them appreciation?