Romans 16:3-5

Greet Priscilla and Aquila.

Priscilla and Aquila, Paul’s helpers

I. Their service.

1. Toil.

2. Sacrifice.

II. Their motives of action.

1. Faith.

2. Love.

3. Hope in Christ.

III. Their reward.

1. On earth--the thanks of the apostle.

2. In heaven, life everlasting. (J. Lyth, D.D.)

A Christian family helping their minister

Aquila was a Jew, of Pontus who had made his residence in Rome. But a company of thieves in Judaea, having fallen on one Stephanus, a servant of the emperor, robbed his baggage, and slain the soldiers who guarded it, an edict was passed requiring all Jews to leave that city. In consequence of this edict, Aquila, with his wife, came to Corinth, and there wrought in his occupation, which was that of a tent maker. Paul coming from Athens to Corinth, meets with them and takes lodging in their house, working at the same occupation. It was probably at this time that they first gained the knowledge which they were able to impart to Apollos. Paul’s residence with them laid a foundation for a friendship which lasted till death (2 Timothy 4:19). How worthy they were of his affection and esteem we learn from the text.

I. They were happily united in all their concerns, and especially in the great concerns of religion. On all occasions they are both mentioned together, and appear patterns of conjugal union. They dwelt together in days of tranquility, and jointly shared in the calamities of banishment. With united hands they laboured in the occupation by which their household was supported. As this is the most important relation in life, they who sustain it ought, above all things, to study mutual peace. The Christian pair, animated by one soul, will readily participate in each other’s labours and sorrows, and will cheerfully communicate to each other their own pleasures and joys. Little differences of opinion will be composed by mutual condescension. Unavoidable infirmities will be viewed with the comforting eye of pity, not with the insulting eye of disdain. In the important concerns of religion, they will walk, as being heirs together of the grace of life. A family, educated under the care of heads thus united, will, by the smiles of heaven, grow up in knowledge and piety, and become a little Church of Christ.

II. They were the apostle’s helpers in Christ Jesus.

1. By their hospitality. For a considerable part of the time that he preached in Corinth, he abode in their house. The minister is to preach the gospel, not for filthy lucre; but then, they who are taught must communicate to him who teacheth, so that he may wait on his teaching without distraction.

2. By a faithful attendance on his ministry. Heads of families in this way greatly assist their minister. This shows a good example to their children, and invites others to accompany them. Thus they animate their minister and raise his hopes of success. But then let your attendance be grave and devout, and on what you hear let your remarks be made at the proper time and place.

3. By their conversation and example (Acts 18:1.).

4. By their prayers.

5. By their self-sacrifices (Romans 16:4).

III. They had a Church in their house. We, then, who have the care of families, ought to make them Churches. For this end we must dedicate our children to God, and bring them up in His fear. Greater societies are formed from smaller; Churches grow out of families; and the spirit and complexion of the latter will be transfused through the former. (J. Lathrop, D.D.)

Who have for my life laid down their necks.

The unbounded affection of Priscilla and Aquila for Paul

I. Paul deserved it. He had rendered them the greatest service which one human being could render to another. Through his instrumentality they had been won to Christ, trained for usefulness, built up in their most holy faith. And the same may be said of thousands of ministers. If the debt of love be owing at all it is surely to those who have rendered others soul service.

II. They showed it. Not by amiable feelings, graceful compliments, or even faithful service. All these were and are done. But so is something more. The expression “placed their neck under” the sword or axe, is figurative, but implies the act of exposing one’s life, and occurred either at Corinth (Acts 18:12) or at Ephesus (1 Corinthians 15:32; 2 Corinthians 1:8; 2Co 12:23). This extreme form of service is not now required except in the case of missionaries, to whom it has often been rendered. But ordinary ministers need protection and should have it.

1. Their character is assailed by venomous slander. Let not chivalrous defence be wanting at whatever cost.

2. Their peace of mind is endangered by cantankerous opposition. Let no member of the Church absent himself from a stormy meeting lest his own tranquility be disturbed.

3. Their health is often threatened by overwork, under pay, vexatious conditions of labour and unsanitary dwellings. This is often only for want of thought. But love not only “thinketh no evil,” it should stimulate thought and sacrifice for the pastor’s good.

Conclusion:

1. If your minister is set for the defence of the gospel, the least you can do is to defend him.

2. You need not boast that you would be willing to lay down your necks for him if required. This will never be required. But he needs protection for his character, tranquility and health. In rendering this you will do nothing heroic, but you will do what is useful and acceptable, which is better. (J. W. Burn.)

Likewise greet the Church which is in their house.--

The Church in the house

I. Its forms.

1. The cottage meeting.

2. The social Christian circle.

3. The pious family.

II. Its advantages.

1. God’s blessing.

2. Domestic happiness.

3. Anticipated union in heaven. (J. Lyth, D.D.)

The Church in the house

A Church is a company of believers, meeting statedly in Christ’s name, more or less fully organised with office bearers, with the ordinances of Christ duly administered among them, and is not dependent on numbers (Matthew 18:20). There were various such Churches already at Rome (Romans 16:14). The meeting-place of a Church wilt be dependent on circumstances. The house of Aquila being sufficiently commodious, although destitute of most of the accessories with which we are familiar, was a meeting-place of the Church. Private houses (Acts 2:46) were the birthplaces of Christian worship, and public buildings were not erected till the third century. When it became dangerous to meet even in private houses the Christians assembled in the catacombs. Aquila’s house became a Church wherever he went, which shows us that zeal for Christ’s cause should be carried about with us. Mere professors often leave their religion behind them. Grace in a family converts a household into a Church. Religion is to be manifested in the family as a household thing. Wherever Abraham had a tent Jehovah had an altar. (T. Robinson, D.D.)

Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.--

Epaenetus, the first convert of Achaia

(Asia is the reading preferred by the best authorities):--This honourable distinction implies--

I. Privilege.

II. A ready reception of Christ.

III. Responsibility.

IV. Honour.

V. Promise of success. (J. Lyth, D.D.)

Firstfruits unto Christ

The firstfruits under the law were an offering made to God of the first ripe fruits before the harvest was begun. In allusion to this Christ is called “the firstfruits of them that slept,” because His resurrection is an earnest and pledge of the resurrection of believers. The sanctifying and comforting influences of the Spirit are called the firstfruits of the Spirit, as earnests of heavenly happiness. James tells us that God hath begotten us “that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures” (Revelation 14:4). By a like allusion the apostle calls the first converts in a particular place the firstfruits of that place unto Christ. Now consider this man, dwelling in the midst of heathen, on the preaching of the apostle, coming out from among a corrupt and idolatrous multitude, and, by his example and conversation, inviting his fellow-citizens to turn to the living God; and will you not admire his integrity, zeal and fortitude? Note--

I. How a forwardness in religion may discover itself. In--

1. Early religion. Epaenetus enjoyed not your early advantages, but it seems probable that he accepted the first invitation to Christ. He gave to Christ the firstfruits, if not of life itself, yet of that part of life in which he was favoured with the heavenly call. All have now this call in their youth.

2. An open profession of it, and a diligent attendance on the means of it.

3. A maintenance of the profession and practice of it, though it should involve the charge of singularity. Epaenetus professed the religion of the gospel when all around him were in a different sentiment and practice.

4. A zeal for great and essential things. There are many who are forward in little matters; zealous for or against opinions, forms, etc., but this is only forwardness in a party design. The Christian is zealous to maintain good works, and abounds in the proper fruits of the Spirit.

5. Labours to promote it among others. When Paul calls his beloved Epaenetus the firstfruits, he intimates that a rich harvest followed. This forward Christian doubtless assisted Paul greatly.

6. Aspirations after greater eminence in religion.

II. This forwardness is commendable.

1. As an evidence of sincerity.

2. On account of its usefulness. The slothful, negligent Christian emboldens sinners in their transgressions, and confirms them in their stupidity.

3. As it is honourable to Christ, To Him belong the firstfruits of your lives. He is honoured by the increase of His subjects. By your forwardness you will contribute to this increase.

4. As an imitation of Christ. He was in early life about His Father’s business.

5. Because it is in the highest degree rational. It is regarding things according to their nature and importance.

6. We have no promise of success on any other condition.

(1) This is the command of Christ. “Seek first the kingdom of God.” Strive to enter in at the straight gate.

(2) This is the direction of the apostle. The promise is only to those who give diligence to make their calling and election sure.

(3) It is by forwardness in religion that you become entitled to the constant aids of God’s grace. (J. Lathrop, D.D.)

A first convert remembered

Epaenetus was the first convert in Achaia, the richest of all the Greek provinces. Chalmers in his fascinating book on New Guinea gives us the name of the first female convert in New Guinea. If you and I were sent to labour in a country like that we would take special note of our first convert. I knew a person who when he began his work had but one person to sit at his feet. Did not he take note of that person? He has never forgotten her and never will. A true missionary never forgets his first convert, never forgets any convert, and, Paul did not forget Epaenetus, the first convert to Christ in Achaia. (D. Stuart.)