JOSEPH W. TKACH
March 1988
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your recent inquiry in which you asked about
greeting one another with a "holy kiss," as is mentioned several
times in the New Testament.
In the days of the apostle Paul, it was common in some areas
for people to greet one another with a kiss. It was neither a law
nor a command from God; it was merely a customary method of
salutation. You will find this explained in "Smith's Bible
Dictionary," under the article "Kiss." A kiss on the cheek or
even on the lips is still a form of greeting in some countries.
In today's society, it is more acceptable to greet one
another with a hand shake. Shaking hands in greeting is the
equivalent of the "holy kiss."
We hope you will let us know whenever we may be of
additional assistance. It is our pleasure to serve you.
PERSONAL CORRESPONDENCE DEPARTMENT
PASTOR GENERAL