Category Archives: Servant

Friends sharing wine and food around a warmly lit dinner table
Bible, Hospitality, Love, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service

THE HOST WITH THE MOST

ROMANS 16:23

“Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, greets you, and Quartus, the brother.”

Have you ever known a truly, gracious host? I’ve known a few. They make sure you are taken care of with everything you need at their home. They provide you with a room, towels, food and maybe even some snacks. Whenever my wife and I have hosted guests in our home, we have tried to do the same. Some people are just gifted hosts or hostesses.

I am guessing Gaius was such a person. Most scholars agree that he was more than likely a wealthy member of the church there in Corinth. He even hosted the church in his home. This wasn’t the only time Paul referenced Gaius. In 1 Corinthians 1:14 we find he was one of two people Paul himself baptized in Corinth. “I am thankful that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,…” The Topical Lexicon says, “The twin notes of baptism and hospitality suggest spiritual responsiveness followed by tangible kingdom investment—an enduring pattern for Christian discipleship.”

APPLICATION

Gaius was obviously loved by many others besides Paul. Some scholars attribute this Gaius as the one John writes to in 3 John.
“The elder to the beloved Gaius, whom I love in truth.” We don’t know for sure if this is the same Gaius or another of the same name, but they both have similar character traits. They were both hospitable, faithful and loving. We’ll find out one day who these men were and if they were the same person. For our teaching today, let’s assume they were.

Did you know that John Bunyan used the name Gaius as his innkeeper in The Pilgrim’s Progress? The name Gaius means “happy” or “one who rejoices.” What a great name, right? So, let me ask you if you are being hospitable toward others. Do you seek to meet the needs of others when you can? I know we can’t always do that, but we have so many examples of that in Scripture. It seems that the Lord wants us to show a little hospitality when we can.

You may not be wealthy in material goods, but we all have things we can share with others. When I have traveled overseas, I have always been well taken care of by people who have little to give. They always make sure my needs are met. They feed me well (even though I may not prefer the food they put before me, lol) and make sure I am safe wherever I stay. That’s how the body of Christ works. Will you ask the Lord how you can show this great love for others today?

Thank You, Lord, for those You have gifted with that great gift of hospitality toward others. Help me exercise that gift more myself.

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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Young scribe writing on a scroll as an older teacher instructs him
Bible, Humility, Others, Romans, Scripture, Servant

THE SCRIBE

ROMANS 16:22

“I, Tertius, who have written this letter, greet you in the Lord.”

There is an organization today called “I Am Second.” People give their testimonies of how they put others before them. That’s pretty biblical, isn’t it? But putting others first without the motive of Christian love is simply unsustainable. You will wear yourself out doing that. If we allow Christ to love others through us, we can do that all day. It’s Christ’s love that compels us, not our own effort.

Why do I bring that up? Because the scribe who wrote this letter to the Romans has a name that means “third.” It was a common name usually given to lower class people or even slaves (enumerating the number in which they were bought). We do know this name was a Roman name. Since he was writing this from Corinth, he was introducing himself to the church in Rome. Paul could have used scribes to take dictation other letters, but Tertius is the only person specifically named as the scribe.

APPLICATION

You may never be chosen to write or dictate a letter to a church, but your life is writing volumes. How so? The world is watching you. If you are known to your neighbors as a Christian, they will observe how you live. We could be giving a great testimony by how we treat our spouses and children or we could be a terrible witness of Christ’s love.

I am willing to bet that Tertius never thought his name would appear in a canonized book of Scripture. His duty was only to write down exactly what the Holy Spirit was telling Paul to say. Do you realize that same Holy Spirit is still telling us what to say and to whom? That’s another volume you write. Your obedience to the Spirit’s leading tells others how to live their own lives.

Tertius appears nowhere else in Scripture. Just one small verse in which he sent his personal greeting (I’m sure with Paul’s permission) “in the Lord.” Shouldn’t that be how we all greet others? When we do that, we would be sure to treat them as Christ would. We wouldn’t need a bracelet to remind us WWJD. We would know! My pastor said recently, “When you don’t know what to do, do what you do know to do.” Pretty good advice. Now go be a Tertius to someone today. Greet them and treat them as Jesus would.

Father, let me be a humble servant who cares nothing about recognition or prestige.

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, 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). 

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

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

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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Caretaker kneeling and scrubbing a cathedral floor with a bucket and brush
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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Three leatherworkers stitching a large leather piece in a historic market
Bible, Fellow worker, Gospel, Ministry, Romans, Scripture, Servant

FELLOW WORKERS

ROMANS 16:3

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,”

I have been blessed in my ministry to have some awesome coworkers. Many of those have become lifelong friends. I pray you have friends and coworkers like that. When people have a common passion, it is so much easier to work together. On the other hand, when someone on your team isn’t bought in to the vision, it can become quite burdensome.

Paul first met Prisca and Aquila when they had to leave Rome because of Claudius’ decree that all Jews had to vacate the city. In Acts 18:2 we read, “And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome.” And they weren’t just acquaintances. They helped Paul early on in his ministry. In Acts 18:26 we are told, “and he began speaking boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately to him.” Fellow workers can help teach us, as well.

APPLICATION

Prisca and Acquila are mentioned again in 1 Corinthians 16:19. “The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” They actually hosted a church in their home. Getting kicked out of Rome didn’t deter them. Coming to the aid of a new believer like Paul didn’t distract them. They were committed followers of Christ who joined arms with anyone who was like-minded in their mission to see the Gospel preached.

We also read in Acts 18:3 that Paul lived with them for a period of time since they had the same trade as tent makers. Not only did they minister together, but they also worked together. Can you just picture them sewing together these tents? I can imagine them praying over each as they were sold. I know a couple I have met several times at conferences who sell Christian t-shirts. As each shirt is sold, they pray for the buyer. It is really a precious thing to watch.

With whom are you linked together with in ministry? What else do you have in common? One of my ministry colleagues is also a hunter like me. We can talk about sharing the Gospel and about hunting. What a blessing. Find like-minded believers to do life with. I promise you will bless each other and make your ministry that much more fruitful.

Thank You, Lord, for the people You have put in my life over the years.

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, Body, Helping, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service

HELPING EACH OTHER

ROMANS 16:2

“that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.”

I like to help others when I can. That may involve meeting with them to talk about issues they are struggling with. It could mean some physical labor like mowing a lawn or simply bringing in a trash can. Helping others is a good way to witness to someone without even saying anything.

Paul spends some time in today’s verse continuing to recommend Phoebe to the Roman church. He encourages them to “help her in whatever matter she may have need of you.” That sounds similar to the words Paul wrote to Philemon about his runaway slave, Onesimus. In verse 17 of Philemon, Paul writes, “If then you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.” Paul was always advocating for those who have proven themselves in their service to him or others.

APPLICATION

At first glance of the English translation, you might think the same root Greek word is used for “help” and “helper.” But it’s not. The first word is the Greek word that means to stand beside someone or to assist them. But the Greek word for “helper is a different word entirely. It’s the word prostatis. Barnes describes prostatis this way, “The word used here, prostatis, means properly ‘a patron, a help,’ and was applied by the Greeks to one who ‘presided’ over an assembly; to one who became ‘a patron’ of others; who aided or defended them in their cause; and especially to one who undertook to manage the cause of ‘strangers’ and foreigners before the courts.” 

Some commentators speculate she may have had legal business in Roman which required her to travel there. Perhaps she was doing that on behalf of someone else. We don’t know and really can’t speculate why she was traveling to Rome. For whatever reason she was going, Paul is telling the church there to help her however they could.

Are you a helper of others? Do you advocate for those in need? You may have been on the receiving side of that. If so, reciprocate. Pay it forward. If you are like me, there is probably someone you know who needs a little help. If you are able, help them. You can at least pray for them and let them know you did. That may be all the help they want right now. And prayer is free and limitless. Amen?

O Lord, it is a blessing to help others as You direct. Use me in whatever way You see best.

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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