Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Thessalonians 5:26

26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss .

The Apostle concludes several of his Epistles with Greeting, or Salutations, as men usually do at this day, sometimes with salutations from himself alone, sometimes from others; either particular Persons, or Churches which he sometimes names as Rom. 16.6, &c. 1 Cor. 16.19. and sometimes commends to the Saints their saluting one another, as Rom. 16.16. 1 Cor. 16.20. so here in the Text. The Persons to be saluted are all the Brethren, that is, all Believers incorporated into the Gospel Church under one common Head, and common Father. More particularly those of this particular Church, we call men Brethren, sometimes upon a Natural, sometimes a Civil account, and why not much more upon a Spiritual account. And as their love should reach to the Brotherhood, 1 Pet. 2.17. so their salutation should reach all the Brethren, Poor, and Rich, High, and Low, Bond, and Free.

[non-Latin text not transcribed], The Right or Ceremony of men kissing each other, was much used among the Jews, and in the Eastern Countries, Gen. 27.26. Prov. 24.26. Luk. 7.45. in their salutations; and thence it came to be practis'd in the Churches of Christ as an outward symbol and token of love and freindship. Which is not now practis'd with us amongst men, but is of the same signification with joyning of hands. The uniting of the Lips or Hands together denoting the inward conjunction of the heart. The word in the Greek signifies love or friendship, and call'd a kiss of Charity, 1 Pet. 5. last. And though the Ceremony is ceased, yet that which it signified is to be preserved in all Churches, Places and Ages. It was practis'd in the time of Iustin Martyr, Iust. Mar. Apolog. 2. and Tertullian, Tertul. de Oratione; and called Osculum pacis, A kiss of peace; and used especially at their meeting together at the Lords Supper; their Love Feasts, and other solemn assemblies. Its call'd an Holy Kiss; to distinguish it from the Treacherous Kiss of Iudas, or the Lustful Kiss of the Harlot, Prov. 7.13. And why it is not used Among us now, we need say only, as concerning washing of Feet also, we have no such custom nor the Churches of Christ. Or as the Apostle speaks, Phil. 4.8. whatsoever things are lovely, and whatsoever things are of good report, &c.