Category: Bible

Destroy… and Bring to Nothing…

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1Corinthians 1:18-20 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 

‘Preaching’ [Greek: logos] meaning word. It is used 330 times with 3 main ideas of expression: In respect to speech: a word (Jas. 3:2); saying (Matt. 19:22); discourse (2Cor. 10:10); doctrine (1Tim. 6:3; 2Tim. 1:13); treatise (Acts 1:1); report (John 21:23); and discussion by which the inward thought is expressed (Heb. 4:2). In respect to the mind alone: the reasoning powers (Heb. 4:12). In respect to a person: the essential living Word of God (John 1:1, 14; 1Jn. 1:1; 5:7; Rev. 19:13); the embodiment of an expression of all wisdom and prudence (Eph. 1:8; 1Cor. 1:30; Col. 2:3)

Logos has to do with a concept, an idea; the Greek word rhema has to do with the expression of that idea in proper, intelligent, and grammatical form in words and sentences.

‘Foolishness’ [Greek: moria] silly, absurd, foolish. Only in 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21, 23; 2:14; 3:19.

‘Us which are saved’ – For us who are being saved, salvation has a present and future aspect (Rom. 13:11; Php. 2:12; 1Thes. 5:8-9; 2Tim. 1:9; 3:15; 4:18; 1Pet. 1:5).

‘It is the power of God’ – the preaching of Christ, the gospel, and the cross save the souls of people (1Cor. 1:18-24; Rom. 1:16).

‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.’ This is the 1st Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in 1 Corinthians (Isa. 29:14). The characteristics of human wisdom, which is mostly false, are as follow: There is always bitter envying and strife in the heart (Jas. 3:14, 16); they glory in their profession (Jas. 3:14) and not in God (1Cor. 10:31); it is earthly, having only this life in view; it is sensual, living only to satisfy the animal appetites; it is devilish, inspired by demons (Jas. 3:15); it brings confusion and every evil work (Jas. 3:16). The characteristics of divine wisdom are: It is pure-chaste, holy and clean; peaceable (Heb. 12:14); gentle-meek, modest, and kind; easily entreated – not stubborn or obstinate, but yielding to others; full of mercy – always forgiving and performing acts of kindness; full of good fruits (Gal. 5:22-23); without partiality – having no respect of persons (Jas. 2:1-10) and without hypocrisy – open, honest, genuine, and true.

‘Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?’ this is the 2nd Old Testament prophecy fulfilled in 1 Corinthians (Isa. 33:18).

‘World’ [Greek: aion] age. The age was one of speculation (Acts 17:21). The word for “disputer” in Hebrew is darshan (from darash), and in Greek: suzetetes, meaning propounder of questions; the seeker of allegorical, mystical, metaphysical, and cabalistic interpretations of the Scriptures by Jewish rabbis and Greek philosophers.

Baptism

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1Corinthians 1:14-17 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 

‘Crispus’ was the chief ruler of the synagogue and he believed in the Lord with all his house (Acts 18:8). The chief ruler presided in all assemblies, interpreted the law, decided what was lawful and unlawful, punished and executed the rebellious, solemnized marriages, and issued divorces. Upon his conversion, Sosthenes succeeded him (Acts 18:17). He also became a convert (1Cor. 1:1).

 ‘Gaius’ mentioned in Romans 16:23. He may be the Diotrephes whom John refers to in his third epistle (3Jn. 1:9), when he says that he wrote unto the congregation. If this is true then we could suppose that 3 John could be called John’s epistle to the Corinthian congregation.

‘Stephanas’ we read of in 1Corinthians 16:15-17.

‘Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel.’ Seven important facts Paul notes on water baptism: Paul was thankful that he had not emphasized or practiced baptism (1:14). Christ sent him not to baptize, but to preach the gospel (1:17). Baptism is not essential to salvation from sin (1:17-24). It is merely a symbol of that salvation (1Pet. 3:21). Christ saves people before and without water baptism (1:17-21). The gospel were preached without the preacher being a baptizer (1:17; John 4:2; Matt. 4:17-24). The preaching of the cross, not baptism, is God’s power to save (1:18-21; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8-9). Faith, not baptism, saves the soul (1:21; John 3:15-20, 36; 5:24). It is important only after one is saved. Baptism into water is essential to obedience and to a “good conscience” after one is saved and in Christ (Mt. 28:19; 1Pet. 3:21; 1Jn. 5:6-10).

‘Not with wisdom of words.’ Human eloquence is no substitute for Holy Spirit anointing and power (2:1-5).

Divisions

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1Corinthians 1:10-13 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you said, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

‘By the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you.’ Three exhortations by Christ’s authority: That you speak the same things; that there be no divisions among you and that you be unified in all things.

Jesus prayed for the unity of believers (John 17:11, 21-22).

‘Divisions’ [Greek: schism] From a split or gap (“schism”), literally or figuratively: division, rent or schism.

‘Declared’ [Greek: deloo] ]to make manifest (3:13; Col. 1:8; Heb. 9:8; 12:27).

‘Them which are of the house of Chloe’ – perhaps the ones of 1 Corinthians 16:17 who had come from Corinth to make known the conditions of the congregation to Paul. They perhaps were sons of Chloe, a very prominent person in Corinth.

‘Contentions’ [Greek: eris] Strife (Rom. 13:13; 1Cor. 3:3; Php. 1:15; 1Tim. 6:4); contention (1:11; Tit. 3:9); debate (Rom. 1:29; 2Cor. 12:20); and variance (Gal. 5:20). These contentions were caused by the divisions of 1 Corinthians 1:10.

‘Every one of you said, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.’ Four main parties in Corinth: Paulians – followers of Paul, because he founded the congregation (Acts 18:1-7), and because he was a special apostle to the Gentiles (Rom. 11:13). Apollonians – followers of Apollos, because of his eloquence (Acts 18:24-19:1). Cephians – followers of Peter, because he was the apostle to the Jews (Gal. 2:7-10). Christians – followers of Christ, because they would have nothing to do with parties that followed people (1Cor. 1:12)

‘Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?’ Paul, Apollos and Peter were followers of Jesus Christ and rebuked those who followed them instead of Jesus Christ. There can be no divisions in the body of Christ.

Romans 16:17 warns us to be alert for those who cause divisions and have no religious fellowship with them that the flock may be protected; 1 Corinthians 3:3 warns that envying led to strife and evil speaking, and that led to divisions and fixed parties; 1 Corinthians 11:18-19 talks about the divisions amongst the congregation of Corinth and that there must be heresies among them, that they which are approved may be made manifested.

The Testimony of Christ

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1Corinthians 1:6-9 Even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you: So that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall also confirm you unto the end, that you may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is faithful, by whom you were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 

‘Testimony’ [Greek: marturion] refers to the gospel of Christ which Paul had confirmed to people in all places by the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Rom. 15:18-19, 29; Acts 15:4, 12; 19:11).

‘So that you come behind in no gift’ – the gospel was fully preached and confirmed (1:6), to the end that believers come behind in no gift of the Holy Spirit (1:7; 12:4-11).

‘Waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ …’ this is the first New Testament prophecy in 1 Corinthians verses 7-8, unfulfilled. [Greek: apekdechomai] eagerly expecting. It is used in nearly every instance of looking for the coming of the Lord or the future hope of salvation.

‘Coming’ [Greek: apokalupsis] unveiling, revelation, manifestation. Revelation – when used of a revelation it always denotes that which has had the covering taken off and the mystery removed, so that all can see alike what is revealed (Rev. 1:1; Rom. 2:5; 16:25; 1Cor. 14:6, 14:26; 2Cor. 12:1, 7; Gal. 1:12; 2:2; Eph. 1:17; 3:3). When used of a person it means his visible appearance and manifestation to others (Luke 2:13; Rom. 8:19; 1Pet. 1:7). It is used of: The gospel light (Luke 2:32); the coming judgment (Rom. 2:5); the unveiling of truths previously hidden but now revealed (Rom. 16:25; 2Cor. 12:1, 12:7; Gal. 1:12; 2:2; Eph. 1:17; 3:3; Rev. 1:1); the coming glory (1Pet. 4:13); the second coming of Christ (1Cor. 1:7; 2Thess. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:7, 13); manifestation of the sons of God (Rom. 8:19).

There are four Greek words used of Christ’s coming: (1) Apokalupsis: revelation (Rev. 1:1; 2Thess. 1:7; 1Pet. 1:7, 13). (2) Epiphaneia: appearing (1Tim. 6:14; 2Tim. 4:1, 8; Tit. 2:13; 2Thess. 2:8). Use also of the first coming (2Tim. 1:10). (3) Phaneros: to shine, be manifest, be seen (1Jn. 2:28; 3:2; 1Pet. 5:4; Col. 3:4). (4) Parousia: personal appearance, presence. The word is generally translated “coming,” hence it is used for both the rapture (coming in the air for the saints) and the second coming (coming from heaven with the saints to earth). The word is used of the rapture in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; 3:13; 4:15; 5:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:1; James 5:7-8 and 1 John 2:28. It is used of the second coming in Matthew 24:3, 27, 37, 39; 2 Thessalonians 2:8 and 2 Peter 1:16; 3:4.

‘Confirm you unto the end’ – As the testimony or the gospel of Christ was confirmed among you to attract you to Christ, so He will confirm you through this testimony until the end, that you may be blameless at His coming.

‘Blameless’ [Greek: anengkletos] not accused, unimpeachable.

‘Day of our Lord Jesus Christ’ – In the day when Christ comes to receive saints unto Himself (1Cor. 1:8; 5:5; 2Cor. 1:14; Php. 1:6, 10; 2:16).

‘God is faithful’ – this was a favourite expression among Jews of the integrity of God (1Cor. 1:9; 10:13; 2Cor. 1:18; 1Thess. 5:24; 2Thess. 3:3).

‘Fellowship’ [Greek: koinonia] the communion, fellowship, and participation with Christ in His sufferings, in the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit in this life, and in the glories of the kingdom in the next life (2Cor. 13:14; 1Jn. 1:3; Php. 3:10).

For the Grace of God

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1Corinthians 1:4-5 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing you are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge 

‘Grace’ – the primary meaning of grace in connection with God is: free, eternal, and unmerited love and favour of God toward free moral agents who are the product of His own creation, whether human or spirit beings, and who are capable of God; consciousness and moral responsibility. Grace is the spring, source, and the very fountain-head of all the manifold benefits and blessings of God to all of His creation (John 1:14-17; 3:16; Rom. 3:24; 5:17-21; 11:5, 6; 2Cor. 9:8; Eph. 1:6,7; 2:5-8; Jas. 4:6; 1Pet. 5:5).

All of God’s great benefits come through His marvelous grace. We deserve nothing but He gives us everything. Grace moves God to act in behalf of and for the best and eternal good of the whole creation. Grace is seen in acts of judgment as well as in acts of mercy. It works for the benefits of the few as well as of the many. All living creatures have an eternal guarantee of God’s benefits and loving providence through grace. We get through grace “every good and perfect gift” and “all things that pertain unto life and godliness” (John 3:16; Rom. 3:24; 5:2, 17-21; 6:14; 8:32; 2Cor. 8:9; 9:8; Eph. 1:6-7; 2:5-8; Jas. 1:17; 4:6; 1Pet. 5:5; 2Pet. 1:3-4). Such benefits are received solely by free moral agents upon the principle of humiliation and entire dependence upon God by faith, realizing that the creature is nothing, and the Creator is all and the source of all Such blessings are wholly apart from works (Rom. 3:24-31; 4:1-4, 16; 5:15-21; 6:14, 15; 11:6; Gal. 2:16; 3:1-12; Eph. 2:7-9).

‘By Jesus Christ’ – Things by Jesus Christ: Righteousness (Rom. 3:22); the grace of God (Rom. 5:15); the reign of righteousness (Rom. 5:21); grace and truth (1Cor. 1:4; John 1:17); peace (Acts 10:36); creation (Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:16-18); reconciliation (2Cor. 5:18); revelation (Gal. 1:12); justification (Gal. 2:16-17); adoption (Eph. 1:5); exceeding riches of grace (Eph. 2:1-22); all needs supplied (Php. 4:19); salvation (1Thess. 5:9); spiritual sacrifices (1Pet. 2:5); a good conscience (1Pet. 3:21); calling to glory (1Pet. 5:10); utterance and knowledge (1Cor. 1:5).

‘Enriched’ [Greek: ploutizo] Enriched in all utterance: the vocal gifts of prophecy, tongues, and interpretation (1Cor. 1:7; 12:4-11; 14:1-40); enriched in all doctrines of the gospel, the testimony of Christ (1Cor. 1:5-6) and enriched in everything, including all the gifts and fruit of the Spirit (1Cor. 1:7; 12:4-11; 13:1-13; Gal. 5:22-23).

Called to be Saints

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1Corinthians 1:1-3 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 

‘Apostle’ [Greek: apostolosa] delegate, one sent with the full power of attorney to act in the place of another, the sender remaining behind to back up the one sent. In the case of Christians, it means God sends them to do what He, Himself would do if He went. It is found 81 times and translated apostle 78 times; messenger twice (2Cor. 8:23; Php. 2:25); and once he that is sent (John 13:16). The last apostle [New Testament recorders] was John the apostle as John the Baptist was the last prophet [writers of the Old Testament]. Only twenty-four apostles are recorded: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew (Matt. 10:2); James, son of Zebedee and John his brother (Matt. 10:2); Philip and his brother Bartholomew (Matt. 10:3); James, son of Alphaeus and Judas his brother (Luke 6:16) and Matthew, son of Alphaeus, perhaps brother of James and Judas (Mark 2:14; Luke 6:15); Thomas (Matt. 10:3); Simon Zelotes, brother of James and Judas, according to tradition (Luke 6:15); Judas Iscariot (Matt. 10:4); Matthias (Acts 1:26); Barnabas (1Cor. 9:5-6; Acts 13:1-3; 14:4, 14; Gal. 2:9); Andronicus (Rom. 16:7); Junia (Rom. 16:7); Apollos (1Cor. 4:6-9); James, the Lord’s brother (Gal. 1:19; 2:6; Jas. 1:1); Silas (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6); Timothy (1Thess. 1:1; 2:6); Titus (2Cor. 8:23); Jude (Jud. 1:1); Paul (Gal_1:1; Gal. 2:8); Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1). For lists of the twelve apostles see Matthew 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16 and Acts 1:13, 26.

‘Through the will of God’ – by God’s own appointment and will. ‘Sosthenes’ perhaps the same man as in Acts 18:17.

‘Corinth’ – the capital of Greece at this time and seat of the Roman proconsul (Acts 18:12), as Athens was its centre of learning. It was 74 kilometres west of Athens. The worship of Aphrodite [Latin: Venus] and the Ashtoreth of Judges 2:13 was carried on here, with all the Eastern immorality, probably introduced by Phoenicians (1Kin. 11:33). Paul started this congregation in about 52 A.D.

‘Sactified’ [Greek: hagiazo] set apart or consecrate Greek: hagiazo, to separate from a profane to a sacred use; to consecrate self wholly to God and His service. The primary meaning is separation, not making holy. It means to make holy only when the person or thing sanctified needs to be cleansed from sin or defilement in order to be fit to be separated unto God and His service.

‘Saints’ – the salutation is to: The congregation of God at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ and saints. All saved people are saints, so there are no grounds for making people saints after death (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; 26:10; Rom. 1:7; 1Cor. 6:1-2; 2Cor. 1:1; Eph. 1:1; Php. 1:1; Col. 1:2; 2Thess. 1:10; Jude 1:3; Rev. 5:8; 13:7, 10; 17:6).

‘With all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord’ – this proves that Paul intended that this epistle should be the general property of all congregations.

‘Both theirs and ours’ Jesus Christ is the common Saviour of all people. He is not the exclusive Lord of any one nation or denomination.

‘Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ’ – this part of the salutation is in every one of Paul’s epistles except those to Timothy and Titus.

Doxology

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Romans 16:25-27 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea. 

‘Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began.’ This is certainly a second postscript. Some think that Paul added it when he got to Rome and after he had written Ephesians concerning the mystery that had been kept secret from ages past (Eph. 3:1-21). It is in all the MSS but two or three. Some have it after Romans 14:23 and others have it here. Some have it in both places, but there is no question of its genuineness and authenticity.

‘Mystery’ [Greek: musterion] something previously hidden, but now fully revealed. In the New Testament it always means any doctrine that has not, in former times, been made fully known to people. Eighteen mysteries are mentioned in Scripture: The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God (Matt. 13:11; Mark 4:11; Luke 8:10); Israel’s blindness (Rom. 11:25); salvation in Christ (Rom. 16:25); the wisdom of God (1Cor. 2:7); the doctrines of God (1Cor. 4:1; Col. 2:2; 1Tim. 3:16); the gospel (Eph. 6:19); the gift of knowledge (1Cor. 13:2); speaking in tongues (1Cor. 14:2); the rapture (1Cor. 15:23, 51-58; John 14:1-3; 1Thess. 4:13-16); God’s will (Eph. 1:9); the body of Christ (Eph. 3:1-9; 5:32); Christ in people (Col. 1:26-27); the doctrines of Christ (Col. 4:3); the spirit of lawlessness (2Thess. 2:7); the faith of the gospel (1Tim. 3:9); the seven candlesticks (Rev. 1:20); God’s delay in casting out of satan (Rev. 10:7; 12:7-17); mystery Babylon (Rev. 17:5, 7).

‘Scriptures of the prophets’ the writings of the prophets – the Old Testament – are part of the Scriptures.

‘Made known to all nations for the obedience of faith.’ The obedience to the faith among all nations are made known through the: the Gospel, the preaching of Jesus Christ and the revelation of the mystery (16:25); scriptures of the prophets and the commandment of God (16:26). The gospel preaching and revelation by the Scriptures must be known and believed in order for the soul to be saved (Mark 16:15-16; John 3:16-20; Rom. 1:16; 10:9-10; Eph. 2:8-9; 1Jn. 1:9; Heb. 11:6).

The Grace of Our Lord

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Romans 16:20-24 And the God of peace shall bruise satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city salute you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 

‘And the God of peace shall bruise satan under your feet shortly.’ This is the 4th and last New Testament prophecy in Romans unfulfilled. It will happen when he devoured by fire that will come down from God out of heaven and he will be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone (Rev. 20:9-10).

‘Bruise’ [Greek: suntribo] crush in pieces, utterly defeat and bring to helplessness (Matt. 12:20; Mark 5:4; 14:3; Luke 4:18; 9:39; John 19:36; Rev. 2:27). Satan will be finally defeated at the second coming and the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:1-10).

‘Timotheus’ – converted by Paul on his first trip (Acts 14:6-7 with 1Tim. 1:2). Part Jew and Greek, uncircumcised, but a good Christian (Acts 16:1-3). A miracle worker like Paul (1Cor. 16:10). Paul’s companion from Derbe and Lystra on (Acts 16:1-3; 17:14-15; 18:5; 19:22; 20:4; Rom. 16:21; 1Cor. 4:17; Php. 2:19). On a mission (Heb. 13:23). It is believed by some that he was Paul’s scribe in writing Hebrews and Galatians. He had the gifts of the Spirit (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). He was a great student of Scripture (2Tim. 1:5; 2:15; 3:15).

‘Lucius’ probably the one in Acts 13:1, or it could be Luke the evangelist and the writer of Luke and Acts who might have been the same person.

‘Jason’ – unknown, might have been the same one as in Acts 17:5, 7.

‘Sosipater’ – may be the same as in Acts 20:4. The third time Paul refers to kinsmen (16:7, 11).

‘Tertius, who wrote this epistle’ – some unknown scribe who wrote the epistle at Paul’s dictation.

‘Gaius’ – may be the same as the one in Acts 19:29, or of Derbe in Acts 20:4, but almost certainly the one in 1Corinthians 1:14.

‘Erastus the chamberlain of the city.’ Perhaps the same as the one in 2Timothy 4:20 and Acts 19:22. He was chamberlain (treasurer) at Corinth.

‘The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ’ there are four secrets of continued grace: Live and walk in the Spirit (Gal. 5:5; 16-26; Rom. 8:1-13; Col. 3:5-10). Be patient in hope (Gal. 5:5; Rom. 8:24; Heb. 3:6, 12-14; 6:19), continue in Christ (Gal. 5:6; John 15:1-8; Col. 2:6-7; Heb. 3:14) and continue in faith (Gal. 5:6; Col. 1:23).

Mark Them

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Romans 16:16-19 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

‘Salute one another with an holy kiss.’ It was customary to greet each other with a holy kiss, as a token of peace, friendship and brotherly love. This was the custom of all eastern people, not just Christians. Shaking hands is our custom of greeting. The holy kiss custom is referred to in Romans 16:16; 1Corinthians 16:20; 2Corinthians 13:12; 1Thessalonians 5:26; and 1Peter 5:14. People who seek to continue it are simply carrying on a custom that is still being practiced among eastern people.

‘Mark’ [Greek: skopeo] look out for. Be alert for those who cause divisions and have no religious fellowship with them that the flock may be protected (16:17; Php. 3:17).

Ten marks of false teachers: They cause divisions among Christians. They cause offenses against truth (16:18). They do not serve God (16:17-18). They serve their own bellies (16:18; Php. 3:19). They use slick tongues to deceive (16:18). They are enemies of the cross (Php. 3:18). They walk contrary to the gospel (Php. 3:17). They glory in their shame and they mind earthly things (Php.3:19). They bring in heresies (2Pet. 2:1).

‘For your obedience is come abroad unto all men.’ You can always detect true leaders from the false by their godliness, unselfishness, and faithfulness.

‘But yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.’ Paul desired them to show their wisdom by discerning and choosing good from evil.

Salutations

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Romans 16:3-11 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, 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. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. 

‘Priscilla and Aquila my helpers’ – they perhaps had gone back to Rome and had a congregation in their house (16:3-4). They are always mentioned together as man and wife (Acts 18:2, 18, 26; 1Cor. 16:19; 2Tim. 4:19).

‘Epaenetus’ – mentioned only here, but he was perhaps of the house of Stephanas, which is also called the firstfruits of Achaia (1Cor. 16:15).

‘Mary, who bestowed much labour on us’ – who she was or what works she bestowed upon Paul we do not know.

‘Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.’ These two were relatives of Paul and his fellow prisoners. They were noted disciples among the apostles and were Christians before Paul. Just when they were fellow prisoners with Paul is not known.

‘Amlias … ‘ – he next ten disciples are mentioned only here (16:8-12).

‘Herodion my kinsman’ – this is the third relative of Paul mentioned in this list (16:7, 11).

‘Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine’ – this is perhaps the one mentioned in Mark 15:21. His mother acted as a mother to Paul so they were very close.

‘Asyncritus, Phelgon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes …’ The ten persons in Romans 16:14-15 are mentioned only here. The Hermas here is not the one who wrote The Shepherd of Hermas in 120 A.D.

‘Julia’ – at least seven women are named in this chapter: Phebe (16:1), Priscilla (16:3), Mary (16:6), Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis (16:12), Julia (16:15); and mention is made of an unnamed sister of Nereus (16:15). All of them were Christian workers and deaconesses who “labour in the Lord” (16:12). This indicates that they laboured in the ministry of the Word.

‘Nereus’ – this man, named Nereus after the sea god of the Aegean, retained his heathen name.