Author: Rev. Lek Aik Wee

The word “approved” means tested and true. Apelles’ relationship is not made known here in our text. However, the Apostle Paul commends him to the church as one that God has tested and has proved himself faithful to Christ. MacArthur observed well, “dokimos (approved) carries the idea of being tried and tested and was used of precious metals, such as gold and silver, that passed tests for purity.”

Stachys was highlighted as a beloved, a dear brother in Christ. We do not have any information concerning this person but we know that he has established a blessed relationship of mutual love and support with the Apostle Paul. What a privilege to be a child of God. The Apostle Paul experienced Christian fellowship and help and love.

Thank God for fellow-workers who are willing to sacrificially serve in the gospel work. Urbane, was such a man whom the Apostle Paul salutes. Truly, in the gospel work, it will be lonely if there is no helper in Christ. The Apostle Paul has Barnabas and Silas, later Timothy and Luke, as travelling companions. This saint, Urbane was there to provide a lack, what a blessing he was. The Apostle Paul fondly remembers him.

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.”

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.

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.”

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.