2 Corinthians 13:13

All the saints send you greetings.

Study Bible

All the saints
This phrase refers to the collective body of believers who are set apart for God’s purposes. The term "saints" comes from the Greek word "hagios," which means "holy" or "set apart." In the early church, this designation was not reserved for a select few but was a common term for all Christians. The use of "all" emphasizes the unity and inclusivity of the Christian community, reflecting the early church's understanding of being one body in Christ, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. This unity is a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, which calls individuals from diverse backgrounds into a single family of faith.

send you greetings
The act of sending greetings was a common practice in ancient letters, serving as a means of expressing fellowship and solidarity. The Greek word for "greetings" is "aspazomai," which conveys a sense of warmth and affection. In the context of the early church, such greetings were more than mere formalities; they were expressions of genuine love and concern for fellow believers. This practice underscores the relational nature of the Christian faith, where believers are encouraged to maintain strong, supportive connections with one another. Historically, these greetings would have been delivered by messengers who traveled between congregations, reinforcing the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities. The inclusion of greetings from "all the saints" serves as a reminder of the broader community of faith that supports and prays for one another, highlighting the importance of unity and mutual encouragement in the Christian life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Paul the Apostle
The author of 2 Corinthians, Paul is writing to the church in Corinth. He is a key figure in the early Christian church, known for his missionary journeys and epistles.

2. The Church in Corinth
The recipients of the letter, the Corinthian church was a diverse and often troubled congregation in the city of Corinth, a major trade hub in ancient Greece.

3. The Saints
Refers to the believers in Christ, likely those in the region where Paul was writing from, possibly Macedonia or another part of Greece.

Teaching Points

Unity in the Body of Christ
The greeting from "all the saints" underscores the unity and fellowship that should exist among believers. Despite geographical distances, the early church maintained a strong sense of community and mutual support.

The Importance of Encouragement
Sending greetings is a simple yet powerful way to encourage and uplift fellow believers. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining connections and offering support to one another.

Identity as Saints
Believers are referred to as "saints," which in the original Greek (hagioi) means "holy ones" or "set apart." This identity calls Christians to live lives that reflect their calling and dedication to God.

The Role of the Church
The church is not just a local assembly but part of a global community of faith. This perspective encourages believers to think beyond their local context and engage with the broader mission of the church.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the concept of being "saints" influence your daily life and interactions with others?

2. In what ways can you actively promote unity and fellowship within your local church community?

3. Reflect on a time when a simple greeting or message from another believer encouraged you. How can you replicate that for someone else this week?

4. How does understanding the interconnectedness of the early church challenge or inspire your view of the global church today?

5. What practical steps can you take to strengthen your identity as a "saint" and live a life set apart for God?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Romans 16:16
This verse also speaks of greetings among the churches, emphasizing the unity and fellowship among believers.

Philippians 4:21-22
Paul sends greetings from the saints, highlighting the interconnectedness of the early Christian communities.

1 Corinthians 1:2
Paul addresses the church in Corinth as "sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints," reinforcing their identity as part of the larger body of believers.