Romans 16:8, Beloved in the Lord
Plumer observed rightly, “Amplias is nowhere else mentioned in the Bible. But the affection of Paul towards him was strong; the word rendered beloved being also rendered well-beloved and dearly loved.”
Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee
13. Talking of Oppression
Ecclesiastes 4:1-3 So I returned, and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold the tears of such as were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter. 2 Wherefore I praised the dead which are already dead more than the living which are yet alive. 3 Yea, better is he than both they, which hath not yet been, who hath not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.
Romans 16:7, Kinsmen and Fellow Prisoners
The Apostle Paul salutes Andronicus and Junia, Jews who are prisoners for the sake of the gospel together with him. They serve with distinction, working alongside and together with others Apostles. They became Christians before the Apostle Paul. They were likely Jews from Jerusalem and possibly know that the Apostle Paul, known as Saul before his conversion, was a persecutor of the church.
Romans 16:6, Labouring for God’s People
Mary was one who laboured much to bless God’s people. This word for “labour” speaks of weariness and fatigue, to toil, to be worn out to do good. Such a one though physically exhausted but in the spirit, rejoicing. She has understood the meaning of what Jesus taught, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
Romans 16:5, Firstfruits 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.
Acts 7:17-53, Faithful to the Word (2)
Acts 7:17-53 But when the time of the promise drew nigh, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt, 18 Till another king arose, which knew not Joseph. 19 The same dealt subtilly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, so that they cast out their young children, to the end they might not live. 20 In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father’s house three months: 21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son. 22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds. 23 And when he was full forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren the children of Israel
Lord’s Day, Vol. 4 No. 34
Your Quiet Time
The believer’s quiet time is a private devotion time, set aside for the purpose of cultivating a rich spiritual life. It is an appointment with God. The believer’s quiet time seeks to move him from a state of stress to a state of rest. A calm spirit in the peace and joy of God is the frame of a man who is in touch with God.
The elements of a private devotion are prayer, reading and meditating on God’s Word and singing praises to God. The quiet time must not deteriorate to a regiment. It must not take away the excitement and delight of the soul in the study of God’s Word. Yet there is a need for self-discipline to build up a habit of life-long devotion to God.
Romans 16:3-5, For My Life Laid Down Their Own Necks
Priscilla and Aquila were selfless and sacrificial who co-laboured with the Apostle Paul in the advancement of God’s kingdom. Their love for God and His people were so clearly demonstrated that they were willing to risk even their lives for the sake of the wellbeing of other Christians.
The Apostle Paul is thankful for such friends and their good works were well-known among all the churches of the Gentiles. They were travelling like the Apostle Paul to minister to the believers. Luke recorded how they met. They were tent-makers.
Romans 16:1-2, A Succourer of Many
Thank God for believers who will always be on the look out to bless God’s people. It is such a comfort and encouragement experience hospitality and practical help from such ones. It warms the heart. It strengthens the hand of the receiver to also do good to others. As Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” May God endow His people with His love to bless others for His glory. Amen.
Romans 15:33, God of Peace Be With You
Romans 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Philippians 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 13:20 Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.