by Walter A. Boyd (South Africa)
Paper 22
(B) His Salutations to Rome (Romans 16.3-16).
It would be most unfortunate if these verses were glanced over and dismissed as having no more value than that of a list of names. All Scripture is profitable, 2Tim.3.16. If we ask some questions as we read the passage, we will unearth hidden truths in the names that appear to have no purpose beyond being Paul’s friends. What does each name mean? What comment does Paul make about those he has named? Why are they here? These are the questions that will provide help and understanding in the passage, and above all, a challenge to our hearts.
Irrespective of the details of each name, the fact that they are mentioned by Paul, and often with apparent affection, shows the bonds of love in Christ that existed between Paul and these believers. After almost thirty years of labour in the gospel, it is not surprising that he had made friends along the way. These were obviously not fair-weather friends, but genuine helpers whose fidelity had been tried and tested by the rigours of first-century Christian testimony. This list of names gives authenticity to the whole letter, in the same way as the mention of Phebe’s name in 16.1,2 (see previous paper). If the letter was not genuine, a list of greetings to such individuals would not be feasible. The number of feminine names in this list of twenty-six, dismisses the unfounded notion that Paul was a male-chauvinist. It is clear that he appreciated the labours and fidelity of his sisters in Christ, and wanted to place that on record. Another interesting facet in the names is the wide diversity among those individuals who comprised the testimony in Rome: some names are Greek, some Jewish, and some Latin. That diversity is beautifully enhanced by the evident sense of unity among them (see v5, 10, etc.).
In this chapter expressive language is used to describe the helpful contributions to Paul’s work for the Lord: succourer; fellow-workers; much labour; fellow-prisoners; beloved in the Lord; approved in Christ; labour in the Lord; laboured much in the Lord.
It is difficult to outline these verses in any way other than;
1. Particular Salutations v3-15.
2. General Salutations v16.
1. Particular Salutations v3-15. It will be helpful to note that Paul’s salutation consists of two ingredients: (a) Greetings by name, and (b) Appreciative remarks.
V3-5(a) Priscilla and Aquila and the church in their house. If we follow the Revised reading in Acts 18.26, Priscilla (or Prisca) is mentioned before her husband (Aquila) on four out of the six times that they appear together in the New Testament. The reason for this is not clear. It may be that she appears first on those occasions where they are helping to advance the work of God, and Paul recognised them as his "fellow-helpers," Rom.16.3, because it was Priscilla who took the initiative. Four things of note are recorded about this fine couple;
1. Their Helpfulness —"fellow-helpers."
2. Their Sacrificial Service —"laid down their own necks."
3. Their Reputation —"to whom all the churches of the Gentiles ... give thanks."
4. Their Hospitality —"the church that is in their house."
The Apostle had a number of helpers and co-workers; but the expression, "my helpers in Christ," seems to suggest that among all his helpers Priscilla and Aquila were the fellow-helpers of note. After their paths had crossed with the Apostle to the Gentiles, we read that he resided with them; he laboured with them; they travelled with him; they instructed Apollos — who later assisted Paul in the work of the Lord. But not only did they serve with Paul in the work; in doing so they exposed their lives to great danger. The phrase "their own necks," makes it clear that each of them was exposed to equal danger. For Paul’s sake, neither Priscilla nor Aquila shirked from placing their life on the line. We are not told where or when this was, but obviously the other saints knew of it, and were thankful to God for their courage. It was likely that they performed some act of bravery, which secured the service of Paul towards the Gentile assemblies, and ensured his continued service among them. This may have been in the tumult at Corinth, Acts 18, or later in Ephesus, Acts 19.
At the time of Paul’s letter they had moved to Rome, where their service for God was as constant as ever. An assembly met in their house. This is a manifestation of the genuineness of their hospitality, and the unremitting nature of their help to other saints. Some self-seeking individuals would be happy to host a notable servant of God, like the Apostle Paul; but Priscilla and Aquila had open hearts and an open home for all the saints, of whatever standing. They did not foster social class distinction or any other artificial division among the Lord’s people.
V5(b) Epaenetus who was well beloved and firstfruits to Christ. The word "salute" is the same word as "greet," and should be translated so throughout. Epaenetus is described as "my well beloved" (AV), or dearly beloved. Three others are spoken of in the same terms: Amplias (v8), Stachys (v9), Persis (v12). Describing Epaenetus as the firstfruits of Achaia seems to conflict with 1Cor.16.15, where it is the house of Stephanas. A number of suggestions have been made to resolve this difficulty, such as Epaenetus belonged to the household of Stephanas, or salvation came to both at the same time. The most convincing of all the suggestions is the change from Achaia to Asia, by JND and RV. There is substantial manuscript evidence to support this. Whatever the case, it is clear that Paul remembered his converts with affection. When Epaenetus got saved, the apostle rejoiced. Undoubtedly, Paul presented him to God in prayer as the firstfruits of that area, confident that there would be a great harvest to follow. In Old Testament days the priest lifted up the wave sheaf before God, in an expression of thanks for gathering in that sheaf, and what would yet be done in gathering in many more, to guarantee a full harvest.
V6 — Mary who bestowed much labour. There are a number of Marys in the New Testament, and very likely this is yet another one: not to be confused with the others. JND and RV change the object of her abundant labour from "us" to "you." Whoever it was that benefited from her toil, she laboured tirelessly, or diligently. She was a hard worker. Obviously, Paul knew the details and extent of her labours, and wanted to express his appreciation. It may have been some notable type of service, or it may have been something more general. One thing is sure: heaven knows it all, and has recorded it in full for a future day of reward. Mary is like many a dear sister today - known only by her Christian name; but in a future day of reward she will stand as one of the choicest labourers in the full joy of heaven’s acclaim.
V7 — Andronicus and Junia who were kinsmen; fellow-helpers; of note among apostles and in Christ before Paul. It is impossible to be dogmatic about whether or not this is a married couple, or two men. The difficulty arises in the second name. It can be either Junia (feminine), or Junias (masculine). Darby’s New Translation, Revised Version, and Newberry’s margin do not clarify the difficulty. In any case, what is said about them is of more importance to our present considerations than an exact identification.
"My kinsmen." In Rom.9.3, Paul uses this expression to describe his fellow countrymen. It is more in keeping here to have that meaning, than to think of them as family relatives.
"My fellow-prisoners." The apostle endured a number of imprisonments; and possibly more than recorded in the New Testament. At some stage, Andronicus and Junia were imprisoned with him, possibly also for their faith in Christ. They were especially dear to Paul in a three-fold way: in Christ, in the flesh, and in the hardship associated with the gospel.
"Of note among the apostles." This is not suggesting they were notable apostles, but that they were held in high esteem among the apostles. For some reason, they were highly thought of by the apostolic band. It may be because they were among the earliest converts, or perhaps because of their imprisonment for Christ.
"In Christ before me." There is something about Andronicus and Junia that is especially appealing to Paul. When he was ‘breathing out slaughter’ against the Jewish believers, Andronicus and Junia may have been among those he persecuted. But now, with them, he was "in Christ," and sharing their experience of hardship and imprisonment. Paul was always ready to acknowledge precedence in people and in situations. As an older man, he had no desire to claim seniority over others. As in other places, he uses an expression that links conversion to the positional truth of being "in Christ."
—to be continued (D.V.)