1 Corinthians 16:19

KJV

¶ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

KJV (with Strong's)

The churches {G1577} of Asia {G773} salute {G782} you {G5209}. Aquila {G207} and {G2532} Priscilla {G4252} salute {G782} you {G5209} much {G4183} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}, with {G4862} the church {G1577} that is in {G2596} their {G846} house {G3624}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The congregations in the province of Asia send greetings to you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you in union with the Lord, as does the congregation that meets in their house.

Berean Standard Bible

The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house.

American Standard Version

The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse concludes Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians with a series of warm greetings, highlighting the interconnectedness of early Christian communities. It conveys the salutations from the churches in the Roman province of Asia, specifically mentioning Aquila and Priscilla, prominent co-laborers with Paul, who extend their greetings "in the Lord" along with the Christian assembly that met in their home. The verse underscores the vital role of inter-church fellowship, personal hospitality, and the house church model in the nascent Christian movement.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** 1 Corinthians 16:19 falls within the concluding remarks of Paul's first epistle to the Corinthian church. The preceding verses (1 Corinthians 16:1-18) contain practical instructions regarding the collection for the saints, Paul's travel plans, and commendations for individuals like Timothy, Apollos, and Stephanas. This verse, along with the subsequent greetings and Paul's personal benediction, serves as a customary epistolary closing, reinforcing the personal bonds and mutual care within the broader Christian community. It transitions from doctrinal and practical instruction to personal fellowship, underscoring that the theological truths Paul has expounded have tangible implications for communal life and relationships.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "churches of Asia" refers to the Christian congregations established in the Roman province of Asia, located in modern-day western Turkey. This region was a significant hub of early Christian missionary activity, particularly through Paul's extensive ministry in Ephesus, its capital, which lasted for over two years (as detailed in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")). The inclusion of greetings from these churches signifies the growing network of believers beyond isolated local assemblies, fostering a sense of shared identity and purpose. Aquila and Priscilla were Jewish Christian tentmakers whom Paul first encountered in Corinth (see [Acts 18:2-3](/acts/18-2-3 "Acts 18:2-3 - Paul Meets Aquila and Priscilla")). They became close associates of Paul, traveling with him to Ephesus ([Acts 18:18-19](/acts/18-18-19 "Acts 18:18-19 - Aquila and Priscilla with Paul in Ephesus")) and later hosting a church in their home in Rome before returning to Ephesus ([Romans 16:3-5](/romans/16-3-5 "Romans 16:3-5 - Greetings to Priscilla and Aquila")). Their consistent presence and ministry, often involving hosting "house churches," illustrate a common practice in early Christianity where believers gathered in private residences due to the absence of dedicated church buildings and for practical reasons of fellowship and discipleship.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Christian Unity and Interconnectedness**, demonstrating that individual churches were not isolated entities but part of a larger, unified body of Christ, sharing fellowship and mutual concern across geographical distances. Secondly, the mention of "the church that is in their house" underscores the critical role of **House Churches** as the primary locus for early Christian worship, teaching, and community life. These intimate settings facilitated deep discipleship and personal relationships, as also seen in [Romans 16:5](/romans/16-5 "Romans 16:5 - The Church in Their House") and [Colossians 4:15](/colossians/4-15 "Colossians 4:15 - The Church in Nympha's House"). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies **Partnership in Ministry**, showcasing Aquila and Priscilla as exemplary co-laborers with Paul, actively involved in hosting, teaching, and supporting the nascent Christian movement. Finally, the phrase "salute you much in the Lord" emphasizes that these greetings are not mere social formalities but expressions of **Spiritual Fellowship and Love**, rooted in a shared relationship with Christ and reflecting the spiritual bond that united believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **churches (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** From a compound meaning "a calling out," this term refers to a popular assembly or, specifically in the New Testament, a religious congregation. It denotes a gathering of believers, whether a local assembly or the universal body of Christ. In this context, it refers to the distinct Christian communities in various cities within the Roman province of Asia, emphasizing their collective identity and shared faith.
* **salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** This verb means "to enfold in the arms," implying a warm embrace, and by extension, "to greet," "to welcome," or "to bid farewell." It conveys a sense of affection, respect, and personal warmth. Its use here indicates genuine Christian love and fellowship, transcending mere formality.
* **in the Lord (Greek, _en kyriō'_):** This phrase combines the preposition _en_ ("in," denoting position or state) with _kýrios_ ("Lord," referring to Jesus Christ). It signifies that the greetings are not merely human expressions but are rooted in and defined by their shared relationship with Jesus Christ. This spiritual foundation elevates the greeting from a social custom to a profound statement of unity, mutual belonging, and shared identity within the divine fellowship. It implies that their connection and affection are empowered and sanctified by their common faith in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ The churches of Asia salute you."**: This opening clause establishes a broad network of Christian fellowship. It indicates that the greetings extended to the Corinthian believers were not just from Paul but from the collective body of believers across the Roman province of Asia, signifying a widespread spiritual solidarity and mutual recognition among early Christian communities.
* **"Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord,"**: This part narrows the focus to specific individuals, Aquila and Priscilla, who were prominent and highly respected figures in the early church. Their greeting is described as "much" (πολύς, _polýs_), indicating a strong, heartfelt, and abundant salutation. Crucially, this greeting is "in the Lord," emphasizing that their affection and connection are deeply rooted in their shared faith and relationship with Jesus Christ, making it a spiritual rather than merely a social bond.
* **"with the church that is in their house."**: This final clause reveals a key aspect of early Christian practice: the "house church." It signifies that Aquila and Priscilla not only hosted believers but that their home served as a regular gathering place for a Christian congregation. This detail highlights the intimate, familial, and decentralized nature of early church life, where homes were vital centers for worship, teaching, fellowship, and discipleship.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its message of communal warmth and spiritual unity. **Metonymy** is evident in "the churches of Asia," where "churches" stands for the collective body of believers within that region, representing their unified voice. Similarly, "the church that is in their house" uses **Synecdoche**, where the house is a part that represents the whole congregation gathering there, emphasizing the intimate and domestic setting of early Christian worship. The phrase "salute you much in the Lord" utilizes **Emphasis** through the adverb "much" (πολύς), highlighting the depth and sincerity of the greeting. Furthermore, the recurring act of "saluting" (ἀσπάζομαι) creates a sense of **Repetition**, reinforcing the theme of mutual affection and fellowship that binds believers together across geographical distances and personal relationships.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 16:19 powerfully illustrates the organic unity of the early church, transcending geographical boundaries and individual congregations. It underscores that Christian fellowship is not merely a social construct but a spiritual reality, rooted in a shared relationship with Christ. The "house church" model, exemplified by Aquila and Priscilla, reveals the adaptable and intimate nature of early Christian gatherings, emphasizing hospitality, personal discipleship, and the communal expression of faith within a familial setting. These greetings, "in the Lord," elevate human interaction to a sacred plane, reminding believers that all relationships within the body of Christ are sanctified and empowered by their common Lord. This verse serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of mutual encouragement, active partnership in ministry, and the profound spiritual bonds that unite believers in Christ.

* [Romans 16:3-5](/romans/16-3-5 "Romans 16:3-5 - Paul's Greetings to Priscilla and Aquila")
* [Philippians 4:21-23](/philippians/4-21-23 "Philippians 4:21-23 - Final Greetings")
* [Philemon 1:1-2](/philemon/1-1-2 "Philemon 1:1-2 - Paul's Greeting to Philemon and the Church in His House")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 16:19 offers profound insights for contemporary believers, reminding us that the Christian faith is inherently communal and relational. Just as the early churches in Asia and individuals like Aquila and Priscilla extended heartfelt greetings, we are called to cultivate genuine fellowship and mutual encouragement within our own Christian communities. This verse challenges us to move beyond superficial interactions, fostering deep, Christ-centered relationships that reflect the spiritual bond we share. The concept of the "church in the house" remains highly relevant, encouraging us to consider how our personal homes can be centers of hospitality, discipleship, and mission, whether through small groups, Bible studies, or simply opening our lives to one another. It prompts us to value intimate fellowship and personal connection as vital components of spiritual growth and communal strength. Our greetings and interactions with fellow believers should always be "in the Lord," signifying that our love, support, and unity are grounded in our shared identity in Christ, fostering a vibrant and interconnected body of believers.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "churches of Asia" speaking to the Corinthians challenge our understanding of Christian unity across different congregations or denominations today?**
* **In what practical ways can we, like Aquila and Priscilla, use our homes or personal spaces to foster genuine Christian community and hospitality?**
* **What does it mean for our greetings and interactions with fellow believers to be truly "in the Lord," and how can we cultivate this spiritual depth in our relationships?**
* **How can we actively participate in and support the wider network of believers, extending encouragement and fellowship beyond our immediate church circles?**

### FAQ

**Who were Aquila and Priscilla, and why are they significant?**

Answer: Aquila and Priscilla (also known as Prisca) were a prominent Jewish Christian couple who played a significant role in the early church. They were tentmakers by trade, a profession they shared with Paul, and became close companions and co-laborers with him. Paul first met them in Corinth after they were expelled from Rome by Emperor Claudius's edict (see [Acts 18:1-3](/acts/18-1-3 "Acts 18:1-3 - Paul Meets Aquila and Priscilla")). They traveled with Paul to Ephesus and later hosted a church in their home in Rome ([Romans 16:3-5](/romans/16-3-5 "Romans 16:3-5 - Paul's Greetings to Priscilla and Aquila")) before likely returning to Ephesus. Their significance lies in their consistent dedication to ministry, their hospitality in hosting house churches, and their active participation in teaching and discipling others, notably Apollos ([Acts 18:24-26](/acts/18-24-26 "Acts 18:24-26 - Aquila and Priscilla Teach Apollos")). They exemplify faithful partnership in the gospel.

**What was a "house church" in the early Christian context?**

Answer: A "house church" (Greek: _oikos ekklēsía_) refers to a Christian congregation that met regularly in a private home, as opposed to a dedicated public building. In the early centuries of Christianity, before the construction of large church buildings, believers typically gathered in the homes of wealthier or more hospitable members. These homes served as vital centers for worship, teaching, fellowship, prayer, and the breaking of bread. The mention of "the church that is in their house" for Aquila and Priscilla (also in [Romans 16:5](/romans/16-5 "Romans 16:5 - The Church in Their House") and [Colossians 4:15](/colossians/4-15 "Colossians 4:15 - The Church in Nympha's House")) highlights the intimate, familial, and decentralized nature of early Christian community life. These settings fostered deep personal relationships and facilitated discipleship.

**Why is the phrase "in the Lord" significant when describing greetings?**

Answer: The phrase "in the Lord" (Greek: _en kyriō_) is highly significant because it elevates the greetings from mere social courtesies to expressions of spiritual unity and shared identity in Christ. It signifies that the affection, respect, and fellowship among believers are not based on human affinity alone but are rooted in their common faith and relationship with Jesus Christ as their Lord. This phrase underscores that all true Christian relationships are sanctified and empowered by Christ, reflecting the spiritual bond that unites the body of believers. It implies that their connection transcends earthly circumstances and is eternal, reflecting the new creation found [in Christ Jesus](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 16:19 is a practical closing greeting, it subtly points to Christ as the ultimate source and sustainer of the church's unity and mission. The "churches of Asia" and the "church that is in their house" are not just random gatherings; they are assemblies of those called out by and belonging to Christ. Their ability to "salute" one another "much in the Lord" underscores that the very foundation of their fellowship and mutual affection is their shared relationship with Jesus. Christ is the head of this universal body, providing the spiritual glue that binds diverse individuals and communities together ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Christ, the Head of the Church")). The partnership of Aquila and Priscilla in ministry, and their hospitality in hosting a church, exemplify the practical outworking of Christ's commission to make disciples and build His kingdom, demonstrating how believers, empowered by His Spirit, participate in His ongoing work in the world ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Thus, even in these simple greetings, we see the vibrant, Christ-centered community, united by His Spirit and dedicated to His purposes, reflecting the love and unity He prayed for among His followers ([John 17:20-23](/john/17-20-23 "John 17:20-23 - Jesus' Prayer for Unity")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 18:2

And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.

Romans 16:15

Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.

2 Timothy 4:19

Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

Colossians 4:15

Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

1 Peter 1:1

¶ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

Revelation 1:11

Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

Philemon 1:2

And to [our] beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house: