Tag: Book of Romans

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.

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.

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 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.

He cited two reasons for his request (1) For the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake (2) For the love of the Spirit. His will has been completely surrendered to the Lord’s purpose and plan through the leading of the Holy Spirit. He said in Philippians 1:21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. Truly, the Apostle Paul is wholly given over to serve his Lord.