The holy kiss, holy because saints ( 1 Corinthians 1:2) exchanged it, was a common practice among believers, and it still is today in some parts of the world. [source][source][source]
"The holy kiss (cf. 2 Corinthians 13:12; Romans 16:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:25[1]; 1 Peter 5:14) was primarily a symbolic expression of the love, forgiveness, and unity which should exist among Christians. As such, it became associated with the celebration of the Lord"s Supper as a prelude to its observance (cf. Justin Apology 1652). It was a mark of the familial bond which united believers. There is no indication that it was restricted to one"s own sex in the New Testament era (cf. Luke 7:37; Luke 7:45). The suggestion to separate the sexes for the exchange of the kiss arose in the late second century due to concern about criticism from non-Christians and the danger of erotic abuse (cf. Athenagorus Supplication 32; Clement of Alexandria Pedagogue 3812-4)." [2][source]
Context Summary
1 Corinthians 16:13-24 - Exhortations And Salutations
The Apostle was careful to cultivate friendship, one of the priceless gifts of God; and he was very generous not only in his references to his friends, but also in his dealings with them. Because Timothy was deficient in virile strength, Paul was always contriving to make his way easier; and though Apollos had drawn away some of his converts, the Apostle was desirous for him to visit Corinth again. Nor could he forget the household which had yielded him the first fruits. His solitude had been greatly cheered by the advent of the Corinthian deputation. Human love is a revelation of the divine; an earthen pitcher which God fills with heavenly treasure; a chalice holding the wine of life.
Notice the flaming forth of Paul's passionate love for Christ. He felt that any who failed to love Him must be accursed in disposition and soul; and would be accursed at his coming, like the barren tree standing in the midst of an orchard of fruit trees, crowned with blossom or heavy with fruit. Maran atha!-our Lord cometh. He will put right the wrongs of time, and crown His faithful servants with honor and glory. Hallelujah [source]
Chapter Summary: 1 Corinthians 16
1He exhorts them to a collection for the brothers at Jerusalem 10Commends Timothy; 13and after friendly admonitions, 16concludes his epistle with various salutations
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 16:20
With a holy kiss [εν πιληματι αγιωι] In the synagogue men kissed men and women kissed women. This was the Christian custom at a later date and apparently so here. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:26; note on 2 Corinthians 13:12; Romans 3:8; 1 Peter 5:14. It seems never to have been promiscuous between the sexes. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 16:20
1 Peter 5:14With a kiss of love [εν πιληματι αγαπης] As in 1 Corinthians 16:20. The abuse of this custom led to its confinement to men with men and women with women and to its final abandonment (Apost. Const. ii. 57, 12). [source]
What do the individual words in 1 Corinthians 16:20 mean?
Greek Commentary for 1 Corinthians 16:20
In the synagogue men kissed men and women kissed women. This was the Christian custom at a later date and apparently so here. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:26; note on 2 Corinthians 13:12; Romans 3:8; 1 Peter 5:14. It seems never to have been promiscuous between the sexes. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for 1 Corinthians 16:20
Compare 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Peter 5:14. [source]
The near-east mode of salutation as hand-shaking in the Western. In China one shakes hands with himself. Men kissed men and women kissed women. See note on 1 Thessalonians 5:26; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12. [source]
See on 2 Corinthians 13:12. Comp. Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 1 Peter 5:14. [source]
With a kiss that is holy (Milligan) a token of friendship and brotherly love (1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; Romans 16:16). In 1 Peter 5:14 it is “with a kiss of love.” This was the customary salutation for rabbis. [source]
Compare 1 Corinthians 16:20.sa40 [source]
As in 1 Corinthians 16:20. The abuse of this custom led to its confinement to men with men and women with women and to its final abandonment (Apost. Const. ii. 57, 12). [source]