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Greet Mary, who labored much for us.<\/strong><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Some people in the church work extremely hard and get little or no recognition.<\/p>\n \u201cMary<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek name Miriam<\/em><\/span>, which is transliterated from the Hebrew name Miryam<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201crebelliously.\u201d Some texts have the name as mirian<\/em><\/span>. So this could variously be translated as Mary, Maria, Miriam, or Marian.<\/p>\n The word \u201clabored<\/span>\u201d is translated from the Greek verb kopia\u014d<\/em><\/span>, which is derived from the noun kopos<\/em><\/span>, which literally means \u201ca cut\u201d but figuratively refers to \u201cheavy labor which reduces one\u2019s strength.\u201d Thus, kopia\u014d<\/em> <\/span>means \u201cto work hard to the point of feeling fatigued.\u201d<\/p>\n The word \u201cus<\/span>\u201d is from h\u0113mas<\/em><\/span>, however some Greek manuscripts have the word humas<\/em><\/span>, meaning \u201cyou (plural).\u201d<\/p>\n Very little is known for certain about this woman, Mary. The only thing which Paul says about her is that she was an extremely hard worker. It is possible that this woman was a tireless worker in Paul\u2019s church planting, evangelistic ministry, and that she offered her services in multiple cities where Paul preached. On the other hand, based on the textual variation of \u201cyou\u201d versus \u201cus,\u201d it could be that she was a resident of Rome who dedicated her hard work in the service of the church there.<\/p>\n The fact that Paul sends her greetings in his letter to the Roman church would seem to indicate that he was quite familiar with her and was quite familiar with how hard she worked. If this is the case, then it makes sense that she expended her hard work in assisting Paul in his ministry. It is possible that she, like Aquila and Priscilla, had assisted Paul in Greece and Asia Minor and had since moved to Rome. Whoever this woman was and whatever her specific task was, we know that she was a tireless worker who labored hard and long.<\/p>\n This type of hard work on behalf of our Lord is recognized in several places in the New Testament. In His message to the seven churches in the opening chapters of Revelation, Christ says this to the church at Ephesus:<\/p>\n I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars; and you have persevered and have patience, and have labored for My name’s sake and have not become weary. <\/span>(Revelation 2:2-3<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n In this passage, both \u201clabor<\/span>\u201d and \u201clabored<\/span>\u201d are translated from the same word used to describe Mary in today\u2019s verse. Also, this same word is used in one of the more easily recognized quotes from the Bible where our Lord said:<\/p>\n Come to Me, all you<\/em> <\/span>who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.<\/span> (Matthew 11:28<\/strong><\/span>)<\/p>\n Application<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Many people attend church each Sunday to get a spiritual recharge and to find some peace and rest. Such would not be possible, however, were it not for those who work tirelessly with little or no recognition, such as janitors, nursery workers, or office assistants. Let\u2019s all make it a point this week to find someone like Mary and thank them for the hard word they give week after week to the service of our Lord.<\/p>\n In God\u2019s service, for His glory,<\/strong><\/p>\nTruth to Learn<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Behind the Words<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
Meaning Explained<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
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