Mat 26:48, Luk 15:20, Rom 16:16, 1Cor 16:20 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 48. Gave them a sign . That is, told them of a way by which they might know whom to apprehend, i.e., by his kissing him. It was night. Jesus was, besides, probably personally unknown to the Romans ,perhaps to the others also. Judas, therefore, being well acquainted with him, to prevent the possibility of mistake, agreed to designate him by one of the tokens of friendship. John tells us, that Jesus, knowing all things that should come upon him, when they approached him, asked them whom they sought? and that they replied, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus informed them that he was the person they sought. They, when they heard it, overawed by his presence, and smitten with the consciousness of guilt, went backward, and fell to the ground. He again asked them whom they sought. They made the same declaration--Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus then, since they professed to seek only him, claimed the right that his disciples should be suffered to escape;-- "that the saying might be fulfilled which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none," . See also . (s) "saying"

Matthew 26:48

Verse 48. Gave them a sign. That is, told them of a way by which they might know whom to apprehend, i.e., by his kissing him. It was night. Jesus was, besides, probably personally unknown to the Romans,perhaps to the others also. Judas, therefore, being well acquainted with him, to prevent the possibility of mistake, agreed to designate him by one of the tokens of friendship.

John tells us, that Jesus, knowing all things that should come upon him, when they approached him, asked them whom they sought? and that they replied, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus informed them that he was the person they sought. They, when they heard it, overawed by his presence, and smitten with the consciousness of guilt, went backward, and fell to the ground. He again asked them whom they sought. They made the same declaration--Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus then, since they professed to seek only him, claimed the right that his disciples should be suffered to escape;-- "that the saying might be fulfilled which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none," Jn 18:9. See also Jn 17:12.

(s) "saying" Ps 38:12

Luke 15:20

Verse 20. He arose, and came. Was coming. But here is no indication of haste. He did not run, but came driven by his wants, and, as we may suppose, filled with shame, and even with some doubts whether his father would receive him.

A great way off. This is a beautiful description--the image of his father's happening to see him clad in rags, poor, and emaciated, and yet he recognized his son, and all the feelings of a father prompted him to go and embrace him.

Had compassion. Pitied him. Saw his condition--his poverty and his wretched appearance--and was moved with compassion and love.

And ran. This is opposed to the manner in which the son came. The beauty of the picture is greatly heightened by these circumstances. The son came slowly-- the father ran. The love and joy of the old man were so great that he hastened to meet him and welcome him to his home.

Fell on his neck. Threw his arms around his neck and embraced him.

And kissed him. This was a sign at once of affection and reconciliation. This must at once have dissipated every doubt of the son about the willingness of his father to forgive and receive him. A kiss is a sign of affection, 1Sam 10:1, Gen 29:13. This is evidently designed to denote the readiness of God to pity and pardon returning sinners. In this verse of inimitable beauty is contained the point of the parable, which was uttered by the Saviour to vindicate his own conduct in receiving sinners kindly. Who could blame this father for thus receiving his repenting son? Not even a Pharisee could blame him; and our Saviour thus showed them, so that they could not resist it, that God received returning sinners, and that it was right for him also to receive them and treat them with attention.

Romans 16:16

Verse 16. Salute one another. Greet one another in an affectionate manner; that is, treat each other with kindness and love, and evince all proper marks of affection.

With an holy kiss. This mode of salutation has been practised at all times; and particularly in eastern nations. It was even practised by men. Lk 22:47,48. The use of the word holy here serves to denote that Paul intended it as an expression of Christian affection; and to guard against all improper familiarity and scandal. It was common, according to Justin Martyr, (Apology,) for the early Christians to practise it in their religious assemblies.

The churches of Christ. That is, the churches in the vicinity of the place where the apostle wrote this epistle; probably the churches particularly in Achaia.

(y) "The churches of Christ" 1Cor 16:20, 1Pet 5:14

1 Corinthians 16:20

Verse 20. All the brethren, etc. All the Christians with whom Paul was connected in Ephesus. They felt a deep interest in the church at Corinth, and sent to them Christian salutations.

With an holy kiss. Rom 16:16.

(*) "greet" "salute"