Unlimited: All the Lord’s People
Jan 9, 2024 257
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them (Romans 16:14–15).
In these two verses, nine people are specifically greeted by name, together with many others.
We know next to nothing about the individuals whom Paul greets here. Julia, the only female named in this verse, may have been possibly either the wife or sister of Philologus. We know that an eminent Roman was executed in AD 95 for being a Christian, and his wife was banished. Their chief servant’s name was Nereus. Could this have been the same man whom Paul greets?
Have you ever been in a church in which greetings are received and exchanged with other churches? This serves to foster a wonderful sense of community.
The Lord was pointing out that the ties that unite our spiritual family are just as real, and spiritually greater, than the ties that bind our earthly families.
The Greek word used for “greet” throughout this chapter means much more than just to say “hello” to someone. It means literally to embrace someone as you would a member of your own family.
This reminds us of when Jesus was teaching in Capernaum, and Mary with his brothers travelled there from Nazareth to bring him home, thinking that he was out of his mind. Jesus said to the people around him,
Who are my mother and my brothers? (Mark 3:33.)
The Lord was pointing out that the ties that unite our spiritual family are just as real, and spiritually greater, than the ties that bind our earthly families.
Spiritual Application
What are the things that are stopping you loving and treating the members of your spiritual community as your own family?
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