CLOSING WORDS The previous chapter could be considered as the concluding part of the practical teachings of the Epistle. It is a part that is in harmony and complements the part preceding it- on faith. This is because it is impossible to separate the faith of the church from its daily conduct. This final part, which represents the concluding words of the Epistle, provides us with a great number of names. Although we know very little about many of them; yet these reflect a living, joyful, and effective picture of Christian life during the Apostolic period. The Holy Spirit reveals, through them, the fervor of the Church. All sought to establish a spiritual Church in the Lord, and they were charged with a spirit of love which sanctifies shared feelings and emotions. St Paul identifies many as “beloved”, “countrymen”, “fellow workers in Christ Jesus”; and he labels others as “our sister”, “helper”, and “one who labored much in the Lord”…he has a special designation for each person engraved by the Spirit in his heart… 1-Recommendations Concerning Phoebe 1-2 2-Personal Greetings 3-15 3-General Holy Kiss 16 4-Warnings concerning False Teachings 17-20 5- Greetings from Paul”s Friends 21-24 6-Closing Doxology/Benediction 25-27 1-Recommendations Concerning Phoebe: “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also” (1,2). The Apostle is addressing a church which he has not yet visited in person. However, he introduces and recommends Phoebe- a deaconess in the church of Cenchreain the spirit of love which bonds him with all fellowmen. He intends to convey to them that he is a friend who could ask for a service, rather than a stranger. Just as he extends love to them, he seeks their love and services. Some scholars believe that she is a converted Gentile as the name “Phoebe” is derived from “Phoebs” which is the name of one of the heathen idols. Others believe that the name “Phoebe” is derived from the Greek word “Foss” which means “shines” or “glows”1. She seems to have been wealthy and of high social status, and had been designated as deaconess to the Church in Cnechrea, the port of Corinth. This was about nine miles east of the city. Her service there was very efficient as we understand from St Paul”s words: “…for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also”. St John Chrysostom comments: 1 Ibid 373 [Note how he honors her in many ways. He mentions her before all the others and calls her his sister. To be called a sister of St Paul is no minor issue. He also indicates her status as a deaconess/servant of the church… May you attend to her for two reasons: receive her in the Lord, and she herself is a saint1]. 2-Individual Greetings: This Epistle provides us with 26 names, but we know nothing about most of them. However, we feel the importance of this part of the message as it presents a vivid insight into the Apostle”s heart. Here is a compassionate heart that appreciates and treasures holy feelings in the Lord. Besides, we are enabled to have a glimpse of the deep friendships and generous pure love that existed among the members of the early Church. The Apostle presents each one of his friends, and he attaches to each a specific designation which indicates how very dear each is to him. Such designations are not based on fame, wealth, or knowledge. They are inspired by fellowship in a life of piety and struggle in the ministry. Note that in the 26 names there is one Hebrew name of “Mary”; 4 Latin names of Amplias, Urbanus, Julia, and Nereus; while the rest of the names are of Greek origin. St Paul says: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house” (3-5). Priscilla and Aquila are also mentioned in Acts 18:2, 18, 26; 1 Cor 16:19; and 2 Thess 4:19. They were Jews who made tents, and they had to leave Rome when Claudius Caesar in the year 49 A.D. issued an order to ban all Jews from Rome. They came back to Rome later on. They were pious and wealthy merchants. The wife was probably more zealous and this could explain why the Apostle mentions her before her husband, (also refer to 1Cor16:19; and Rom 18:2). St Paul first met them in Corinth (Acts:2), and he stayed with them for about 18 months. They accompanied him to Ephesus (Acts 18:18); and then they returned to Rome. Wherever they went, they opened their home to be a church where visitors and believers could worship and get served. St John Chrysostom 2 believes that their home was called a church either because they had won over all the members of their household into the faith or because they opened their home to minister to visiting believers. These believers had exposed their lives to danger because of St Paul. This could have happened during the riots that took place in Corinth (Acts 18:6-10), or in Ephesus (Acts 19:31, 32)…That is why all the churches of the Gentiles as well as St Paul constantly thanked them. “Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ”, (5). The word “Epaenetus” has a Greek origin which means “deserving praise”3. He was the first to be converted by St Paul in Asia Minor…the Apostle calls him beloved and the firstfruits of his work in that area…he seems to be asking him to reciprocate his 1 Strong: Greek Dict. Of the N.T. articles 5402,5457 2 In Rom. hom 30 3 Ibid 374 love by not ceasing to work in Rome to spread the faith which he has accepted before many others. “Greet Mary, who labored much for us”, (6): We know nothing about her except that she helped the Apostle in his ministry before he left for Rome…He seems to be asking her never to stop struggling for the sake of the ministry. St John Chrysostom comments on this verse as follows: [What is this? A woman has been honored and considered converted? Do we men not get embarrassed?!...We consider it an honor for us to have women like these among us; but we are embarrassed to find ourselves, as men, walking behind them1]. He goes on to say that although women are not allowed to teach publicly (1 Tim 2: 12; 1 Cor14: 35); yet they are not forbidden to use instruction. As a wife, a woman can win her husband over (1cor7: 16) and refines her children (1 Tim 2: 15). In fact, we find Priscilla instructing Paul. St John Chrysostom also comments on the Apostle’s words: “who labored much for us” and says: [She had offered many other services which exposed her to dangers- such as expenses and travels. Women, in those days were spiritual and stronger than lions, and they jointly struggled with the apostles to spread the Gospel2]. “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me”, (7). The first name comes from Greek and means “the victorious”3, the second has a Latin origin. Both persons were Jews and were related to St Paul. They suffered imprisonment with him at certain undefined time. He treasures their relationship as they came to the Lord before him; and they played such an important role in the ministry that they became well known among the apostles. St John Chrysostom4 believes that they had not been imprisoned in the literal sense (as prisoners of war); but that they had gone through something more severe: they had been estranged and deprived of their families, had survived famine, near deaths, and endless hardships. In any case, the Apostle does not ignore the physical ties that become sanctified through faith. Moreover, he is not embarrassed to reveal that they had come to Lord before he did… “Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord”, (8): The word “Amplias” comes from Latin and means “enlarge” or “amplify”5. St John Chrysostom considers that in calling him “beloved” the Apostle reveals his great love to Amplias due to his virtuous life. “Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord”, (9-11). 1 New Westminister Dict. Of the Bible, p 269 2 In Rom. hom 31 3 Ibid 4 New Westminister Dict. P 43 5 In Rom. hom 30 375 “Urbanus”is a Latin word meaning “city dweller”1; “Stachys” is a Greek word meaning “an ear of wheat”2; “Appelles”3 could be derived from “Apollo”4; “Aristobulus”is a Greek word meaning “sharp and wise”5; “Herodian” could be a derivation from “Herodus” that is descending from a hero; and “Narcissus” is a Latin word whose meaning is uncertain… St John Chrysostom writes the following commentary: [He praises each one in a specific way to avoid arousing any jealousy among them. He does not wish to create any confusion or disrespect by praising some and belittling others. He honors equally each one even though not all deserve such equal recognition6]. The Apostle also sends greetings to “Tryphena” and “Tryphosa”. It is said that they were neighbors who labored to serve the Lord and deserved the praise of St Paul. The two names are Latin and derived from the Greek words meaning “gentle” or tender”. He also greets “Persis” which in Greek means “chivalrous”. He does not feel embarrassed to call her “beloved” due to her old age. He also mentions “Rufus” who was said to be the son of Simon of Cyrene who had carried the Lord”s Cross (Mark 15:21). St Paul testifies that the mother of Rufus had become a “mother” to him on account of the love and service she offered to him. This is how St Paul counts and greets all his brothers and sisters in the Lord. 3-General Holy Kiss: Having greeted specific persons by name- men and women, servants of the Lord and the congregation, masters and slaves; St Paul goes on to send out a message of love to every one of those whose names he does not know. He proclaims to them the love of the whole Church and not only his own love: “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you”, (16). This reflects how the Church in this world is one family-men would kiss each other, and women would kiss each other with a holy kiss (1Cor 16:20; 1 Thes 5:26; 1 Peter5: 14). This spiritual kiss represents an integral part of worship, an indication of love unspoiled by flattery. Until today, we hear the deacon, during the holy liturgy telling us to “Greet each other with a holy kiss”. The Anglican monk Dicks states that the apostolic kiss has maintained its earlier significance only in the Ethiopian and Coptic churches7. Do not think that a kiss such as the one which friends are accustomed to exchange in social gatherings (agio) does not belong to this category. Indeed, a kiss indicates the union of souls and dispels all hate. St Cyril of Jerusalem A kiss is a sign of peace, for what the lips reveal externally is found internally in the1 heart. 1 New Westminister Dict. P 40 2 Mckenzie: Dict. Of the Bible, p 909 3 New Westminister Dict. p 904 4 Mckenzie, 38 5New Westminister Dict. p 62 6 In Rom. hom 31 7 Gregory Dix: The Shape of the Liturgy, p 110 376 St Augustine2 4-Warning Against Divisive Persons: St Paul warns against people who create divisions and stumbling blocks. These are materialistic individuals who do not serve the Lord but who serve their own greed and ambitions. St John Chrysostom writes: [(Divisions) are instruments of Satan by which he reverses everything. As long as the parts of the body are united together, Satan cannot find an entry spot. The fall comes through divisions. Where do divisions come from? From opinions that contradict the teachings of the apostles. Where do these opinions come from? From slavery to greed and other lusts…this is what St Paul indicates as he writes to the people of Philippi: “whose god is their belly”, (Phil 3:19)3. He asks his audience to beware of false teachings who: “by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple”, (18). They are deceivers who utter honey covered words that do not reflect their innermost schemes…it is therefore advisable to “be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil,” (19). Whereas the enemy uses the instruments of deception and slyness to catch the simple minded in his net, our Lord is able to destroy him: “And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly.The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you, Amen”, (20). St Paul prays that God may grant everyone divine grace which will save us from all trials and temptations. As he speaks about those who create divisions and stumbling blocks among people, he points to “the God of peace” in order to enrich his audience with hope. Hope that would liberate from such evils…this is a prayer and a prophecy at the same time (that God destroys Satan quickly under our feet)! This is the strongest weapon: a secure stronghold and a steadfast tower!... St John Chrysostom 4 You see how Satan, the hunter, is eager to seize and destroy our souls. He sets up all sorts of nets and other means of deception…but as long as we are in a state of grace, our souls will enjoy peace. However, our souls will become as troubled as a boat struck by wild waves if we play around with sin. St Jerome5 The Apostle offers prayer on behalf of his congregation in order to destroy Satan himself rather than with the purpose of destroying divisive persons. He prays so that the devil, who works within such evil persons, might fall helplessly under their feet. Indeed, he will be destroyed rapidly because the times are short and the days of his deception are few. 5- Greetings from the Apostle”s Friends: للمؤلف: المسیح في سرّ الأفخارستیا، 1973 ، ص 1 .411 2 PL 38: 1101 A 3 In Rom. hom 32 4 Ibid 5 On Ps. hom 20 377 Some scholars believe that St Paul has read this message to the people of Corinth before sending it, and that the greetings included here were written at the request of the church in Corinth. Greetings come from St Timothy, the beloved son of St Paul. He was his son in the faith and a partner in the ministry, as well as his companion in many of his travels… There is also a greeting from Gaius, his host and indeed “the host of the whole church”. He had probably turned his home into a place of worship, and had hosted many who were strangers visiting Corinth. 6- Concluding Doxology and Benediction The benediction here is an echo of all that has been mentioned throughout this Epistle. St Paul expresses in it the need for God who grants not only hope, but firmness in Him as well. The mystery that He has proclaimed at the beginning of time is the eternal and hidden mystery which the prophets have foretold: the mystery of the coming and submission of all nations to the faith. He says: “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret since the world began but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith— to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.”, (25-27). In these words, St Paul underlines the following: A-God is the One who makes us stand firmly in His Gospel B-God”s plan for us is an eternal (mystery) C-This plan has been foretold by the prophets in the Old Testament D-God”s plan is that all nations obey the faith The Apostle clearly indicates that Tertius (22) is the one who has written this Epistle, and that the deaconess Phoebe is the one who carried it to the people in Rome.
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