Daily Devotions
Romans
"The firstfruits of Achaia to Christ..."
Text: Romans 16:5
A LIST OF OUTSTANDING FRIENDS I
Paul went on to make a list of friends that stood out to him. The list included the following:-
1. Epanaetus
a) He is honored as one of the “firstfruits of Achaia” (Romans 16:5)
b) The Achaian community of believers were mentioned as having very generous hearts and were strong givers (Cf. Romans 15:26)
2. Mary
a) Little is known about her apart from this text.
b) Paul honoured her for her labour of love (Romans 16:6).
3. Andronicus and Junia
a) They were fellow Jews, his “countrymen” (Romans 16:7a)
b) They were also his “fellow prisoners” (Romans 16:7b)
c) They were people of note among the apostles (Romans 16:7c)
i) They had come to faith in Christ before Paul.
ii) They had earned a good name for themselves.
iii) They were hailed by the other apostles of Christ.
4. Amplias
a) Nothing is known of this person apart from this text
b) He was however called “beloved in the Lord” (Romans 16:8)
GOD’S GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP
In acknowledging all these friends, we learn how to treasure good friends as God’s special gifts to us. Good friends are hard to come by. Good friends in Christ who prove themselves to be outstanding servants of God as well, ought to be given high honour.