Romans 16:9

140214_stained_glass

Friday, 14 February 2014

Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Romans 16:9

Paul next takes the time to note a city boy and a country bumpkin. Urbanus means “belonging to the city” or “city-bred”  and Stachys means “ear of grain.” Urbanus was a rather common Roman name and was even the name used by 8 different popes of the Roman Catholic Church. On the other hand Stachys is a Greek name and references to it are far less common in ancient literature.

Extra-biblical writings note that both of these men continued on in their work for the Lord. Urbanus is believed to maybe have been an early pastor of the church in Rome, and Stachys is said by John Gill to have been one of the original 70 disciples mentioned in Luke 10:1, and that he further became a bishop of Byzantium.

However, these two are only noted here in Scripture. Urbanus is noted by Paul as “our fellow worker in Christ.” Whatever his work, he was there with the apostles or others helping out behind the scenes. Stachys is noted as “my beloved” which indicates a special note of friendliness and devotion.

Life application: God uses people of all sorts to accomplish His work. Regardless of where you are from, what has occurred in your past, or what your social standing is, or even what you do for a living, there is always a use for you. Allow the Lord to become you driving motivation in all things.

Heavenly Father, since receiving Jesus as my Lord, I’ve had many different jobs. Some were menial and some were stuffy, but I was able to use my surroundings to tell others about You. I would pray that anyone who feels they have no value or ability in spiritual matters to put such notions aside and to realize that they are exactly where You want them and that You have a good plan and purpose for them. Amen.

 

Leave a Reply