What do real brethren look like?
In Romans chapter 16 the Apostle Paul is greeting a group of people. They are regular Christians in Rome, but they have become known throughout the world wherever the Bible is read.
Imagine, this is their mark in history! What does Paul say about them? Does he say “Greet Phoebe who was always stylish and always wore the latest fashion? Or Greet Mary who was always witty and smart? Greet Priscilla who had this huge awesome house and latest car? Or Greet Gaius the one who was super popular and had thousands of followers?” Nope.
Characteristics of Christians
Here are the characteristics these people displayed. Let’s put the pieces together and see how the Christian should leave a mark in this world.
- “…our sister, who is a servant of the church” (v. 1)
- “…a helper of many.” (v.2)
- “…fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (v.3)
- “…risked their own necks for my life” (v.4)
- “…the church in their house” (v.5)
- “beloved” (v.5)
- “firstfruits” (v.5)
- “…who labored much for us” (v.6)
- “…who are of note among the apostles” (v.7)
- “…beloved in the Lord” (v.8)
- “…our fellow worker in Christ” (v.9)
- “…approved in Christ” (v.10)
- “…who are in the Lord” (v.11)
- “…who have labored in the Lord” (v.12)
- “…beloved…who labored much in the Lord” (v.12)
- “…chosen in the Lord” (v.13)
- “…the brethren” (v.14)
- “…all the saints with them” (v.15)
- “…your obedience has become known to all” (v.19)
- “…my fellow worker” (v. 21)
- “…the host of the whole church” (v.23)
- “…a brother” (v.23)
Isn’t that a beautiful description of the life of Christians? Beloved in Christ, saints, servant hearts, ministers, hosts, approved in Christ, brothers, obedient etc.
What do the names mean?
Finally, let’s see what all their names meant! I always love looking up the meaning of their names. Comment below and tell me which name you liked the most- or which did you not know about!
- Phoebe – bright
- Priscilla- ancient
- Aquilla- an eagle
- Epaenetus- praiseworthy
- Mary- obstinancy, rebelliousness (p.s. never knew the meaning of that until now!)
- Andronicus- man of victory
- Junia- youthful
- Amplias- large
- Urbanus- of the city: polite
- Stachys- a head of grain
- Apelles- called
- Aristobulus- the best counselor
- Herodion- heroic
- Narcissus- stupidity, a daffodil and narcotic plant
- Tryphena- luxurious
- Tryphosa- luxuriating
- Persis- of Persia
- Rufus- red
- Asyncritus- incomparable
- Phlegon- burning
- Hermas- mercury
- Patrobas- paternal
- Hermes- herald of the gods
- Philologus- lover of the Word
- Julia- soft haired
- Nereus- lump
- Olympas- heavenly
- Timothy- honoring God
- Lucius- light bright white
- Jason- healer
- Sosipater- savior of his father
- Tertius- third
- Gaius- lord
- Erastus- beloved
- Quartus- fourth