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.

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