|
|
|
4000 E.
Collins Rd. “Preaching
the Living Word through the Written Word (2Tim 4:2)” |
|
|
|
FINAL
GREETINGS - 2 (Romans
16:5b-9) 5/31/09 Grace Bible Church, Gillette, Wyoming Pastor IV. PAUL GREETS OTHER BELIEVERS IN ROME
(16:5b-16) A. Group 1 (5b-9) 1.
Epaenetus a)
This is the only time Epaenetus <ep-e'-ne-tus> is mentioned
in the Bible. All that we know is what has been written by the Apostle Paul
himself. The name Epaenetus (Epaínetos)
means praise or praiseworthy. b)
Paul obviously believed Epaenetus’ name fit his
character because Paul called him “my beloved.” There are several in this
letter who receive the same affectionate title (cp. Ampliatus
- vs 8; Stachys - vs. 9). c)
Epaenetus was said to be “the first convert to Christ
from Asia (or Asia Minor, i.e. modern Turkey).” It is possible that Epaenetus
was Paul’s convert when he preached in Asia Minor (Ac 19:10). Or perhaps he
was a convert through the ministry of Prisca &
Aquila. A similar construction is used in 1Co 16:15 and warrants honorable
mention. 2.
Mary a)
There are five other Marys in the Bible: (1) Mary the mother of the Lord (Lk 1:30-31). (2) Mary of Bethany, the sister of Martha (Jn 11:1) (3) Mary of Magdala (Lk 8:2) (4) Mary the mother of James (Mt 27:56; quite possibly,
"Mary the wife of Clopas," Jn 19:25). (5) Mary the mother of Mark (Ac 12:12). b) There is not much information about the Mary that is
greeted by Paul in Ro 16:6. It is not certain that Mary was known personally
by Paul. It very well could be that her reputation preceded her. c) What is known about her is that she “labored much”
for the church at Rome. In fact, the word “labored” is the Greek word kopíaō, which means wearisome physical labor
and tiring toil. Paul uses this word for himself (1Co 15:10; Ph 2:16; Co
1:29; 1Th 4:10) and others (1Th 5:12). He also uses this word for pastors
tirelessly preaching and teaching the Word (1Ti 5:17). Mary must have worked
hard serving the believers at the church at Rome (“for you”) that her
reputation was wide spread. 3.
Andronicus and Junias a)
Andronicus <an-dro-ni-kus>
and Junias <joo'-ni-as>
are only mentioned here in the letter to the Romans. Some suggest the possibility
that they were husband and wife, because the name Junias
can also be feminine. However, Lenski argues
against it since there were no women apostles. b)
They were both Paul’s “kinsman” (suggenếs),
which could either mean blood relatives or fellow countrymen (cp. same word
in Ro 9:3). Andronicus and Junias were probably
Jewish and Paul possibly mentions this fact to as a comradery
of background and faith. c)
What is certain is that they were “fellow prisoners” (for the sake of
Christ) with Paul, referring literally and not figuratively. Paul uses a
strong word (sunaichmálōtos -
taken with a spear, or prisoner of war) here to show that he was speaking
literally. d)
If Paul meant that they were apostles (Grk. en - in the circle of), then they were apostles in the wider
sense like Barnabas and Silas (in that case Junias would
be masculine). But if Paul meant that they were “well known” by the apostles
(Grk. en - by the circle of), then Junias very well could be feminine. However, even in the
latter case, their bold testimony was noteworthy even among the apostles. e)
Paul states that they were Christian converts (“in Christ”) before he was.
This is especially noteworthy on their part because they may have been part
of the Jerusalem church that was initially suspicious upon hearing about
Paul’s conversion (Ac 9:26-28). 4.
Ampliatus a)
Ampliatus <am-pli-a'-tus> appears to have been a common name for slaves at
the time. The name has been found in the catacomb of Domitilla
(i.e. the emperor’s household). Perhaps he may have been one of the
Christians mentioned from “Caesar’s household” (Phil. 4:22). b)
All we know is that this Ampliatus was personally
known by Paul. Perhaps Ampliatus did not do
anything notable, but being endearing to Paul, he no doubt was an
encouragement to his heart and faith. 5.
Urbanus and Stachys a)
Urbanus <ur-ba'-nus> and Stachys <sta'-kis> were also common
names for slaves. Perhaps they also were from “Caesar’s household.” b)
Urbanus is singled out by being called, “our fellow
worker in Christ.” The “our” would mean that Urbanus
served the believers at Rome as well as Paul. He was a servant by occupation
but a servant of the Lord by choice. c)
Stachys, like Ampliatus, was
a Christian who was dear to the heart of the apostle. Paul was a spiritually
mature Christian and would have especially enjoyed those who were
like-minded. B. Observations and Applications 1.
Epaenetus - Evangelistic Laborer (2Co 3:2-3) a)
The believer’s evangelistic fruit from his labors is his Christian
credentials. b)
It gives evidence of the believer’s passion for evangelism as well as his
priority in spiritual pursuits. 2.
Mary - Tireless Laborer (Jn 4:6) a)
While the believer is never to get “tired of” serving the Lord, he quite
often may become “tired in” serving the Lord. b)
This does not necessarily mean that the believer is doing too much. It
may indicate that the believer is loving and serving
the Lord with tireless labor. 3.
Andronicus and Junias - Battle Laborers (2Ti 4:7) a)
The persecution of Christians has always been a badge of honor in serving
the Lord. b)
Believers ought to fight the good fight and like David, run to the
battle, not away from it. 4.
Ampliatus -
Encouragement Laborer (He 10:24-25) a)
The encouragement by believers is one of the most powerful influences in
serving the Lord. b)
There are many setbacks, trials, and dangers, but encouragement can keep
believers faithfully laboring for the Lord. 5.
Urbanus and Stachys - Servant
Laborers (Lk 22:26) a)
The title of servant among believers is an honorable title. b)
However, it must be accompanied by a servant’s heart and a servant’s
ministry. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
