1 Thessalonians 5:26 – “Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse may sound unusual to modern ears, especially in cultures where kissing isn’t a common form of greeting. But in Paul’s time, a “holy kiss” was a normal and meaningful sign of love, respect, and fellowship among believers.
When Paul says, “greet all God’s people with a holy kiss,” he’s not commanding a ritual or focusing on a specific physical gesture. He’s urging the church to express real, affectionate Christian love toward one another. The key word is holy-this is not about romance or formality, but about family. It’s a pure, sincere expression of unity in Christ.
Paul’s instruction reflects the value of each person in the church. Every believer-young or old, well-known or unknown-is to be welcomed and valued. It’s a call to warmth, acceptance, and genuine connection in the body of Christ.
Historical Context
In the ancient world, it was common for friends and family to greet one another with a kiss on the cheek or forehead. It was a cultural sign of respect, closeness, and goodwill. The early church, made up of people from many backgrounds, adopted this practice as a way to show spiritual family love.
The Thessalonian church was a mix of Jews and Gentiles, men and women, rich and poor. There were many social barriers that could have caused division. But Paul reminds them: you’re all God’s people. Treat each other like family.
The “holy kiss” was a visible way to show that every believer belonged, was accepted, and was loved-not because of their background, but because of their identity in Christ.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that Christian love is to be expressed openly, sincerely, and with purity. It also reminds us that the church is a family, not just a crowd of individuals. Relationships in the body of Christ should be marked by respect, affection, and unity.
Paul’s instruction also points to the holiness of Christian fellowship. The greeting is not just social-it’s holy. It reflects God’s love and honors the fact that every believer is set apart for Him.
This verse also reinforces that there’s no place for favoritism or coldness in the church. All God’s people deserve to be greeted, acknowledged, and embraced in love.
Literary Analysis
This verse is short, personal, and warm. The word “greet” is an action word-it’s a command to do something intentional, not just feel something inside. “All God’s people” emphasizes inclusiveness-everyone in the church matters. And “holy kiss” blends cultural expression with spiritual meaning.
The verse fits within the closing section of Paul’s letter, where he gives a series of final instructions and blessings. It serves as a practical encouragement to show Christlike love to one another.
Though brief, this verse adds a personal and relational tone to the end of the letter, reminding the church that doctrine must always be lived out in love.
Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 16:16 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.”
- 1 Corinthians 16:20 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
- 2 Corinthians 13:12 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
- 1 Peter 5:14 – “Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”
- John 13:35 – “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For believers today, this verse calls us to greet one another with genuine love and respect, even if the cultural form looks different. In many cultures today, a warm handshake, hug, or kind word serves the same purpose.
What matters is the heart behind the greeting-is it welcoming, sincere, and Christlike? Are we showing hospitality, honor, and unity to everyone in the church, not just those we know well or are comfortable with?
This verse challenges us to be intentional about building connection and fellowship in our churches. A simple greeting can go a long way in making someone feel seen, valued, and loved.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God is a God of relationship. He doesn’t just save individuals in isolation-He brings us into a family. This verse reflects His desire for His people to love each other in a way that mirrors His love for them.
The instruction to greet one another warmly and respectfully shows that God cares about how we treat each other, even in the little things. His love isn’t distant or cold-it’s near, welcoming, and full of grace.
When we love each other well, we reflect the character of the God who first loved us.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus showed love through both word and action. He welcomed the outcast, touched the untouchable, and spoke kindly to the overlooked. His love wasn’t distant-it was personal and close.
In John 13, Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as a sign of humble love and told them to do the same for one another. In Luke 7, He commended a woman who greeted Him with a kiss of devotion, contrasting her love with the coldness of others.
The “holy kiss” in this verse echoes that kind of closeness and humility. It points us back to Jesus, whose love broke down every barrier and made room for everyone at His table.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you typically greet people at church? Is it warm and welcoming-or more distant?
- Are there people in your church you tend to overlook or avoid? How might you greet them differently?
- What does it mean to greet others with holy affection in your culture?
- How does this verse challenge your view of Christian fellowship?
- In what ways can your greetings reflect the love and kindness of Christ?