Student holds paper airplane in class; whiteboard reads “Math Test Friday!”
Bible, Division, Hindrances, Romans, Scripture, Stumbling, Trouble

I’VE GOT MY EYE ON YOU!

ROMANS 16:17

“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.”

I can’t recall the number of times teachers told me, “I’ve got my eye on you, Mr. Willis.” That’s usually because I was misbehaving or just being a class clown. Up until my senior year of high school, I was kind of a troublemaker. I was a pretty good student despite those antics, but I seemed to always find a way to get into some kind of mischief.

Paul warns the Roman church to “keep your eye” on certain individuals. There have always been people in churches who tried to cause issues. They probably didn’t fight about the color of the carpet in the church or having their favorite pew seat (problems I have seen in way too many churches), but I guarantee they found things to stir up in the body. Even these first century churches faced such problems. So, Paul gives them fair warning.

APPLICATION

The verb Paul uses here for “keep your eye on” is skopeo. The Topical Lexicon says, “The verb stresses careful scrutiny; discernment protects unity and purity in the body of Christ.” We get our word “scope” from this word. It literally means “to look at, contemplate.” Picture the scope on a rifle. As a hunter, I know the importance of having a good scope that is zeroed in so when I am at a target, I can hit what I am at. Paul is saying to look closely and don’t take your eye off these troublemakers.

He uses two different words to detail the problem. One he calls “dissensions.” That’s the Greek word that means “divisions which wrongly separate people into pointless (groundless) factions.” (HELPS Word-studies) This applies mainly to false teachings that could cause the body to be split. Boy, I’ve seen that a lot. The other word is “hindrances” which means something that is done to trip up others. The Greek word can mean the trigger on a trap. Ouch!

Are you one of those people who cause dissensions and hindrances? I hope not. We are warned about doing that and are told to watch out for those who do. The unity of the body is all important. Paul knew if they allowed these individuals to gain a footing in the church, they could tear down all that he had been teaching them. So, be aware of what you do and say that could possibly cause others to stumble. And be attentive to others who may try to do the same.

Father, forgive me if I have been a stumbling block for others. Help me stay alert of others who may do the same.

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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Affection, Bible, Greetings, Kiss, Romans, Scripture

A HOLY KISS

ROMANS 16:16

“Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”

If churches today in America employed this method of greetings, you might see an increase in church attendance. Lol. Just kidding. Of course, this “holy kiss” did not imply anything sensual or too familiar. We are careful to avoid any appearance of such today, aren’t we? But have we devalued something that was meant to show love and affection for another believer?

Paul uses the same expression in 1 Corinthians 16:20, 2 Corinthians 13:12 and 1 Thessalonians 5:26. May I point out that the Corinthian church had a sex scandal Paul had to address in the first letter to them, but this did not lead him to tell them to avoid all signs of affection towards one another. Peter even calls this the “kiss of charity” in 1 Peter 5:14. This loving greeting was common and accepted in the early church.

APPLICATION

I will never forget the first time I was greeted by someone in this manner. I had a friend who was from El Savador. We met through a Rotary Club weekend in my hometown. My family hosted him. After that weekend, every time I saw Carlos, he would kiss me on each cheek. The first time I was a little freaked out by that. Men just don’t kiss men on the cheek in South Georgia. I had learned a new custom and knew he was just greeting me the way he was used to.

Let me distinguish between this “holy kiss” and the ones employed by others who are deceitful in their intentions. One good example is found in 2 Samuel 20:9-10. “9 And Joab said to Amasa, ‘Is it going well for you, my brother?’ And Joab took hold of Amasa by the beard with his right hand to kiss him. 10 But Amasa was not on guard against the sword which was in Joab’s hand, so he struck him in the belly with it and spilled out his intestines on the ground, and did not strike him again, and he died.” That was definitely not a “holy kiss,” was it? It was more like a “holely kiss.” Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.

Another famous kiss of betrayal is found in Luke 22:47-48. “47 While He was still speaking, behold, a crowd came, and the one called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading the way for them; and he approached Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, ‘Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?’”  Again, not a “holy kiss.” Wrong motives. Don’t you know that kiss stung the Savior?

As I think about it, don’t we do the same with feigned smiles and happy greetings at church and then turn around and backbite? Let’s all try to show the love of Christ toward others today. Instead of a kiss, how about a holy hug?

Father, let my expressions of affection toward others be always wrapped in the arms of Jesus.
 

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, Family, Martyrs, Romans, Saints, Scripture, Slaves

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

ROMANS 16:15

“Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.”

You’ve heard that common expression “Last but not least.” It is normally said when someone has been addressing a group of people and calling out names. To make sure no one is left out or think their name was better since it was mentioned first, the person would end their list of names by saying this. I have used it myself on more than one occasion.

Paul could have used it here as he concludes his long list of names of people to whom he is sending greetings. He lists a couple first and then a brother and sister. Olympas is next and then all the saints. That pretty much wraps it up, doesn’t it? Paul could have probably continued to list people’s names, but he just finishes by addressing all the saints.

APPLICATION

Most scholars agree that Philologus and Julia were probably husband and wife. Philologus was probably one of the 70 disciples sent out by Jesus and was said to be the bishop of Sinope. Here is another Greek couple giving their lives in service to the Christ.

Nereus and his sister were probably slaves. There is a Nereus that is listed in another secular source who was a slave in the imperial household. We’ve already seen other slaves in the emperor’s household mentioned in Paul’s list. God was infiltrating these homes through people who served them. He was using the lowest to reach the highest.

Olympas was also considered one of the 70 disciples and is named among the Roman martyrs. Bible Hub says “he was a respected member of the early Christian community in Rome. The fact that Paul acknowledges him by name indicates that Olympas was likely known for his faith and service to the church.”

Here is the application – if the Holy Spirit thought it important to list all these names, many of which we know nothing more about, He knows your name also. No name is too small for Him. God values every soul. Paul writes over in 1 Timothy 2:3-4, “3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” Never doubt your significance to the Savior.

Father, You know my name, and I am astounded. You have named me among the elect the very moment I responded to Your call.

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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First-century bishop in an early church
Bible, Scripture, Service, Servant, Romans, Martyrs

WHAT BECAME OF YOU?

ROMANS 16:14

“Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brothers and sisters with them.”

When I leave this world, I want to be known as a man who sought after God’s heart. I don’t plan to have a tombstone, but if I did, I would want it to simply say, “He loved Jesus and his family.” The best legacy we can leave is the people we led to the Lord or discipled. Those are the only things we can take to heaven. Everything else just gets left behind.

Paul addressed five individuals in verse 14 who left a legacy. These men are only mentioned here in this verse. Why does Paul send greetings to so many people we know nothing more about from Scripture? Remember, every word of Scripture is inspired by the Holy Spirit, so there’s a reason for Paul sending them greetings. Never just run right past these verses. Take the time to do some digging to see what else you can find. Let me share a little of what I found on these men.

APPLICATION

In Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible, we find some historical information (this is NOT in the Bible, but from secular sources). Let me summarize each first:

Asyncritus – One of the 70 disciples Jesus sent out, became bishop of Hyrcania, a disciple of Paul.

Phlegon – One of the 70 disciples Jesus sent out, became bishop of Marathon, a disciple of Paul.

Hermas – became bishop of Philippi, or Aquileia, and brother of Pope Pius the First, perhaps was the author of the book called Pastor, or the Shepherd.

Patrobas – One of the 70 disciples Jesus sent out, became bishop of Puteoli.

Hermes – One of the 70 disciples Jesus sent out, became bishop of Dalmatia.

Now, that’s what I call a legacy. Jesus knew what each of these men would become when He chose 4 of the 5 as part of the 70. The first two, Asyncritus and Phlegon, are also mentioned in the Roman martyrology, but we do not know when or how they died, only that they were killed for their faith. Little did the persecutors realize that when you kill a Christian, you only just usher them into the presence of the One they have been serving.

Chances are that each of these five were just doing what they had been called to do. I asked a similar question in yesterday’s blog but let me ask it again. Are you doing what the Lord has called you to do? Are you preparing your legacy by daily surrendering to the will of God? The older I get, the more I am aware of the legacy I am going to leave behind. I want it to honor the Lord Jesus and not me. How about you?

Thank You, Father, for these men who gave their lives serving You and others.

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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Family, Witnessing, Bible, Scripture, Service, Testimony, Chosen, Servant, Romans

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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