The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Truth to Learn We have the genuine Word of God. Behind the Words “Grace” is translated from charis. This is the noun form of the verb chairō, meaning “to be full of cheer” or “to rejoice.” The noun...
Romans 16:23 – Give Your All
Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, greets you, and Quartus, a brother. Truth to Learn God wants us all to give liberally. Behind the Words “Host” is from the Greek word xenos, which literally means “a foreigner” or “a stranger.”...
Romans 16:22 – Service or Excuses?
I, Tertius, the one writing this epistle, greet you in the Lord. Truth to Learn God wants people to serve without excuses. Behind the Words The name Tertius is a Latin name meaning “third.” It was common among the Roman aristocracy to name children Primus (first), Secundus (second), Tertius (third),...
Romans 16:21 – Faithful Helpers
Timothy, my fellow worker greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen. Truth to Learn Every ministry needs faithful helpers. Behind the Words “Fellow worker” is from sunergon, which we have seen a couple of times in this chapter. It refers to someone who works together with someone...
Romans 16:20 – Crushing Blow
And the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Truth to Learn Through Christ we will have victory over false teachers. Behind the Words The word “crush” is translated from suntribō, which is composed of sun,...
Romans 16:19 – Obedient and Wise
For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I rejoice on your behalf; but I want you to be wise as to what is good, and innocent concerning evil. Truth to Learn It is important for all Christians to be growing in our faith daily by reading and studying...
Romans 16:18 – Servants, Not Crusaders
For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the innocent. Truth to Learn Lack of submissiveness can cause harm to the body of Christ. Behind the Words The word translated “serve”...
Romans 16:17 – Who to Avoid
Now I exhort you, brothers, take note of those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. Truth to Learn Avoid those who teach false doctrine. Behind the Words “Exhort” is translated from the Greek verb parakalō, which literally means “to...
Romans 16:16 – A Holy Kiss?
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. Truth to Learn The early church employed a kiss as a customary greeting. Behind the Words “Greet” is from aspadzomai, meaning “to enfold in the arms” or as we would say, “to hug,” which we learned...
Romans 16:15 – Family of Saints
Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them. Truth to Learn All Christians are saints and are God’s children. Behind the Words The name “Philologus” means “one who loves to learn.” “Nereus,” by some sources is said to be derived from Nereo...