What does 1 Corinthians 16:19 mean?
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 1 Corinthians 16:19
Explanation
1 Corinthians 16:19 is a greeting in the Apostle Paul’s first letter to the church in Corinth. In this verse, he conveys greetings from the churches in the Roman province of Asia, which in the context of the New Testament generally refers to the western part of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). The mention of Aquila and Priscilla is significant as they are known to be close companions and fellow tentmakers with Paul. They were also instrumental in the early Christian ministry. Paul highlights that these greetings are not just from Aquila and Priscilla, but also from a “church that is in their house,” indicating that early Christian congregations often met in the homes of believers rather than in separate church buildings. This demonstrates the intimate and communal nature of early Christian worship. The phrase “much in the Lord” suggests a deep spiritual fellowship among the believers.
Historical Context
At the time of Paul’s writing—in the mid-first century—the church in Corinth was one among several emerging Christian communities in the Mediterranean region. Paul himself had established the church in Corinth during his second missionary journey and maintained correspondence to address the community’s theological issues, ethical problems, and questions about Christian living. Aquila and Priscilla were Jewish Christians expelled from Rome under the edict of Claudius and met Paul in Corinth before moving with him to Ephesus in Asia. Their greeting being included illustrates the network of communication and fellowship among early Christian communities. The presence of a church in their house reveals how believers used their private spaces for worship and gathering due to the lack of official church buildings.
Theological Insights
The verse offers some significant insights into early Christian theological thought. It shows the unity of the church transcending geographical boundaries, as the churches of Asia felt connected enough to the Corinthian believers to send greetings. It also depicts the equality and partnership between men and women in ministry, as seen in the mention of both Aquila and Priscilla, a married couple actively involved in the work of the church. The concept of a church meeting in a home represents the incarnational aspect of theology where the sacred is found within the ordinary and everyday spaces of life.
Practical Applications
In contemporary settings, 1 Corinthians 16:19 emphasizes the importance of community and fellowship among believers. It suggests the need for hospitality, as seen in Aquila and Priscilla opening their home for worship. The verse can inspire church members to understand that a church is not just a building but a body of believers wherever they gather. It also encourages Christians to support and maintain connections with the wider body of Christ, celebrating unity across different regions and denominations.
Cross-References
- Romans 16:3-5: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house…”
- Colossians 4:15: “Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.”
- Philemon 1:2: “And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:”
Language Study
The key words in 1 Corinthians 16:19 in the original Greek are:
- “Churches” (εκκλησίαι – ekklēsiai): Refers to assemblies or congregations of Christian believers.
- “Salute” (άσπάζοντι – aspazontai): This term indicates an expression of greetings or good wishes.
- “Much” (πολλῶς – pollōs): Implies abundance or intensity.
These words provide insight into the nature of the relationships and the emphasis placed on strong expressions of Christian love and connection.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
During the period of early Christianity, many religious groups met in private homes, a practice not unique to Christians. This can be compared to the Jewish tradition of house synagogues and Greco-Roman religious associations, which also often congregated at homes. The concept of the sacred within ordinary spaces is found in various religious traditions, where the divine is brought into the day-to-day life, as seen in the practice of household shrines or domestic worship rituals.
Scientific Perspectives
While there is no direct scientific perspective on this verse, the concept of meeting in homes reflects practical social dynamics within early Christian communities. Sociological studies of house churches show that such intimate settings often foster strong group identity and social cohesion, which may have contributed to the growth and resilience of these early communities.
Commentaries
- John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible emphasizes the active ministry roles of Aquila and Priscilla and the honor given to them by Paul including their greeting.
- Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary notes the love and esteem shown by the Asian churches toward the Corinthians, despite any differences that may have existed.
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible reflects on the practice of early Christians gathering in private houses and the importance of the salutation indicating peace and welfare wishes from the church leaders and fellow Christians.
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