Older woman and younger man smiling while embracing in a rustic home
Bible, Chosen, Family, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service, Testimony, Witnessing

A MAN NAMED RUFUS

ROMANS 16:13

“Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine.”

I am sorry if I sound disrespectful for what I am about to write. I don’t mean to be. But Rufus must have been a redneck bubba with a name like that. Lol. I’ve only known a few men named Rufus, and they were all just good ole boys. And we will see something else about him that I think adds to that description.

Paul sends greetings to Rufus and his mother there in the Roman church. Most scholars agree that this was probably the same Rufus mentioned in Mark 15:21 where we read, “And they compelled a passer-by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross.” Think of that! Rufus’ dad carried the cross for Christ. He was watching Jesus struggle down the road on the way to Calvary when He fell beneath the weight of it. The Roman soldiers compelled him to pick it up and carry it for Jesus. That had to have changed his life. The blood of Christ would have been all over that cross and now it was on him.

APPLICATION

Rufus’ reputation was well known by the time Paul wrote this letter to Rome. He and his mother were both there, but there is no mention of his brother Alexander in today’s verse. Perhaps he had already lost his life for Christ or was in another city. He is not mentioned again in Scripture. But here is Rufus, this North African Jew living in Rome with his mother. He must have been a mama’s boy since she is mentioned right along with him. Paul obviously knew Rufus and his mother since he calls her “mine” also.

What do you think would have happened to Rufus in today’s world? I mean, you’re famous, right? Your daddy carried Jesus’ cross. He could have demanded a tv series depicting their lives before the famous event occurred and how it changed their lives. He would have been on high demand to speak about what he perhaps saw that day. But not this Rufus. Paul would not have had such high regard for someone who tried to take advantage of their fame. Paul calls Rufus a “choice man.” That meant he had been chosen by Christ. You know he was faithful to his calling.

Can the Lord call you “choice”? It doesn’t matter where you have come from. If the Lord has chosen you, He has a purpose for you to fulfill. Rufus accepted his. He was being used in the church of Rome, not exactly the easiest place to witness for Christ. He risked it all for Jesus. Will you?

Help me, Lord, to be just as loyal to Jesus as Rufus was in that Roman church.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Disciples, Fellow worker, Romans, Scripture, Toil, Works

THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN

ROMANS 16:12

“Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord.”

I have been in ministry since 1979. That’s a long time. I served my first church as an 18 year old college student. My role was a part-time Youth and Music Director. I could not have done that job without the support of some very precious women at Bishop Baptist Church. They supported my work with the youth by hosting parties and bible studies. My music ministry was not possible without those who accompanied me on the piano and in choir rehearsals. I dare say most ministers today could not do their ministry very effectively without women in the church.

Paul must have felt the same. In today’s verse, Paul sends greetings to three women. All we know about them is what we read here in this verse. We know they were all workers for the Lord. It’s important to point out one small difference in them. Tryphaena and Tryphosa are still working, since the verb tense here is in the Present tense. Persis, on the other hand, “has worked” which is in the Aorist tense. This could mean her work was in the past. We’ll talk about that more in a minute.

APPLICATION

Tryphaena and Tryphosa were probably sisters, according to many scholars. Their names are similar, a common custom in those days. MacLauren says they “were probably Roman ladies of some social standing.” Their names mean luxurious or delicate which may indicate they were raised to be removed from any kind of hard labor. But here Paul says they were “workers.” The Greek word there means to toil until exhausted. Obviously, their allegiance to Jesus had turned them into servants of the church.

Persis may have been an older woman (thus the past tense use of the same Greek word). Perhaps, since they are listed so closely in this verse, she may have mentored Tryphaena and Tryphosa. That is pure conjecture, but since they were in the same church, Persis probably had that role as an older woman. I love when I see older women spend time with younger women and convey the wisdom they have. That is truly being a disciple.

If you are a woman serving your church, thank you. The church has relied on women since it began. It’s not a coincidence that Jesus first appeared to a woman after His resurrection. Mary was the first messenger of His appearance. If you are a man, thank the women around you who have impacted your life. Every man comes forth from a woman. We owe them our very life. I praise God for all the women who have walked with me in my journey with Christ.

Praise You, Lord, for godly women who work to further Your kingdom here on earth.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Disciples, Romans, Scripture, Slaves, Witnessing

ANYONE, ANYTIME, ANY PLACE

ROMANS 16:11

“Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.”

Isn’t it amazing how the Lord Jesus can influence so many nations and cultures? In my role as Global Ministry Shepherd for Every Man A Warrior, I have the privilege to interact with various people from all across the globe. I regularly converse with Africans, Asians and Europeans, as well as people in the Caribbean nations and South America. One thing is constant – their love for the Lord.

In today’s verse, Paul greets a person and a group again. This time it’s Herodion and those in the household of Narcissus. We have to ask ourselves again why these people. What was so special about these early believers to Paul? Well, let’s look closer.

APPLICATION

In Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible we read that Herodion was, “According to the flesh, being of the same nation, a Jew; or of the same tribe, the tribe of Benjamin; or of the same family, and nearly allied in blood to him: though the name is of Attic, or Parthic original, and seems to be a derivative of Herod; this man is reckoned among the seventy disciples, and said to be bishop of Tarsus.” Isn’t that amazing? We now have seen Paul address greetings to three of the 70 disciples, all of which appear to be in Rome at the time of the writing. Coincidence? I don’t think so. What was going on in Rome with these believers?

We find in historical records that Narcissus “may possibly have been the powerful freedman of Claudius,…put to death on the accession of Nero, A.D. 54.” (Pulpit Commentary) Supposedly, it was the wife of Claudius who had him put to death. He was a very wicked and wealthy man whose slaves would have become the property of Nero. Once again, we have Christians in the household of an unbeliever making their way into the emperor’s home. Isn’t that incredible?

Look around you right now. Who do you suppose the least likely to become a believer? Never doubt the workings of God. Two of my childhood buddies who were as wild and reckless as I was both became pastors later in life. We often joked how crazy God must have thought we were to ever doubt His reach. God can use anyone anywhere for His glory. Whether they were in first century Rome or 21st century Tennessee, God can use us if we are willing.

Take me and use me for Your glory, O Lord.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Witnessing, Bible, Scripture, Service, Testimony, Servant, Witness, Romans

REACHING THE OTHER CLASS

ROMANS 16:10

“Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.”

I was reading today about the life of many believers in Pakistan who work in the brick kiln yards. They are essentially slaves for life. Their families incurred debt which was passed down to them to pay off. But after paying “rent” and buying a little food, they never have enough to even put a dent in that debt. But they are still trusting the Lord to sustain them. Their “employers” are hard on them and are cruel taskmasters. But whenever they can, they share about Jesus.

Paul addresses one individual, Apelles, and an unnamed group of people only referred to as “of the household of Aristobulus.” We’ll break those down. But as Paul continues sending greetings to those in Rome, you know he is thinking fondly of them as he writes their names. And even though he does not name individuals in Aristobulus’ household, I bet he knew a few. Paul was careful to make sure he could encourage as many believers as he could in this letter.

APPLICATION

Apelles was possibly “found in the dependents of the emperor” at the time. This is according to Horace, a writer at the time. All we really know is that this was a typical Jewish name. Perhaps Paul knew him from Jerusalem. Apelles is now in Rome and maybe a servant in the emperor’s home. What an opportunity? A Jewish servant could possibly influence the highest ranking family in Rome. Paul calls him “approved in Christ.” This implies he has passed the test of a true believer by his lifestyle and sacrifice. I desire only to be known as approved myself. How about you?

“Those who are of the household of Aristobulus” refers to the believers who either served in this house or were a part of it. Aristobulus was the either the grandson of Herod the Great, who lived in Rome but had died by the time Paul wrote this letter or this Aristobulus was the one who was a close associate of the emperor Claudius. Either way, Paul chooses his words carefully. He is not saying Aristobulus was a believer. He was addressing those in his household. These individuals were also living and serving among the noble class and had opportunities to be a witness.

Don’t ever think you can’t influence others whatever station of life you are in. The ministry I am a part of has some graduates who are in some pretty prestigious positions right now in our U.S. government and military. These men love Jesus and have been given a platform from which to influence other men toward a godlier lifestyle. We should all be given such opportunities, don’t you think?

Father God, if You give me the opportunity to be a witness I will take it in order to bring You glory.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Scripture, Service, Blessing, Sacrifice, Servant, Romans

YOU NEVER KNOW THE FUTURE

ROMANS 16:9

“Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.”

I was talking to my friend, Dierf, this morning about our ministries and how the Lord reveals things to us little by little. If the Lord had shown me the future of my ministry back when I first started in 1979 (over 47 years ago), I would have probably said He was crazy. I don’t mean that irreverently. It’s just that we never know the future, and that’s a good thing. If I had known mine, I would have probably messed it up.

In verse 9 of Romans 16, Paul mentions two other individuals, Urbanus and Stachys, who were friends of his in ministry. One he calls “fellow worker” and the other he calls (once again) “beloved.” Neither Paul nor these men knew what the future held for them. Let’s take a look at each of these and see how their lives might inspire us in our walk with Christ.

APPLICATION

According to Christian tradition, Urbanus (also known as Urban) was one of the 70 disciples sent out by Christ. Your version may say 72 were sent. That all depends on the translation of the Greek. 70 or 72? It doesn’t really matter. The point is Jesus chose Urbanus to be one of those He sent to share the Gospel. Urbanus supposedly became a bishop in Macedonia and is considered by many to be the patron of discipleship. That really hits home with me since my ministry is all about making disciple makers. He was martyred in Rome in the 1st century. Application for us: Stay true to your calling and continue to go and make disciples wherever the Lord leads.

Then we have Stachys. He also was considered one of the 70 sent out by Jesus. He also became a bishop. He served in Byzantium as the second bishop of that church. Supposedly, he was a great preacher of the Gospel and gathered crowds to hear him. Unlike many of the early church leaders, Stachys is said to have died in peace rather than being martyred. He served the church he built for sixteen years. Application for us: Again, wherever the Lord leads, follow. Whether a sacrifice or a blessing, serve where planted.

Okay, your turn. Where has the Lord placed you right now? Wherever that is, serve Him. Your service may require great sacrifice, as Urbanus. Or you may serve at peace, like Stachys. The main thing is trusting the One who sent you and working to please Him. You don’t know what the future may hold, but as the song says, you know who holds tomorrow.

I trust You Lord to guide my future day by day. Reveal to me as I am ready.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Beloved, Bible, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service, Slaves

ANOTHER BELOVED

ROMANS 16:8

“Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.”

Man, Paul had a lot of “beloved” people in his life. He uses that word 27 times in his letters. Did you know he was also called “beloved” by James in Acts 15:25. “‘it seemed good to us, having become of one mind, to select men to send to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,” Maybe that’s why he calls so many people “beloved.” He felt loved by others himself.

In today’s verse, we have another obscure name that appears nowhere else in Scripture. This is all we know about him. He is in Rome and Paul loves him. I did some digging and found this from one source. It seems Ampliatus was “‘a common Roman slave name’. Sanday and Headlam give inscriptions from the cemetery of Domitilla, which make it probable that a person of this name was conspicuous in the earliest Roman Church, and may have been the means of introducing Christianity to a great Roman house.” Isn’t that interesting? It is amazing to me how other historical evidence continues to confirm Scripture.

APPLICATION

Okay, you are probably asking yourself, “How can Carl apply this verse to our lives?” Let’s see. For one, we know that Ampliatus was important enough in Paul’s life for him to be mentioned in this letter. Remember, these letters were almost always read aloud to the church or person who received them. I bet Ampliatus was present the day this letter was read. Can you imagine how he felt hearing his name in this letter? He probably felt humbled and honored. We can do that for others. We can honor those we love by sending them notes of encouragement.

Secondly, if the historical record is true, Ampliatus had a great impact on a prominent Roman house. This meant as a slave in that household he exhibited Christlike traits and spoke respectfully to his masters, thus winning some, if not all, to the faith. You may have a neighbor or boss who is not a believer. Don’t underestimate your influence in their lives. If a Roman slave could lead his master’s family to Christ, you can sure witness to someone around.

Finally, remember it is God whom we are pleasing, not man. Ampliatus was simply doing what he felt the Lord told him to do. He had certainly been of service to Paul at some point in his life. That’s why Paul called him “beloved.” We can serve others, too. But don’t expect to be called “beloved.” Lol. Maybe they will thank you or maybe not. The words of Colossians 3:23-24 remind us our duty. “23 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that it is from the Lord that you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

Father, make me as faithful as Ampliatus. Let me not look for the accolades of men but only Yours.  

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Bible, Conviction, Family, Prison, Respect, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture

HOWDY CUZ

ROMANS 16:7

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsfolk and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding in the view of the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”

I grew up with a slew of cousins. We were always gathering at a grandma’s, aunt’s or uncle’s house for some kind of celebration. I was closer to some than the others, but we were all part of the family. I never felt belittled or put down by any of them. Most of them were older than me so I guess they took pity on their little pesty cousin, lol. We are all up in years now, but when we do see each other, that family love comes through.

Paul mentions two other people in today’s verse, and this time it is personal. Scholars disagree whether this was a husband and wife or two men. It doesn’t matter. They were Paul’s kinsfolk. Scholars disagree on this, as well. Some say Paul was referring to fellow Jews or some from his same tribe. Others say these were most probably close relations to him. I like that view, myself. But they were so much more than just “cousins.”

APPLICATION

Paul says they were “fellow prisoners.” We don’t know what imprisonment he was referring to. Perhaps they were already in a Roman prison. Maybe they had been arrested with Paul on one of his missionary journeys. We don’t really know, but we must believe Paul knew they had been persecuted, like he, for their faith.

Then he says they were “outstanding in the view of the apostles.” Obviously, their names were well known among the apostles back in Jerusalem. They had proven themselves in the early church and had won the admiration and respect of the early church leaders. Wow! What an honor to be identified in that manner.

And then finally, Paul says “they were in Christ before me.” Perhaps these two were in Jerusalem and had been converted directly by Christ. They may have even been two of the large group of early disciples who followed Christ before His crucifixion. I am purely speculating, but Paul says they were Christians before he was and we know when that occurred.

I bet Adronicus and Junia never dreamt their names would be recorded in history, much less in God’s Word. But their names are worthy of admiration by us all. Fellow prisoners, respected by the apostles and some of the earliest believers! I can’t wait to meet them. Could someone one day read about your life as a Christian and say such things? Let us all strive to bring honor to His name.

Father, I am amazed at how You use every follower who gives themselves to You fully.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Servant, Service

BE A MARY

ROMANS 16:6

“Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.”

There sure are a lot of Marys (not sure if that’s a word, lol) in the New Testament, aren’t there? Let’s list them:

  • Mary, the mother of Jesus.
  • Mary Magdalene: Jesus cast seven demons out of her.
  • Mary of Bethany: The sister of Martha and Lazarus.
  • Mary the Mother of James and Joseph (Joses): She witnessed the crucifixion, saw where Jesus was buried, and went to the empty tomb with spices.
  • Mary of Clopas (or Cleophas): Mentioned as standing near the cross with Jesus’ mother.
  • Mary the Mother of John Mark: Her home in Jerusalem served as a gathering place and prayer meeting spot for early believers, where Peter went after an angel freed him from prison.

And then we come to today’s Mary. In Romans 16:6 Paul sends greetings to Mary in Rome. That’s all we know of her. She must have been well known, like Phoebe whom we saw earlier, for all Paul says is about her is that she has worked hard for the church there in Rome. So many people never get recognized for the work they do in the church. I don’t think Paul was trying to embarrass Mary by pointing her out, but I do think he was reminding the church of what she had done for them.

APPLICATION

HELPS Word-studies gives us a great definition of what the Greek word for “has worked hard” means. “kopiáō (from kópos, ‘exhausting labor’) – to labor until worn-out, depleted (exhausted).” Mary had worked herself to the bone. She tirelessly served the church with no expectation of recognition or reward. After all, she wasn’t working for people. She was working for the Lord.

Do you know people like that? When I was at my previous church in Chattanooga, we had a team of men who showed up each week to volunteer in the maintenance department. They came each week to mop, vacuum, clean bathrooms and windows. They did whatever was asked of them. There was no way the church maintenance workers could have kept the facility clean without the selfless commitment of these men.

Perhaps God is calling you to be a Mary for your church. Every church needs more Marys serving in the nursery, children’s ministry or in the women’s ministry. In fact, there are places everywhere in the church for a Mary to serve (well, maybe not in men’s ministry, lol). But wait a minute, maybe you are a Manuel and not a Mary. Everyone can serve. Ask the Lord how He wants to use you.

Let us do all that we do for You, O Lord, and not for the applause of man.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Beloved, Bible, Love, Ministry, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

MY BELOVED

ROMANS 16:5b

“Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia.”

Do you have anyone who calls you “beloved”? That’s not a term we use a lot in the U.S., but when it is used it draws your attention. I have an acquaintance who has regularly used that term when she was talking to her followers. Because I know this person, I know that her “term of endearment” was genuine. She really loves those who follow her ministry and read her books.

Why did Paul call Epaenetus “beloved”? This is the only time in the entire New Testament when his name is referred to. He is only described as Paul’s first convert in Asia. He obviously lives in Rome at the time of the writing of this letter. I wonder if he was still there and was able to see Paul when he arrived. Wouldn’t that have been a grand reunion? They had certainly kept in touch since Paul knew he was in Rome. But why is he “beloved”?

APPLICATION

The word “beloved” is the Greek word agapétos which comes from agape. We all know that as God’s kind of love, right. K. Wuest describes it as “divinely-loved-ones.” That is a good description. A beloved person may not be the easiest person in the world to love, but they are someone you love because of the love of Christ that is in you and them. That makes them beloved.

So, why was Epaenetus so loved by Paul? The Topical Lexicon may lend some reasons. It says, “1. God often begins great movements through one receptive heart. 2. Early believers carry a stewardship to model faithfulness for those who follow. 3. Personal affection and recognition within the body, as Paul shows toward Epaenetus, nurture perseverance and unity.” Epaenetus’ conversion may have started the movement in Asia. We don’t that for sure, but we can speculate he had influence there.

Who calls you beloved? You can count on one person – the Lord Jesus Christ. Even He was called “beloved” by His Father. In Matthew 3:17 we see these words, “and behold, a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” God looks down on you right now from heaven and declares you beloved. Never forget that. Now, see who you can call beloved on His behalf.

Thank You, Lord, for calling me as one of Your beloved saints.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Eternal Life, Life, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Testimony

RISKING YOUR NECK

ROMANS 16:4-5a

“who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house.”

There has not been an instance in my life when I have been required to risk my life for someone. Of course, if that moment arose, I wouldn’t hesitate to do that…for some people. Let’s be honest. If my wife or my family were in danger, I would not think twice about it. But for a stranger or even a friend? I am not sure. The Lord knows my heart and my desire to please Him. I only pray I would be obedient to what He calls me to do.

Paul mentions an incident that is not recorded in Scripture. We are not sure if he is referring to a specific time, like when Paul was threatened by others, or if he is talking in generalities. The term “risked their own necks” literally means that. The Greek has the idea of someone laying their head on the chopping block to be executed. Like I said, we don’t read where that happened, but Paul obviously felt they had placed themselves in imminent danger by helping him.

APPLICATION

Okay, let’s get real. Who are you willing to risk it all for? You may never be faced with such a situation, but are you prepared to lay it all on the line if necessary? Let’s think about that for a second. Does the risk of losing your life scare you? As followers of Christ, death is simply a passage to Him. Death has no sting for us. Amen?

I have mentioned my reading of the Voice of the Martyrs magazine. The stories told in that publication are full of Christians being forced to make such a decision. For many in those stories, death was the end result. But much like the Christians who marched into the Coliseum in Rome to face martyrdom, they stood bravely and gave it all for Jesus.

Think of the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, who was sinless and perfect, gave it all for you and me. He didn’t hesitate. Don’t let His prayer in Gethsemane confuse you. He wasn’t trying to back out of God’s plan for mankind. He was just expressing His humanity for a brief moment. He knew we were all worth His sacrifice.

Now, listen carefully. God doesn’t want your death in order to please Him. No, He wants your life! And if the Giver of life requires your life at some point, He will give you a much better life with Him for eternity. So, you can’t lose, can you?

Father, I pray I am willing to lay down my life for You if called on to do so.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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