Romans 16:5, Firstfruits Unto Christ

Romans 16:5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

The Apostle Paul speaks of Epaenetus, one whom he loved dearly in the Lord, who loved the Lord. This man was one the first converts from the Apostle Paul’s ministry in Achaia. Indeed, God manifested His presence and power with the Apostle Paul to bless his spiritual endeavour in the preaching of the gospel by opening the spiritual eyes of this man. He was not only converted but a thriving Christian serving the Lord. This man, the Apostle Paul, salutes. It is a joy each time he recalled God saving and blessing this man.

The Apostle Paul revealed the work of God’s grace that led to the founding of the Gentile churches when he wrote in  1 Thessalonians 2:9-13 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. 13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

It is truly a blessed journey labouring in the gospel work. May the testimony of the Apostle Paul encourages to follow his train in service. Amen.