1 Peter 5:14
The sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine love and peace among believers as expressed through heartfelt greetings and community support.
John Gill emphasizes the importance of genuine love and affection among believers as expressed through the 'kiss of charity' mentioned in 1 Peter 5:14. He explains that this gesture symbolizes a sincere bond that is free from impurity and reflects true Christian love. Gill also highlights the significance of peace among those who are in Christ Jesus, reminding the congregation of their chosen status and the grace that accompanies their faith. The sermon concludes with a prayer for peace and grace, reinforcing the unity and love within the church community.
Text
Ver. 14. Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity,.... The Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Arabic versions read, "with an holy kiss"; and so some copies, as in Ro 16:16 and elsewhere;
See Gill on "Ro 16:16"; and intends such a kiss, as is not only opposite to everything that is lascivious and impure, but is expressive of true love and affection, and is hearty and sincere: and such a love the Jews call, as the apostle does here, wmyxrd hqyvn, "a kiss of love" {i}; for as Philo the Jew {k} observes, a kiss and love differ, the one may be without the other, a mere compliment, a show of friendship, and not arise from sincere love.
Peace with you all, that are in Christ Jesus; who were chosen in him before the foundation of the world; and appeared to be in him by the effectual calling; and were at least by profession in him, and were in Christ mystical, and incorporated in a Gospel church; the Arabic version reads, "who are in the love of Jesus Christ". To these the apostle wishes peace, temporal, spiritual, and eternal. The Vulgate Latin reads "grace", which is most usual in Paul's epistles. The epistle is closed with
Amen, as is common; the apostle wishing that this might be the case, and believing that it would be.
{i} Zohar in Exod. fol. 60. 3, 4. {k} Quis rerum divin. Haeres. p. 486, 487.
Sermon Outline
- I points: - Understanding the significance of greeting one another - The meaning of a 'kiss of charity' - Contrast with impure expressions of affection
- II points: - The importance of sincere love in Christian fellowship - Historical context of greetings in the early church - Philo's perspective on love and affection
- III points: - The apostle's wish for peace among believers - The concept of being 'in Christ' and its implications - The significance of grace and peace in Christian life
- IV points: - Closing remarks and the importance of the apostolic blessing - The role of community in spiritual growth - Final thoughts on living out the message of love
Key Quotes
“Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity.” — John Gill
“Peace with you all, that are in Christ Jesus.” — John Gill
“The apostle wishing that this might be the case, and believing that it would be.” — John Gill
Application Points
- Practice sincere expressions of love in your interactions with fellow believers.
- Strive for peace within your community, reflecting the unity found in Christ.
- Embrace the apostolic teachings as a guide for living out your faith authentically.