Read & explore together
Signature and Final Greetings
These final lines show that a letter ending can still teach clearly. Paul closes with greetings from other believers, an instruction for the church, a personal note in his own hand, a serious warning, and words of grace and love.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage stands at the end of Paul’s letter to the Corinthians. It is written as a letter closing and teaching, not as a story. The verses mention assemblies in Asia, Aquila and Priscilla, a house assembly, Paul’s own handwriting, a warning about love for the Lord Jesus Christ, and a closing blessing.
1 Corinthians 16:19–24Main takeaway
Paul’s final words bring together Christian fellowship, love for the Lord Jesus Christ, grace, and love in one closing message.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Greetings from other believersPaul begins by passing on greetings from “the assemblies of Asia”. He then names Aquila and Priscilla, who greet the Corinthians warmly “in the Lord”, along with the assembly in their house.
Explanation
Paul begins by passing on greetings from “the assemblies of Asia”. He then names Aquila and Priscilla, who greet the Corinthians warmly “in the Lord”, along with the assembly in their house. These lines show that believers in different places are linked in shared fellowship and can send care across distance.
02A holy greeting among the churchPaul says, “All the brothers greet you,” then gives a direct instruction: “Greet one another with a holy kiss.”
Explanation
Paul says, “All the brothers greet you,” then gives a direct instruction: “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” The verse combines greetings received from others with something the Corinthians themselves are to do. The word “holy” shows that this greeting belongs within their life together as God’s people.
03Paul’s own hand and a solemn warningPaul states that this greeting is written “with my own hand”. That makes the closing personal and direct.
Explanation
Paul states that this greeting is written “with my own hand”. That makes the closing personal and direct. He then gives a serious warning: “If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed.” The words “Come, Lord!” keep attention fixed on the Lord Jesus in this closing.
04Grace and love at the endThe letter ends with two warm lines. Paul says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
Explanation
The letter ends with two warm lines. Paul says, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Then he adds, “My love to all of you in Christ Jesus.” His final words speak blessing and personal care, and they end the letter with grace and love centred in Christ Jesus.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What groups and people are named in the greetings, and what does that show about the church?
Look carefully at who sends greetings in 1 Corinthians 16:19 and 1 Corinthians 16:20, including assemblies, Aquila and Priscilla, and “all the brothers”.
02Why does Paul mention that the greeting is written with his own hand?
Base your answer on what the verse says directly: Paul marks this part of the letter as personally written by him.
03How do the final three verses combine warning, grace, and love?
Notice the order: a curse on those who do not love the Lord Jesus Christ, then grace, then Paul’s love to them all in Christ Jesus.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Corinthians 16:19–24
19The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.
20All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand.
22If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord!
23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.