Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Corinthians 16:19-24

"The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. All the brethren salute you. Salute one another with a holy kiss. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man loveth not the Lord, let him be anathema. Maranatha. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen." — 1 Corinthians 16:19-24 (ASV)

Christianity by no means destroys civility. Religion should promote a courteous and obliging disposition towards all. Those who take encouragement from it to be sour and morose give a false idea of religion and reproach it. Christian salutations are not mere empty compliments but are real expressions of goodwill to others, and commend them to the Divine grace and blessing. Every Christian family should be as a Christian church.

Wherever two or three are gathered together in the name of Christ, and he is among them, there is a church. Here is a solemn warning. Many who have Christ's name often in their mouths have no true love for him in their hearts. No one truly loves him who does not love his laws and keep his commandments.

Many who are Christians in name do not love Christ Jesus the Lord in sincerity. Such people are separated from the people of God and the favor of God. Those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ must perish without remedy. Let us not rest in any religious profession where there is not the love of Christ, earnest desires for his salvation, gratitude for his mercies, and obedience to his commandments.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ contains all that is good, for time and for eternity. To wish that our friends have this grace with them is to wish them the utmost good. And this we should wish for all our friends and brothers and sisters in Christ. We can wish them nothing greater, and we should wish them nothing less. True Christianity makes us wish those whom we love the blessings of both worlds; this is what is meant by wishing the grace of Christ to be with them.

The apostle had dealt plainly with the Corinthians and told them of their faults with just severity; but he concludes in love, and with a solemn profession of his love for them for Christ's sake. May our love be with all who are in Christ Jesus. Let us examine whether all things appear worthless to us when compared with Christ and his righteousness.

Do we indulge in any known sin, or in the neglect of any known duty? By such inquiries, faithfully made, we may judge the state of our souls.