Free Bible Commentary
“1 Corinthians 16:19-24”
Categories: 1 Corinthians“The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The greeting is in my own hand — Paul. If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
---End of Scripture Verses---
“Greet one another with a holy kiss” – Christians should greet each other warmly when they see each other. Of all people, we should love each other the most. Paul wrote, “If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed” (verse 22). The Greek word for “kiss” (philemati), has at its root in the Greek word used for “love” in this verse (phileo). This is the warm and affectionate love that (should and usually does) exist between brothers and sisters. We should love the Lord for all that He has done, continues to do and promises to do for us. We should love each other because we share in His grace and mercy and eternal promises. Oh, and by the way—A handshake or hug will be just a dandy way to express that love and affection!
“If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be accursed. Maranatha” (verse 22). The Greek word for “accursed” is “Anathema”. It means to be brought under a curse, to be delivered up to divine wrath and dedicated to destruction. Jesus said, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments” (John 14:15). And also, “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love” (John 15:10). Obviously, to love Jesus means much more than just FEELING or SAYING that we love Him. It means obeying Him FROM a heart of love.
Those who do not love the Lord are “anathema” and cannot rightly say “maranatha”. That is the Greek rendering of two Aramaic words that essentially means, “O Lord, come!” To love the Lord is also to love and hasten the day of His appearing. “In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). The Lord (the righteous Judge) is coming back! Ready or not! Love Him or not! Are you ready for the Judgment Day? Friends nothing but NOTHING that this world has to offer you is worth giving up that eternal “crown of righteousness” for!
Please make your life right with God before it is too late!
Lord willing, we have some introductory comments on book of 2 Corinthians tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
