Fathers

2 Corinthians 13

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This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established. I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? But I trust that ye shall know that we are not reprobates. Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the saints salute you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

2 Corinthians 13:12

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

And therefore when we return after an absence we kiss each other, our souls hastening unto mutual intercourse. For this is that member which most of all declares to us the workings of the soul. But about this holy kiss somewhat else may yet be said. To what effect? We are the temple of Christ; we kiss then the porch and entrance of the temple when we kiss each other. See ye not how many kiss even the porch of this temple, some stooping down, others grasping it with their hand, and putting their hand to their mouth.

Homily 30 on 2 Corinthians ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Not with a pretended and treacherous kiss, like that of Judas. For we kiss one another for the purpose of kindling love all the more, since through the mouth, more than through any other member, the souls of those who kiss are united. Likewise, when entering a house, we express our unity through a kiss. Or else, since we are the temple of God, and the mouth is the entrance to this temple, we kiss this entrance, for through it Christ enters into us during communion.

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗

Ignatius of Antioch

I salute Cassian and his partner in life, and their very dear children. Polycarp, that most worthy bishop, who is also deeply interested in you, salutes you; and to him I have commended you in the Lord. The whole Church of the Smyrnaeans, indeed, is mindful of you in their prayers in the Lord. Onesimus, the pastor of the Ephesians, salutes you. Damas, the bishop of Magnesia, salutes you. Polybius, bishop of the Trallians, salutes you. Philo and Agathopus, the deacons, my companions, salute you, "Salute one another with a holy kiss."

Epistle of Pseudo-Ignatius to the Antiochians ↗

Western Saints

Thomas Aquinas

Then when he says, Greet one another with a holy kiss, he gives the salutation. In regard to this he does three things. First, he enjoins on them a mutual greeting; secondly, he greets them on the part of others (v. 12b); thirdly, he greets them on his own part (v. 13). He requests that the mutual greeting be made with a kiss; hence he says: Greet one another with a holy kiss. Here it should be noted that a kiss is a sign of peace. For a man breathes through the mouth with which a kiss is given. …

Commentary on 2 Corinthians ↗