¶ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
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}.
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.
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.
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
-
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:
This verse concludes Paul's letter to the Corinthian church, relaying greetings from other believers. It highlights the interconnectedness of early Christian communities across different regions.
Context
This greeting comes at the very end of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, following instructions and personal remarks. "Asia" here refers to the Roman province of Asia, located in modern-day western Turkey, where Paul had spent considerable time ministering (e.g., in Ephesus). The greetings from "the churches of Asia" underscore the broader network of believers. Aquila and Priscilla were prominent fellow-workers with Paul, known for their hospitality and ministry, including hosting a church in their home. Paul first met them in Corinth (Acts 18:2) and later ministered with them in Ephesus before they returned to Rome and then likely back to Ephesus. Their greeting emphasizes their deep connection with Paul and the Corinthian believers.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The word "salute" (Greek: aspazomai) means to greet, embrace, or welcome. It conveys warmth and affection. The addition of "in the Lord" emphasizes that this greeting is rooted in their shared relationship with Christ, signifying a spiritual bond.
Reflection
1 Corinthians 16:19 reminds us of the importance of connection within the body of Christ. Just as the early churches in Asia and believers like Aquila and Priscilla sent greetings, we are called to encourage and fellowship with one another, whether in large congregations or smaller gatherings like home groups. The concept of a "church in the house" remains relevant today, highlighting the value of intimate fellowship, discipleship, and mission taking place in personal settings. Our greetings and interactions with fellow believers should reflect the love and unity we share "in the Lord."