Based on Romans 16:1-16 (New King James Version)
“I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.”
What do all these names that the Apostle Paul wrote mean? Why leave written the names of people on letters that should just contain Biblical teaching and doctrine? What is the value in a person’s name? Well, it is critical that the names of these people be written because they mean a lot. We will see exactly what they mean.
In our first observation, we can understand that they were brothers and sisters with good testimony. In other words, their dedication to the things of God, and to the care of the family in the faith was outstanding. But, on what is good testimony and care based on? On feelings, on nice words, on flattery, on superficial acts? Of course not! Even though it is not bad to receive some sort of physical demonstration of affection, or for someone to say something nice every now and then, or to receive some sort of attention; these things do not define that which has true value. And good testimony does not consist of pretty words, or raising of hands, or shouting out holy words, or praising out loud, or doing religious things. It goes beyond those things. In the end, everything must go deeper; in action, in effort, in sacrifice, and even unto death, if necessary, and that is not made possible by superficiality. Unfortunately, many people allow themselves to be convinced by these things as proof or expressions of love, and they are being carried away by superficial and hollow things. They don’t realize that those that use such tricks are just out to get something out of them. Many put themselves in positions where they are vulnerable to the wolf’s attack because they are led by superficial and vain thoughts.
What makes a person different, especially before the eyes of God? Even though we are saved by grace alone, works have much value after a person has received the grace of God. We are saved with a purpose; for good works. And as part of those good works, it is a matter of learning what is the will of God, practicing it, and fulfilling it. For it is written: “Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:19-20. The Lord Himself also taught us this: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matthew 7:21-23.
The second observation is that these names mean that people like you and me were able to do things that pleased God, and that also helped their brethren in Christ. These names demonstrate that it is possible to do things of recognition, things that go beyond talk and superficiality. And this makes a great difference in the life of a believer. Because again, it is about action. And by doing what God says makes all the difference in the world in our lives and in others. For it is written: ‘Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. ‘But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.’” Matthew 7:24-27.
And finally, the third observation. The name of a person means a lot, in terms of what they have been able to accomplish through the Lord. Even though the world and those that do not know how to recognize what has true value do not remember those that did the will the God, their names will last eternally and forever. Their names will be known in the kingdom of God forever, and all the works they did. The Most High and Almighty God will write their actions in remembrance of them. That is what eternal life is about; that a person and their identity will exist forever, and that they will form part of the immovable things of God. For it is written: “He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. ‘He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” Revelation 3:5-6. Even though the world may remember as precious certain people, if those people do not have their names written in the Book of Life, their names will be forgotten because they will burn together with the things of the world. Everything we see will one day disappear, and their names and identities also. The things that were will not be remembered, especially those that will find themselves in hell. It will be as if they never existed.
So then, do you look to have good testimony before the Almighty or before men? Lord bless! John