Fathers

2 Corinthians 13

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This is the third time I am coming to you. “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare; seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you. For he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God toward you. Examine your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don’t you know about your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you are disqualified. But I hope that you will know that we aren’t disqualified. Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. We also pray for this: your becoming perfect. For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, and not for tearing down. Finally, brothers, rejoice! Be perfected. Be comforted. Be of the same mind. Live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit 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 ↗