Romans 16:22 - Service or Excuses? I, Tertius, who wrote 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...
Romans 16:21 – Faithful Helpers
Romans 16:21 - Faithful Helpers Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. 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...
Romans 16:20 – Crushing Blow
Romans 16:20 - Crushing Blow And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. 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,...
Romans 16:19 – Obedient and Wise
Romans 16:19 - Obedient and Wise For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil. Truth to Learn It is important for all Christians to be growing in our...
Romans 16:18 – Servants, Not Crusaders
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 simple. Truth to Learn Lack of submissiveness can cause harm to the body of Christ. Behind...
Romans 16:17 – Who to Avoid
Romans 16:17 - Who to Avoid Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. Truth to Learn Avoid those who teach false doctrine. Behind the Words “Urge” is translated from the Greek verb parakalō, which literally...
Romans 16:16 – A Holy Kiss?
Romans 16:16 - A Holy Kiss? Greet one another with a holy kiss. 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,...
Romans 16:15 – Family of Saints
Romans 16:15 - Family of Saints Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are 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...
Romans 16:14 – Church Building Idolatry?
Romans 16:14 - Church Building Idolatry? Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Truth to Learn God wants a relationship, not brick and mortar. Behind the Words “Asyncritus” is the name of a slave who was made a freeman by Caesar Augustus. The name...
Romans 16:13 – A Choice Christian
Romans 16:13 - A Choice Christian Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Truth to Learn Some Christians stand out as “choice” within the church. Behind the Words The name “Rufus” is of Roman (Latin) origin, meaning “red.” “Chosen” is translated from the noun eklektos, which...