Category Archives: Martyrs

Diverse group praying around a candlelit table inside a rustic room
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). 

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

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). 

Standard