1 Corinthians 16: Loving the Saints, Loving the Lord
The final chapter of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians is an exhortation to love and ends with “My love be with you all in Christ Jesus”. In what sense is love is the greatest (Ch 13), and how does the greatest love (Ch 15) reside in the church?
Love is action
Love requires action – don’t just talk, give to the needy (1 Jn 3:17-18; cf. Js 2:15-16). Collection for the Jerusalem saints living in poverty was imperative, both to the Galatians and to the Corinthians (1). In preparing the church at Corinth to receive him as well as other workers like Timothy and Apollos, Paul said, “Let all that you do be done with love”. Then he commended the household of Stephanas and other individuals for supporting him in his ministry.
More than a kiss
It may seem strange that Paul had to instruct the church to greet one another with a kiss when it was already a common gesture of greeting between friends. But what about the absence of a kiss when it was usually expected? This was how a Pharisee treated Jesus when he hosted a meal for the Lord. Not only was there no kiss, but there wasn’t even water to wash His feet (Lk 7:44-45)!
We see then, that the significance of the kiss goes beyond the physical show of affection. In the case of Jesus’ dismal host, a kiss was too much to ask of one who didn’t even bother to provide for something so basic – water to wash before meals.
While holding back a kiss meant disdain, giving a kiss meant peace when enemies or estranged parties reconciled (Gen 33:4; 2 Sam 14:33; see also Ps 85:10)
The holy kiss here and elsewhere in Paul’s letters would be his manner of encouraging mutual acceptance and unity in Christ.
Love the Lord
Interestingly, the Greek word for kiss (philēma) is related to the word for love (phileo) in verse 22. Hence, “if anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed” echoes the ending of the second Psalm: “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way” (Ps 2:12).
