Greeting Brothers And Sisters With A Holy Kiss

Faithful is He that calleth you,

 who also will do it. Brethren, pray

for us. Greet all the brethren with 

an holy kiss. I charge you by the

Lord that this epistle be read unto

all the holy brethren. The grace

of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

1Thessalonians 5:24-28

     The subject of these verses is "faithful," and that word being nominative, masculine is "he is faithful," and this then is He who is faithful that calls you. If God calls you as written in John chapter 6, and Jesus calls you, then both persons are the same for one does not call above another. Paul then exhorts this church to have this epistle read in other churches. Now about this "holy kiss," much is misunderstood what the Greek is actually saying, and how this action was performed, and why it was performed by people living in this age. The Greek word used here:  φιλήματ, is a token of Christian brotherhood, whether by way of welcome, or farewell. This is a kiss of charity and there is an absence of formality, and hypocrisy, a freedom from prejudice  arising from social distinctions, from discrimination against the poor, form partiality toward the well-to-do. This kiss took place between those of the same sex. Respect between persons is shown. The actual kissing is not mandated, no, what is mandated is RESPECT! This respect is missing largely in many Churches whereby people come to Church hear the sermon, may say hello to those they have some relationship with, but never stay or attempt to be friendly to those they deem somewhat unworthy, due to being poor, or unhealthy, or not dressed properly, having a run-down car, etc., and there is no charity between exercised. This is so wrong, but it happens and I hope this is not you. Read Peter, read John's three epistles and then measure yourself against what the Holy Spirit had these men write. 

     Paul wrote this letter from Athens and it is interesting to say the least that a Christian Church was not founded in Athens but Paul had much to say to those Greek philosophers. Not all we do instantly bears fruit but if we do nothing then fruit cannot be born. Pretty simple: bring the Gospel to others and allow God to do His work in their lives. Our responsibility in this case is: bring the Gospel. 

     This is the end of Paul's first letter to the Thessalonian s and we can learn much how to live as Authentic Christians by reading, studying, this letter. Paul ends this letter by a farewell statement: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you." And this is my words along with Him for you. I will begin tomorrow Paul's second letter and it would be good if you read it and then read my blog. Remember: the goal is to change from the inside/out. 

As God liveth, "Who hath taken away

     my judgment; and the Almighty, 

who hath vexed my soul; all the while

     my breath is in me, and the spirit 

of God is in my nostrils; my lips shall not

     speak wickedness, nor my tongue deceit.

                          Job 27:2-4

Befriend a brother or sister today

Richard L. Crumb