Romans 16:1-16 I commend to you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:… Many names in "The Peerage" have won their distinction by intrigues and base services rendered to bad kings, and there are many who study and prize such books more than the Book of books. The register before us is given by a man before whose intellectual and moral greatness the most brilliant names in worldly peerages sink into contempt. The names that this great man enrols are those of poor women, obscure men, and slaves. I. THE CHIEF INTEREST WHICH A TRULY GREAT MAN HAS IN OTHERS IS IN THEIR CHARACTER, RATHER THAN IN THEIR CONDITION. In this list of twenty-six names there are those who differ in their sex, age, worldly position, etc., yet the apostle overlooks all these differences, and expresses an interest only in their character. Why? Because this is — 1. The only real property. It is the only thing that a man can call his own. 2. The only property man can carry with him. Everything else — houses, lands, gold, and silver — he leaves behind. But his moral character he carries over Jordan. 3. That which determines his destiny. From it must bloom his paradise or flame his hell. II. THE CHARACTER WHICH ENLISTS THE PROFOUNDEST INTEREST OF A TRULY GREAT MAN IS THE CHRISTLY ONE. "Who labour in the Lord." 1. Living and working in — (1) The Spirit. (2) Purpose. (3) Character, and (4) Moral temper of Christ. 2. Why should a Christly character command such tender sympathy? Because it is — (1) The highest reflection of his Master. Good men are incarnations of Him whom all heaven adores. (2) The highest organ of usefulness. It is in itself the strongest argument against all infidelities, and the strongest proof of the Divinity of the gospel. III. THOSE WHO ENLIST THE CHIEF INTEREST OF A TRULY GREAT MAN ARE THE MOST HONOURABLE OF THEIR AGE. Who will deny or question this? Parasites and sycophants have always shown more sympathy of their miserable natures for martial pageantry, official pomp, than for Christly character. (D. Thomas, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:WEB: I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae, |
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