The word of God is the most exciting book in the world. It was
the Lord Jesus Christ, himself, that said “every word” is to be taken into
consideration [Matt 4:4; Luke 4:4]. Even
the names have relevance. Take Romans 16, for example. When you look at the meaning of the names of
people and places mentioned in that chapter, a probable interpretation paints this beautiful picture of the Lord Jesus Christ…
The
radiant seed of the ancient eagle (God, the Father?) is worthy of praise for
the taking on the trouble and grief of the rebellious (mankind?). This man who
excels came in his youth from the large and courteous city (heavenly
Jerusalem?) as an ear of corn who was called and separated to be the wonderful counsellor of the foolish (mankind). This luxurious one of the luxuriating red
Persian woman (Eve?) had the incomparable burning zeal to speak for God,
the Father. This speaker who loves the word was the tender lump from heaven who
honours God. This bright light and one who heals is the Saviour sent by the
Father and the third Lord (Holy Ghost) who loves the fourth (body of Christ).
Romans 16
1 I commend unto you Phebe [radiant] our sister, which is a servant of the church
which is at Cenchrea [small grain]:
2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye
assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a
succourer of many, and of myself also.
3 Greet Priscilla [ancient] and Aquila [eagle] my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 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.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my
well-beloved Epaenetus [worthy of praise], who is the firstfruits of Achaia [grief or trouble] unto Christ.
6 Greet Mary [rebellious], who bestowed much labour on us.
7 Salute Andronicus [the man that
conquers and excels] and Junia [youthful], my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are
of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
8 Greet Amplias [large or extensive] my beloved in the Lord.
9 Salute Urbane [of the
courteous/polite city], our helper in
Christ, and Stachys [ear of corn] my beloved.
10 Salute Apelles [called/separated/excluded]
approved in Christ.
Salute them which are of Aristobulus'
[Wonderful
Counselor] household.
11 Salute Herodion [heroic] my kinsman. Greet them that be of the
household of Narcissus [stupid], which are in the Lord.
12 Salute Tryphena [luxurious] and Tryphosa [luxuriating], who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis [Persian woman], which laboured much in the Lord.
13 Salute Rufus [red] chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
14 Salute Asyncritus [incomparable], Phlegon [burning], Hermas [herald of god], Patrobas [paternal father], Hermes [herald of god], and the brethren which are with them.
15 Salute Philologus
[lover
of the word],
and Julia [soft/tender], Nereus [lump], and his sister, and Olympas [heavenly], and all the saints
which are with them.
16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ
salute you.
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
18 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.
19 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.
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21 Timotheus [honouring God] my workfellow, and Lucius [bright light],
and Jason [one who heals], and Sosipater [Saviour of the Father], my kinsmen, salute you.
22 I Tertius [a third], who wrote this epistle, salute you in the
Lord.
23 Gaius [lord] mine host, and of the
whole church, saluteth you. Erastus [beloved] the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and
Quartus [a fourth] a brother.
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25 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,
26 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:
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Hopefully this helps!
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