Category Archives: Slaves

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). 

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People gathering on a historic cobblestone village street at sunset
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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Older man offering comfort to kneeling man beside a fireplace
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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Bible, Chains, Freedom, Romans, Scripture, Slaves

FREEDOM

ROMANS 8:21

“that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God.”

Oh, this verse rocks my world. Doesn’t it yours? Just think about what freedom means? I have to quote Gill’s Exposition here. Get ready. This will rock you too. Gill’s says this freedom is “a freedom from the dominion of sin and Satan, from the law and bondage of it, in the free use of Gospel ordinances, in liberty of access to God, and a freedom from the fear of death, and a glorious liberty it is; or the liberty of glory the saints shall enjoy in the other world, which will lies in a freedom from the prison of the flesh, from the body of sin and death, from all sorrows and afflictions, from all reproaches and persecutions, from the temptations of Satan, from doubts, fears, and unbelief, and in the full vision of God through Christ, and in a free conversation with angels and saints.”

This is what Paul is saying in today’s verse. Woohoo! We are destined for an eternal freedom. The word “freedom” is the Greek word eleutheria which means the “liberating reality that believers possess in Christ.” (Topical Lexicon) So, let me ask you this question. Are you walking in that freedom today? Or are you still walking around like you are chained to the sin nature in you?

APPLICATION

Peter says it well in 2 Peter 2:20. “For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome,” Is that you? I pray not. We are to walk in victory, brothers and sisters, not to sin. Which is easier, to walk free or chained?

Paul writes the Galatians in Galatians 5:1 with the same message. “It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.” Do you get it now? Stop strapping yourself down by the yoke of slavery to sin. Will you walk perfectly? Of course not! No one can. But we do not walk this path alone. Christ, through the power of His Holy Spirit, has broken the chains that bind us.

Chris Tomlin writes these lyrics in his song “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone).” 

My chains are gone; I’ve been set free. 

My God, my Savior has ransomed me 

And like a flood His mercy rains 

Unending love, Amazing grace 

Walk in victory today and every day. He has set us free!

Thank You, Lord, for the freedom I have today and forever!

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, Freedom, Jurisdiction, Law, Masters, Scripture, Slaves

JURISDICTION

ROMANS 7:1

“Or do you not know, brothers and sisters (for I am speaking to those who know the Law), that the Law has jurisdiction over a person as long as he lives?”

You may have heard the word “jurisdiction” in a cop show or court room drama. Law enforcement officers are normally restricted to their jurisdiction when it comes to making arrests. Judges also have districts which limit their rulings. Now, these “lines” of jurisdiction can be moved from time to time and law enforcement can work with other jurisdictions to enforce laws and catch bad guys. But what exactly did Paul mean when he used this word?

The Greek word used by Paul translated as “jurisdiction” is kyrieúō. It means “to exercise rights over one’s own property as an owner with full dominion (lordship) over this jurisdiction.” (HELPS Word-studies) This word is only used seven times in the New Testament with four of those occurring in Romans. We’ve already seen it in 6:9 and 14. We’ll see the word again in 14:9. Paul was emphasizing the power of sin over our lives before Christ and the power of the Law over those who tried to follow it.

APPLICATION

Perhaps one of the best uses of the word is found in Luke 22:25 where Jesus was confronting the disciples when they were caught disputing who was the greatest. He told them, “‘The kings of the Gentiles domineer over them; and those who have authority over them are called “Benefactors.”’” The word “domineer” is kyrieúō. Do you see it more clearly now?

The Topical Lexicon says kyrieúō “portrays the exercise of lordship—personal mastery that either liberates or oppresses, depending upon the one who wields it. In Scripture the term becomes a lens through which divine, moral, and relational authority are examined.” In today’s verse it is definitely a jurisdiction of oppression under the Law. There was no freedom found there.

So, how do you want to live your life? You say, I am not under the Law. I can do whatever I want. Really? If you do whatever you want, now your flesh is your master. If you try to keep all the laws, it is your master. You must decide to submit yourself to The Master Who sets you free. That freedom allows you to choose Him as Master. Come under His jurisdiction and find true freedom.

Thank You, O Father, for the freedom we have in Christ. He is the gentle Judge over our lives.

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, Bondslaves, Enslavement, Eternal Life, Fruit, Sanctification, Sin, Slaves

THE GREAT EXCHANGE 

ROMANS 6:22

“But now having been freed from sin and enslaved to God, you derive your benefit, resulting in sanctification, and the outcome, eternal life.”

This time of the year there are lots of Christmas parties. One of the favorite games among adults is “Dirty Santa.” Now, that sounds worse than it is. The rules are everyone brings a gift which is supposed to cost within a certain range, say $10. All the gifts are wrapped without any names attached. Everyone gets in a circle, and numbers are drawn representing everybody who is there. Number 1 goes first, selects a gift and opens it. Number 2 goes next, but they can take Number 1’s gift or select their own. If they “steal” Number 1’s gift, Number 1 gets to select again. This continues until everyone has gotten a gift by “stealing” someone else’s or selecting one of their own. Some exchanges are good while others not so much.

Paul tells us clearly that we exchange slavery to sin for slavery to God. We know the slavery to sin leads only to death and destruction. But Paul tells us here that slavery to God produces good fruit (same word we saw in yesterday’s blog). This fruit results in sanctification and eventually to our eternal life with Christ in the heavenlies.

APPLICATION

It’s important to look at the verbs in today’s verse. “Set free” and “enslaved” are both Aorist Passive Participles which are tied to the main verb “derive.” Aorist means a certain, undefined point in time. Passive means it is done to you. In the first one, “set free,” we have the Greek word eleutheróō, which means “properly, set free, release from bondage; (figuratively) to remove the restrictions of sin (darkness) because delivered by God into true spiritual liberty (growth).” (HELPS Word-studies) We see that used in John 8:36: “So if the Son makes you free you will be free indeed”

The next verb (participle) is “enslaved,” which is the Greek word doulóō. This form of the Greek word, according to HELPS Word-studies is “focusing on the status of being a bond-slave.” Do you know what a bondslave is? It is someone who has chosen to serve someone. They weren’t taken by force. It was a willful surrender of their will to the master’s. What a great picture of our surrender to Jesus.

The main verb of this verse is “you derive.” That’s the Greek word echo, and I don’t mean that is something you hear when you yell in a cave, lol. It’s a simple verb, but the important thing is it is in the Present Indicative Active. Let me just say it’s an ongoing activity. We will derive or get the benefit or fruit continuously. Hallelujah! The Great Exchange – the bad for the good – sin for righteousness – impurity for purity – unholiness for holiness. Now, go live that way today.

Lord, I am not worthy to be called Your child, but You have chosen me and I serve You willingly.

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, Enslavement, Righteousness, Scripture, Sin, Slaves

CHOOSE RIGHTEOUSNESS

ROMANS 6:20

“For when you were slaves of sin, you were free in relation to righteousness.”

You have surely heard the expression “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” Have you ever stopped to think about what that saying means? It means you can’t enjoy two incompatible things at the same time. You just can’t. This idiom dates back to the 16th century, but it is still true today. Too many people think you can claim to be a Christian and still live like the world. The two are not compatible.

Paul is continuing to draw the line between sin and righteousness. This verse today is not hard to understand. He is saying when we were obeying our sinful flesh and living immorality, we had no part with righteousness. In fact, we did everything we could to avoid it. 1 Peter 4:3 describes this slavery of sin so well. “For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of indecent behavior, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties, and wanton idolatries.”

APPLICATION

Let’s take a look at our viewing habits. So many things in the media today point us directly at those things described in 1 Peter 4:3. But instead we are to pursue holy things. I don’t mean you have to sit and meditate all day. I am not saying all you can read is the Bible or that you are not allowed to enjoy a good movie. But there are some things we should avoid if we want to pursue a righteous life.

Don’t forget, any righteousness we have as followers of Christ are from Him. Do you want to soil His righteousness. It would be like borrowing someone’s Sunday best and then wallow in a pig pen. Not only would you soil the clothing that you were entrusted, but you would also carry with your stench of those pigs. Believe me, you don’t want that smell on you. Sin stinks. Always has and always will.

So, today choose righteousness. Shun even the appearance of evil. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 says that. Even the appearance! That means we can’t have our cake and eat it too. We can’t say we are a child of God and live like the devil’s. We shouldn’t want that. Do you? I sure don’t. I know I fail miserably many days, but I pray my failings are just that – failings. They are not because I pursued something evil. Beloved, join me in chasing after righteousness from above.

O Lord, I know I fall short of Your glory, but I desperately want it. Help me today to pursue it fully.

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, Impurity, Lawlessness, Physical, Righteousness, Sanctification, Scripture, Slaves

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

ROMANS 6:19

“I am speaking in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented the parts of your body as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness, resulting in further lawlessness, so now present your body’s parts as slaves to righteousness, resulting in sanctification.”

In our physical bodies, some parts are exposed to the public and others are covered for modesty and privacy. You all know that. It would seem we put way too much emphasis on our bodies. Billions of dollars are spent every year on lotions, shampoos, anti-wrinkling creams and the such. We are in this lifetime struggle to try to stay younger, but we all age and we all die. That’s just a fact.

Paul uses the analogy of the body and its members a few times in scripture. In today’s verse he basically is telling us to stop using our bodies for sin and use them for righteousness. Physical sin was rampant in Paul’s world. There were temple prostitutes and all sorts of immoral behavior. Many believe the downfall of Rome was due to their increasing tolerance of immorality in their society. When everything is accepted, nothing is stood for.

APPLICATION

Jesus uses this same word for “body’s parts” in Matthew 5:29-30. “‘29 Now if your right eye is causing you to sin, tear it out and throw it away from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. 30 And if your right hand is causing you to sin, cut it off and throw it away from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your body, than for your whole body to go into hell.’” Now, Jesus wasn’t advocating for one-eyed or one-handed followers. No! But He was warning us of the perils of the human flesh.

How are you using your body right now? You may be saying, Carl, I am not in the least bit concerned about my body. Well, you should be because as a follower of Christ, your body is His body. Everything you do or don’t do to your body affects how He can use you. I know from personal experience the limits we can have physically if we are ill or weak. I still can’t do certain things I could do before my two stem cell transplants.

How does Christ want to use your body? He wants you to exemplify perfection. Not physical perfection but perfect presentation of your body to Him. Jesus uses all sizes and ages of people. He doesn’t require you to be physically strong to be used. But He does expect us to do all we can to care for the vessel He has given us to live in. Give your bodies to righteousness and not sinfulness.

My body belongs to You, O Lord. Take it and use it for Your 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, Bondslaves, Choices, Enslavement, Righteousness, Scripture, Sin, Slaves

SLAVES BY CHOICE

ROMANS 6:18

“and after being freed from sin, you became slaves to righteousness.”

Every job I have ever had was my choice. No one made me work for someone. Sure, I might have been encouraged by my parents or my wife, but I made the choice in the end. I prayed about those jobs. I wanted to make sure it was His will for my life and not just something I wanted to do. Looking back over my 65 years, some of those choices may not have been the best. But God worked through each of them to bring me to the point where I am today.

Paul has been using the analogy of slavery in the past few verses. It was a system he was very aware of having lived in that environment. The word Paul uses for “became slaves” is doulóō which focuses on the status of being a bond-slave and stresses the results of enslavement. The word is used eight times in the New Testament. The Topical Lexicon says, “The eight New Testament uses of this verb, taken together, testify that the gospel does not merely offer improved circumstances; it effects a total change of ownership, replacing cruel slavery to sin with joyful servanthood to the living God.”

APPLICATION

We’ll see doulóō a few verses later in Romans 6:22. Paul uses it in 1 Corinthians 9:19 when he writes, “For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may gain more.” Willfully choosing to enslave oneself is a huge decision. So many people don’t get this. They enter into their relationship with Jesus just to escape the fires of hell. They are not told that when we choose Jesus, we choose enslavement to His will. They think it will hold them back and don’t understand this enslavement actually frees you.

You can also choose enslavement to other things. In Titus 2:3 this word is used to warn women to not be enslaved to much wine. We all know the results of that, right? Our choices have consequences – good or bad. As Paul said a couple of verses back, we can be slaves to sin or obedience. Both have consequences.

But here in today’s verse Paul makes it clear that we have been freed from sin to choose righteousness. We choose to live enslaved to a Master who will give us His righteousness. We did not deserve it and we cannot earn it. His righteousness was given to us the moment we “enslave” ourselves to Him. We become royalty, part of the family of God. What a great enslavement. Will you choose that today? Enslave yourself to Him.

Father, I bind myself to You each day and seek to do Your will.

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, Entrust, Heart, Obedience, Scripture, Sin, Slaves, Trustworthy

HANDED OVER

ROMANS 6:17

“But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were entrusted,”

Have you ever been given something by someone and asked to keep it safe? Perhaps it was a rare coin or piece of jewelry. It could even be a child that needs your temporary care. Some things are handed over to law enforcement due to a crime. Other things or people are handed over to cause them harm. We all know the horrible stories told concerning human trafficking.

Paul uses a Greek word that is translated “were entrusted” to show us just how close and personal this is in our lives. The word is paradídōmi. HELPS Word-studies defines it this way, “(from pará, ‘from close-beside and dídōmi, ‘give) – properly, to give (turn) over; ‘hand over from,’ i.e. to deliver over with a sense of close (personal) involvement.” Let’s take a closer look at how this word is used in the New Testament.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 18:24 this word is used by Jesus in His story about the slave who owed 10,000 talents. “And his master, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he would repay all that was owed him.” In this use of the word, being handed over was not a good thing. The torturers were given complete power over this wicked servant. Paradídōmi is also the word used to describe how Judas “betrayed” the Lord into the hands of the Jewish leaders.

The Topical Lexicon describes the use of paradídōmi this way. “Whether used of a traitor, a judge, an apostle, or God Himself, the word always carries the sober idea that what is ‘delivered up’ passes irrevocably into another’s control.” So, how is Paul using paradídōmi in today’s verse? He is telling us that we have been handed the teachings of Christ. We have control of them. But is that the case for everyone?

Yes, all followers of Christ receive His teachings, but how many of them actually follow and use them? I have met too many church-going men who knew all about Jesus and the Bible but chose not to obey. To have been entrusted with something means we protect it, to watch over it. Are you doing that today? It has been entrusted to you. How trustworthy are you?

Lord, I am so grateful for the teachings I have received. Please help me live them out daily.

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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