JC Blog

Except for Timothy, not much detail is given about these men that Paul shared his life with. Several accounts of people with these names are found in the book of Acts, it is possible that these are one and the same. If this is true then it paints a wonderful picture of how the apostle Paul ministered. He would surround himself with converts to Christianity and disciple them in the Lord for several years.

Although we do not have much account of their lives we do know that Timothy was in charge of the church at Ephesus after his time with the apostle. Paul saw to it that he was trained and equipped for the task at hand. After their time learning from Paul these men went on to big things making a difference for the kingdom of God.

Another interesting piece of information that most people do not realize is that Paul dictated this letter to Tertius. He is actually the one who physically penned this letter as Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, instructed him on the words to write.

What is amazing about these few verses is that it shows the participation in the gospel of Jesus. Once these men came to know the Lord, most likely through Paul, they left everything they had to pursue it. I'm sure they left homes and families to be trained and equipped by Paul. Even though we just have a record of their names, these men were great examples of faith that will always be remembered every time this book of Romans is read.

Today, may you take encouragement from these words as you also make a difference for Christ in your homes, work places and spheres of influences. Remembering that the difference you make is eternal and like these men, not limited to your time here on earth. What you are remembered for can make a lasting impression for the years to come.

Jesus told his disciples in John chapter four, "Do you not say, 'Four months more and then the harvest'? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest." ( John 4:35 ) Jesus was preparing his disciples to reap what they had sown not, because others had already done the preparation work and the harvest was ready. He wanted them primed and eager to collect the return on what had been sown.

Near the beginning of Paul's letter to the Romans, he tells them that he planned to come to the them to have a harvest among them. Paul understood the principal of seedtime and harvest and he knew that the time was fast approaching when he would harvest in that city. The Christians were established and their fame had spread, but Paul desired to go to them and preach the good news of Jesus Christ to everyone he came across. Because the gospel yields results.

One of the most striking things about this statement was that Paul was in expectation of what the Lord would do among them. He had experienced it everywhere he went and knew that in Rome, it would be no different. The reason that Paul eagerly expected such a bountiful harvest was due to knowing God and knowing the grace by which he was saved. Receiving the good news of Jesus brings about a yield some thirty, some sixty, some one hundred fold. ( Matthew 13:8, Mark 4:8, Luke 8:8 )

Today as you work or go about your business, remember the grace to which you were called and be in expectation of the harvest. The seeds have been planted and the ground has been cultivated and is waiting for the a harvester to come along. May God bless you as you sow and reap abundantly.

These words of Paul are so simple yet so profound. As Christians we are to love one another and be devoted to each other as members of the same family. We should consider each other over our own interests and give precedence and honor to our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. There should be no quarreling or factions between us, and we should consider how to build and encourage each other continually in the Lord. This image of God's family is what we are to portray to the world; united, loving, caring and devoted to one another.

Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, "We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us" ( I Thessalonians 2:8 ). The Gospel is what brought them together and gave them a common bond. What grew from that foundation was a great friendship with Christ as the center. He rejoiced that he was able to share in their lives also because these people were so dear to him. This bond transcends time and distance because it is based on the groundwork of Christ.

This is why it is so important to surround yourselves with other brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus, who are willing to share their lives. Proverbs says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another" ( Proverbs 27:17 ). Being in the company of other believers will encourage you in your relationship with the Lord. It is impossible to be around another person who is excited about God and not have that rub off on you. We are called to love each other and to be devoted to one another as a close knit family.

We now belong to one another. We have been adopted into the family of God and our lives now reflect His life. No longer do we ‘go it alone', instead we are called into fellowship with other brothers and sisters in Christ. The writer of Hebrews said, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching" ( Hebrews 10:24-25 ). We are to share our lives, encourage each other in the word and spur each other toward love and good deeds. This is a wonderful thing about God's family, having other brothers and sister to encourage us and help us grow.

There are a few precious people in my life that have impacted me greatly. I am who I am today because of their friendship and mentoring in the Lord. As early as a teenager, I had wonderful friends who gave up their time to teach me God's word. Today, I have friends who continually encourage me in the word and strengthen me by their devotion and love for God. I have friends who go the miles with me tackling every issue that life throws in the way. These people are so dear to me because of our mutual bond in Christ Jesus. This bond transcends all things because it is not based on anything this world has to offer, but it is based on Christ and belonging to his family.

Today, I encourage you to find other brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus. Be devoted to them and learn how to share your life with them. You will bless the body of Christ in the process, amen!