Greet the Saints

Aim: To be heartily concerned for the welfare of Christ's entire church.

Doctrine: There is to be a love bond between all true believers in all faithful churches. Greeting denotes union and understanding amongst God's people.

Exegesis: The scope of the saints' greetings: every covenanted churchman is acknowledged (v. 21); all believers serve as greeters (v. 22); God blesses the church's harmony (v. 23).

Further application: How to be more thoroughly connected with the whole (universal) church: recognize the believer's privileged place in God's family, and exercise the believer's special gifts in God's family.

Key verse: v. 21 ''Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you.''