"Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you"
(Romans 16:16 NKJV)

local churches are identified as "churches of Christ"

In this closing section Paul sends greetings to many saints in Rome. From this short verse we may glean a number of lessons.

1. Paul, once a notorious sinner and persecutor of saints is now Paul the apostle who warmly greets and teaches fellow saints.
2. People can change. Paul’s change from his old life proves the power of the gospel. The gospel can change us, too.
3. Because Paul was an apostle, he was well acquainted with many local churches. He had established many (1 Corinthians 3:6).
4. Paul expected the saints to greet one another with a holy kiss, Christians were known for their mutual love and kindness.
5. Paul’s greeting includes churches of Christ. This reveals a biblical way of identifying local churches. Why did he not send Roman Catholic greetings to the church in Rome? Why not salute Baptist, Methodist, or Presbyterian churches? These came hundreds of years later through the sinful desires of men. Why would anyone want to be in a church that is not scriptural?

– Rick Duggin