The “holy kiss” or “kiss of love” is referred to several times in the New Testament writings as a form of greeting among early Christians. It was a common cultural practice in the ancient Mediterranean world to greet friends and relatives with a kiss on the cheek, and this practice was adopted by the early Christian church. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about the holy kiss:
Biblical References to the Holy Kiss
The holy kiss is specifically mentioned in these passages:
– Romans 16:16 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”
– 1 Corinthians 16:20 – “All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
– 2 Corinthians 13:12 – “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
– 1 Thessalonians 5:26 – “Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.”
It seems the holy kiss was a common practice in the early church, endorsed by Paul and practiced by believers. It was a symbol of Christian love and fellowship.
The Meaning and Purpose of the Holy Kiss
The holy kiss served several purposes in the early church:
– It was a symbol of love and affection. Just as a kiss between family members expresses love, the holy kiss conveyed brotherly love between believers.
– It served as a greeting. When Christians gathered for corporate worship or met each other, they would greet one another with a holy kiss. It was a way to say “welcome.”
– It showed unity and reconciliation. Paul encouraged the holy kiss even among churches that had disagreements (2 Cor 13:12). The holy kiss helped demonstrate that they were unified in Christ.
– It reminded believers that they were one family. As brothers and sisters in Christ, the holy kiss communicated they belonged to each other in God’s family.
The early church transformed this common cultural practice into something new – a means of expressing and strengthening Christian love and fellowship. Their holy kisses were set apart from secular kisses by their meaning and purpose.
The Practice of the Holy Kiss
Based on what we know from early church writings, the holy kiss was practiced in the following manner:
– It only took place between members of the same sex. Men would kiss men, women would kiss women. Kissing members of the opposite sex may have been seen as inappropriate.
– It involved a kiss on the cheek, not on the lips like a romantic kiss. It was a moderate demonstration of affection.
– It did not necessarily happen every time believers saw each other, but seemed to be especially connected with church gatherings. As Christians arrived for worship, they would greet each other with a holy kiss.
– It expressed holy affection, not erotic or romantic attraction. The kiss remained pure and undefiled.
So the holy kiss served as a special symbol among believers. When churches met, their holy kisses would have stood out as distinctly Christian practices, set apart from the cultural practices around them.
The Decline of the Holy Kiss
In the first few centuries of Christianity, the holy kiss was widely practiced and understood as a special sign of Christian fellowship. But by the Middle Ages, the practice had largely disappeared, for a few possible reasons:
– As Christianity spread and included more diverse cultures, the cultural associations of kissing changed. The holy kiss could have become misunderstood.
– Influences from cultures unfamiliar with kissing may have made the holy kiss uncomfortable. It was not universally embraced across all cultures.
– There may have been concerns it could become confused with more romantic types of kisses. Church leaders discouraged it to avoid any misperception.
– With the rise of more formal, structured worship services, the informal community fellowship time when believers greeted one another with a holy kiss faded.
So over time, this unique Christian practice gradually disappeared, though the biblical command to greet one another with brotherly love remained timeless. The holy kiss was an expression of that time, not binding upon all churches and cultures everywhere.
Modern Application of the Holy Kiss
While the specific practice of a kiss on the cheek has fallen out of use, the principles behind the holy kiss remain relevant today:
– Christians should greet one another warmly as brothers and sisters in Christ, expressing familial affection. Handshakes, hugs, or a kiss on the cheek could apply.
– Corporate worship should be a time of unity and reconciliation, not division. We must be eager to fellowship with other believers.
– Gathering as a church reminds us we are one family in Christ. We must be reminded of this identity.
– All physical interactions among believers should remain pure, holy, and above reproach. What we do with our bodies matters.
So while the holy kiss itself is not mandated as an absolute practice, its ideals of love, unity, and purity should still define the Christian church. The holy kiss provides a case study of how early believers made cultural practices distinctively Christian for their time.
Objections to the Holy Kiss
Some objections occasionally raised to the holy kiss include:
– Isn’t physical touch dangerous? The potential for sexual sin or inappropriate contact makes some wary of any kiss, even on the cheek.
– Isn’t a kiss too intimate? Shouldn’t our fellowship be less physically demonstrative?
– Doesn’t this violate restraints in some cultures? Cultural taboos on kissing should be respected.
– Isn’t a kiss distracting during worship? It could become a hollow ritual that distracts from deep fellowship.
While valid concerns, none make a convincing absolute case against the holy kiss itself. Jesus redeemed our physicality; our bodies can glorify God. And the holy kiss did not bear erotic overtones in its original cultural context. Wisdom, discretion, and sensitivity to others are key in how such practices are applied.
Modern Alternatives to the Holy Kiss
Given modern cultural sensitivities, what are some alternatives to the holy kiss?
– A handshake, hug, or pat on the back could replace the kiss while maintaining the warmth of greeting.
– Bowing, waving, or another respectful gesture may be preferred in some cultures.
– Verbal greetings can communicate warmth: “God bless you, my brother/sister.”
– Simply being present and eager to fellowship with God’s people demonstrates the spirit of the holy kiss.
– Small talk and personally greeting each church member as they arrive for worship facilitates welcome and affection.
The core principle is warm fellowship in Christ’s love. The specific act of a holy kiss is not required today, but finding appropriate modern expressions of its relational spirit remains important.
Conclusion
The holy kiss, referenced multiple times in the New Testament, was an early Christian practice that expressed love, unity, and affection between believers. As a special way to greet fellow Christians, it transformed the existing cultural practice into something distinctly Christian and holy. Though no longer commonly practiced today, the ideals behind it remain – believers must warmly receive each other as the family of God. By greeting each other in sincere love and fellowship, we reflect Christ to one another. The holy kiss provides a model of applying cultural forms in holy, distinctive ways for the glory of God.