Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
The Apostle Paul gives praises and thanks to God through Jesus Christ at the close of this epistle for His gracious hand in establishing the faith of the the believers in Rome. The preaching of the word gives faith and faith establishes the believer through obedience to live a blessed life with God leading the way.
The Apostle Paul has Timothy to assist him in the work of the gospel. Timotheus or Timothy was first mentioned in Acts 16:1 during the 2nd Missionary journey, one with a good testimony among the brethren.
Acts 16:1-4 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Him would Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees for to keep, that were ordained of the apostles and elders which were at Jerusalem.
The Apostle Paul commends the believers in Rome for their adherence to God’s truth. Their piety before God is attested by the approval of godly men. He cautions them not to yield to temptation, the enticement to sin, encouraging them to adhere to that which is good and shun that which is evil.
The Apostle Paul urges the believers in Rome to be mindful of false teachers that will with their “smooth” talk and flattery deceive the unguarded and inexperienced ones. These false teachers serve not our Lord Jesus Christ but their own selfish interest. The term “their own belly”, Barnes observed, “Their own lusts; their own private interests; they do this to obtain support. The authors of parties and divisions, in church and state, have this usually in view.”
The peace and harmony of the church are disrupted by such who “crept in unawares” (Jude 3) into the congregation of God’s people. There the beloved Apostle’s counsel is that they are to “mark them” these. The word means “to spy out, look towards an object, to contemplate, give attention to”. God’s people are to be on the look out for such trouble-makers that can destabilise the faith of God’s people.
He exhorts the believers to continue with the practice of greeting one another, maintain the warm relations of spiritual kinship. It may be a handshake, a warm embrace, keep up the spirit of sincere Christian love among brethren. Amen.
This man Rufus is a chosen vessel wherewith God’s presence abide. Not so much his salvation but his godly character. He was one who lived out the Christian character. His love for God and the brethren is well-attested. And his mother cared for the Apostle Paul and is like a mother to him.
These ladies understand the meaning of Christian service. The Apostle Paul commend them for their faithful service in the work of the gospel. They were willing hands ready to toil for the Lord. It is God who blesses these ladies with His presence, power and purpose that they would volunteer their services. Often, the Christian toil is unseen and unheard, a quiet plodding on. The Apostle Paul encouraged them to press on with the good work by his commendation. May the Lord grant you strength and wisdom to labour in His name. Amen.
Indeed, the Apostle Paul has many friends and co-labourers in the Lord. When he was first converted, the Christians feared him for his past misdeeds persecuting Christians. We see how the grace of God can transform the heart of a man. He was changed from a fierce persecutor to a key champion for the cause of the gospel. God can save even the vilest of sinners by His mercy.
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.”