A holy kiss – What is it?

TL;DR:

A holy kiss was a loving, non-sexual way that the early church greeted each other. Greeting with a holy kiss shows us that Christians are to be known by their sincere love for one another.

In biblical times, it was common for people to greet each other, or to say goodbye, with a non-sexual kiss. Many people throughout the world still show non-sexual physical affection to those they are fond of, and to family members, by kisses on one or both cheeks in greetings. Other cultures prefer a handshake.

The New Testament mentions a holy kiss in several passages, emphasizing it as a display of unity, purity, and love rather than physical attraction or public affection. It signifies a greeting that is physically pure, morally blameless, and sincere, contrasting with Judas's deceitful kiss. For early Christians, it expressed brotherly love, unity, and acceptance, especially important for new believers ostracized by their families. While the practice of a holy kiss is not clearly mandated for modern Christians, Christians should be known by their love (John 13:35), and our interactions should be rooted in genuine, pure, and sincere agape love.

from the old testament

The Old Testament does not refer to a holy kiss.

from the new testament

The New Testament refers to a holy kiss in Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. In each reference, the idea is to display a kindred spirit, purity, and love for one another, not a physical attraction or public display of affection.
The kiss is "holy" in that it is more than just a sign of greeting; it is physically pure and morally blameless. A holy kiss is one that is not disingenuous or deceitful, contrary to Judas's kiss to betray Jesus (Luke 22:48). Rather, a holy kiss between Christians is to express brotherly love and unity. Often, a new Christian would be ostracized from family and friends. A holy kiss would communicate a familial closeness. Further, when Jewish and Gentile Christians would greet each other with a holy kiss, the action communicated an acceptance and close fellowship.

implications for today

Though Paul entreated Christians to greet each other with a holy kiss, it is unclear whether the practice is expected or instructed for modern Christians. Some churches do practice such a greeting with strict rules and instructions about communicating a pure, righteous, and sincere Christian affection with such a greeting. No matter the form of our greetings, they should be founded in true, agape love for our brothers and sisters in Christ and be characterized by purity and sincerity. Jesus emphasized that His followers should be known by their love for one another (John 13:35). This love should be evident in all our interactions, expressing the deep, selfless love that defines Christian fellowship. Such love transcends cultural practices and speaks to the heart of what it means to live out our faith in everyday actions.

understand

The holy kiss signified brotherly love, unity, and acceptance among early Christians, offering familial closeness, especially to new believers.
The holy kiss was a physically pure and morally blameless gesture, contrasting with Judas's deceitful kiss.
While not mandated today, the holy kiss reflects the biblical principle that Christians should be known by their love (John 13:35), with interactions, including greetings, rooted in genuine, pure, and sincere agape love.

reflect

How do you ensure that your greetings and interactions with others are characterized by genuine, pure, and sincere love?
How can you express unity and acceptance within your church community, especially toward new believers or those who feel ostracized?
How can you practice moral and physical purity in your daily interactions with others?

engage

How can we, as believers, create a welcoming environment that communicates brotherly love and unity in a culturally relevant way?
What is the significance of the holy kiss in the New Testament and its implications for our understanding of Christian fellowship and love today? How does it match up to what you currently experience?
How can we balance maintaining traditional practices and adapting new ways to express our love and acceptance within our diverse and modern church communities?