Should we only greet in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ?

Question:

Dear Brother,

Greetings to you.

Is there any regulation to greet only in the name of Christ? Or can we greet in the name of Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit? Could you please clarify this, brother?

Thanks.

Answer:

Of the many passages that mention greetings, none say "in the name of the Lord," which would mean by the authority of the Lord. Two say:

  • "I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord" (Romans 16:22).
  • "The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house" (I Corinthians 16:19).

The phrase means that greetings are being sent to fellow Christians (others who are in the Lord - Galatians 3:26-27). Since it is Christ who is the head of the church (Ephesians 5:23), you won't find greeting worded to people who are "in the Father" or "in the Spirit," and such doesn't exist in the Bible.

Keep in mind that there are many passages that just say that greetings are exchanged. There is no formal wording as to how those greetings are given.

Response:

Thank you for the clarification, brother. You are a treasure for me in the Lord.

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