Romans Commentary

Ver. 21. — Timotheus my work-fellow, and Lucius, and Jason , and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

Timothy was a most devoted servant of the Lord Jesus, more of the same spirit with Paul than any of his other fellow-laborers. The Apostle, instead of designating himself by the superiority of his office with reference to that of Timothy, calls him his work-fellow. How different is this from the conduct of those who seek earthly honors and distinctions as the servants of Christ! All Christians are not alike obedient, and therefore not all equally honored before God; but their honor will be revealed in another world, though not in this. The other persons mentioned in this salutation were the kinsmen of the Apostle, whom he thus honorably recognizes as his relations.

Ver. 22. — I Tertius, who wrote this Epistle, salute you in the Lord.

The Apostle generally employed an amanuensis to write what he dictated.

Tertius wrote the Epistle, but it was in all things communicated by Paul, as what Paul communicated was dictated to him by the Holy Ghost.

Tertius likewise salutes the brethren. In the Lord. — These salutations were not those of mere worldly acquaintance or friendship, but in the Lord, that is, as a member of the body of Christ of which they were members. He might have no acquaintance with any individual among them, yet he was full of affection to them as a Christian brother. That conformity to the world which the Scriptures condemn, is a conformity to things contrary to the law of God. All the innocent customs of society may be imitated by Christ’s people without any sin. As the people of the world are accustomed to express good will by their salutations, so the Lord’s people ought likewise to show their love by similar expressions.

Love ought not only to exist in the heart, but also ought, on proper occasions, to be outwardly expressed. Without this it cannot edify or console those who are its objects. The people of the Lord, then, ought to recognize one another, and express their mutual love in all those ways usual among men.

Ver. 23. — Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you.

Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

Gaius was distinguished for Christian hospitality. The Apostle abode in his house at the time of writing this Epistle; but his hospitality was of the most liberal and extensive kind. He is praised by the Apostle as the host of the whole church. Gaius also sent his salutations to the church at Rome.

While Christianity does not destroy the different orders in society, all Christians are brethren, and recognize each other as such, though of different nations and of different ranks. Erastus the chamberlain of the city. — This is another personage of distinction who sends his salutation to the brethren at Rome. He held an important office in the city where he lived. The Apostle designates him as chamberlain, which might correspond in a good measure to treasurer. But in such cases in most instances no word in one language can be found to correspond perfectly to that of another, because no two countries may have the same modification of offices. The notice of the office of Erastus, although in itself it may appear trifling, is in reality of great importance. It shows us that Christians may hold offices even under heathen governments, and that to serve Christ we are not to be abstracted from worldly business. Quartus a brother. — The Apostle having no peculiar distinction to notice in this person, calls him a brother. This was a common name for all believers, because they are all brethren in Christ. It may at first sight appear superfluous to designate this person by a characteristic belonging to all Christians. But though it belongs to all Christians, yet it is not endlessly expressed. The Apostle directs attention to this circumstance that they are brethren, and that it is a real and important relation. We may know that all Christians are brethren, but it is nevertheless useful to be reminded of this, as we may be prone to act towards them in an unbrotherly manner.