聖書注解書

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

Servant of the Church — A deaconess to minister to the sick, as 1 Timothy 5:9 , not a praedicantisse, to preach or have Peter’s keys on their belt. (Dr Bastwick against Independency.)

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That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

As becometh saints — Who are great princes, states, in all lands, Psalms 45:1-17 , and to be observed accordingly, even worthy of God,3 John 1:6; 3 John 1:6 .

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Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

Salute Priscilla — She is first mentioned, haply as more forward than her husband in the best things. So was Manoah’s wife and Nazianzen’s mother.

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Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Who have for my life — A rare example. Fast friends are in this age for the most part gone on pilgrimage (said one once), and their return is uncertain.

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Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

The church that is in their house — The house of George Prince of Anhalt, for the good orders therein observed, is said to have been Ecclesia, Academia, Curia. the church, the university and the government.

The first fruits of Achaia — The first that received the gospel there. A singular commendation, a sweet happiness. God’s soul hath desired such first ripe fruits, Micah 7:1 , such primroses.

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Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

Greet Mary, … — It is profitable that men of great parts and place should preserve their memory with others, though it be but in a salutation; for it may be a means to fire up affection to godliness in such whom they so remember.

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Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Who are of note — Επισημοι , noble, notable Christians, old, experienced, gray-headed disciples. Christianity finds or makes us honourable.

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Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.

Greet Amplias — Piety is no enemy to courtesy: it doth not remove, but rectify it.

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