Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Truth to Learn Some people were specially honored by the Apostle Paul. Behind the Words “Amplias” is a shortened form of the Latin name Ampliatus, meaning “enlarged.” Some Greek manuscripts have the full name rather than the shortened form. “Beloved” is translated from...
Romans 16:7 – A Distinguished Pair
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are well thought of among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Truth to Learn Some Christians are well known for their service in the church. Behind the Words The word “countrymen” is translated from sungenēs, which...
Romans 16:6 – Hard Working Mary
Greet Mary, who did much hard work for us. Truth to Learn Some people in the church work extremely hard and get little or no recognition. Behind the Words “Mary” is translated from the Greek name Miriam, which is transliterated from the Hebrew name Miryam, meaning “rebelliously.” Some texts have...
Romans 16:5 – Committed and Active
And greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is a firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Truth to Learn Christianity involves active participation, not passive attendance. Behind the Words “Church” is from the Greek noun ekklēsia, which is made up of ek, meaning “out of”...
Romans 16:4 – Behind The Scenes
who risked their own necks for me, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Truth to Learn Some of the most important ministries are behind the scenes. Behind the Words The word “risked” is a metaphorical translation of hupotithēmi. This...
Romans 16:3 – Secular Saints
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, Truth to Learn Just because you work at a secular job doesn’t mean God doesn’t want to use you in building up the church. Behind the Words “Greet” is translated from aspadzomai, which is made up of a, denoting...
Romans 16:2 – Help The Helper
that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever matter she may need from you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself as well. Truth to Learn Helping other Christians is a Christ-like thing...
Romans 16:1 – Phoebe the Deaconess
I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, Truth to Learn Women who serve in formal positions in a church perform an important service to God and His church. Behind the Words “Commend” is translated from the Greek verb sunistēmi, a...
Romans 15:33 – Peace With God
And the God of peace be with you all. Amen. Truth to Learn God is the only source of true peace. You can be at peace with God. Behind the Words The word translated “peace” is eirēnē, which means “peace or tranquility.” The root of this word is probably...
Romans 15:32 – Following With Joy
that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. Truth to Learn Following God’s will is not always comfortable or easy but it will produce joy in our hearts. Behind the Words “Will” is translated from thelēma, which...