Friends and fellow laborers. Romans 16:21-24 Eight of Paul’s fellow workers in the Gospel wanted the saints in Rome to know of their interest in the believers in the city of Rome. Expressed interest in places we have never been and perhaps never will be there, is of value to those who realize there is a unique fellowship of believers who gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. When we hear of God working in other places and let them know we are praying for them and the work of the Lord there, is very encouraging.
Not many of us will have opportunity to go to foreign countries where there are missionaries we support are laboring for the Lord in the Gospel. When we communicate with them telling them who we are, where we live and of our interest in their work, that has the potential of being a great source of encouragement to them. Names of people we have never met are often lifted before the Lord at the throne of grace as we share in the exercise for lost souls with them.
Timothy was a key person in the work of the Gospel Paul was doing. Even though he was comparatively younger than Paul, they shared a lot in common. Timothy had a servant’s heart as he served Paul and others. He was an available companion to the apostle in his travels even though he wasn’t a robust person. He learned much from Paul and continued to have a teachable spirit. He was “like-minded” with the apostle and so could share concerns and blessings with similar interests. Timothy could be trusted with important things and had the confidence of the apostle that when he was instructed to do something, it would be done. He was a reproducer in that he was willing to put his heart and soul into the work of the Lord.
Lucius, Jason and Sosipater were Jews like the apostle who were living in different places but had come together at Corinth. Jason was from Thessalonica, and Sosipater likely from Berea. Tertius who wrote for Paul as his amanuensis, was a scribe who would have taken care to record exactly what Paul dictated. Gaius who lived in Corinth and was baptized by Paul, was known for his hospitality. It is supposed that he had three names like many Romans did in that day. Titius Justus Gaius is likely how he was known. Erastus was a person of honor in the city because he was a public official. A stone artifact bearing the name Erastus was found indicating he had paved a street at his own expense in Corinth. Quartus’ name means “fourth son,” so perhaps he was a quiet supporter in the work with Paul who was content with simple being a Christian brother.
The book of Romans begins with sin and ends with those who believe, being solidly established in faith by the Gospel. It opens up with the subject of righteousness and ends with examples of righteous persons who are identified by the writer. It tells of the past and future glory of Israel and concludes with a list of Jews and Gentiles who illustrate oneness in the Body of Christ. It tells of the problems that arise in a fellowship of believers who gather in the name of the Lord and ends with brethren united in common cause - the spread of the Gospel and the blessings of the blood-bought Church of God.
To be a "workfellow" puts one in a place of sharing in the labor of the Gospel that lasts, and the blessings of the Gospel that brings many into the kingdom of God. What joy and rejoicing there is when friends and fellow-laborers communicate over the results of their labors for the Lord. The man in whose home these friends are gathered is one who wanted the others to know of his interest in them as well. This man with a large heart of compassion and kindness, would have counted it a privilege to serve this company of friends, fellow-workers and servants of God.
It is always a cause for gratitude when brothers and sisters come together to talk over the things of the Lord. When we are able to share with others what God is doing in our lives, we encourage them in what they are doing for the Lord as well. Our labors are not always the same. But when each fills his or her God-given role, there is cause to praise God and thank Him for what He is doing through the united efforts of His people. "To God be the glory, great things He has done."