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William Burkitt on 2 Corinthians 13:12

Expository Notes on the New Testament. Browse this work.

2 Corinthians13:12

He exhorts them, according to the custom of those eastern countries, to salute one another with a kiss, as a token of mutual and sincere love: And since it was become a practice in sacred meetings and church assemblies, particularly before their receiving the holy communion, to kiss each other, he advises them to use it innocently, chastely; let it not be a wanton, but an holy kiss.

However, afterwards, the piety and purity of the church degenerating and declining, it was laid aside. That which is innocent in itself, and pious in its first intendment, may in time, fall under such abuse, as to cause it wholly to be laid aside.

William Burkitt, Expository Notes on the New Testament, 2 Corinthians 13:12. Public domain.

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