1 Peter 5:14

This concluding verse of 1 Peter offers a poignant final greeting and blessing, summarizing key aspects of Christian fellowship and spiritual well-being. It is a powerful reminder of the love and peace that should characterize believers.

Context

1 Peter 5:14 serves as the closing salutation of Peter's first epistle, much like how many New Testament letters conclude with personal greetings and benedictions. The letter itself has encouraged believers to stand firm in their faith amidst suffering, to live holy lives, and to exercise humility and vigilance. This final verse brings the practical exhortations and theological truths to a personal close, emphasizing the unity and spiritual blessings shared among those who are "in Christ Jesus".

Key Themes

• Christian Fellowship and Love: The command to "Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity" highlights the importance of genuine affection and unity within the Christian community. This was a common practice in the early church, signifying mutual love and acceptance.
• Agape Love: The word "charity" (KJV) comes from the Greek agape (ἀγάπη), which denotes a selfless, divine, and unconditional love. This specifies that the greeting kiss was not merely a social custom but an expression of profound spiritual love.
• Peace in Christ: The blessing "Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus" underscores that true peace (Greek: eirēnē, akin to Hebrew shalom, meaning wholeness and well-being) is a gift and a state of being for those united with Jesus Christ. It is a comprehensive peace that transcends worldly circumstances.
• Unity and Identity in Christ: The phrase "in Christ Jesus" is a foundational theological concept, signifying a believer's spiritual union with Christ, which is the source of their peace, identity, and shared fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kiss of charity" translates the Greek philema agapes (φίλημα ἀγάπης). This is often rendered as "holy kiss" in other New Testament epistles (e.g., Romans 16:16, 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26). The addition of agapes (charity/love) emphasizes the spiritual and pure nature of this greeting, distinguishing it from any casual or inappropriate kiss. It was an outward sign of inward spiritual brotherhood and sisterhood.

"Peace" comes from the Greek eirēnē (εἰρήνη), which, especially in a biblical context, implies not just the absence of conflict but a state of holistic well-being, harmony, and prosperity that comes from God.

Practical Application

While the cultural practice of a "kiss of charity" may differ today, the underlying principle remains vital: Christians are called to express genuine love, unity, and acceptance towards one another. This can manifest through:

• Authentic Greetings: Greeting fellow believers with warmth, sincerity, and respect, reflecting the love of Christ.
• Cultivating Peace: Actively pursuing peace and harmony within the church community, resolving conflicts with grace, and fostering an atmosphere of mutual support.
• Living in Christ: Recognizing that our true peace and identity are found in our relationship with Jesus Christ, empowering us to live out His love in our interactions. This divine peace, which Jesus Himself bequeathed to His disciples, is a hallmark of the Christian life.

This verse reminds us that the Christian journey, though marked by suffering, is ultimately grounded in profound love and divine peace, shared among a united family of faith.