Romans 16:8

⁷Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.⁸Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.

Summary

In Romans 16:8, Paul commends a fellow believer named Ampliatus, highlighting his loyalty and service in the Lord. This verse reflects the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of faithful individuals within the Christian community. It serves as a reminder to acknowledge and honor those who labor diligently for the Kingdom of God, encouraging mutual support and unity among believers. By mentioning Ampliatus by name, Paul demonstrates the value of personal connections and relationships in the body of Christ. Ultimately, Romans 16:8 exemplifies the spirit of gratitude and encouragement that should characterize interactions among Christians.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

Amplias, my beloved in the Lord - One who is my particular friend, and also a genuine Christian.

John Gill Bible Commentary

Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. This was a Roman name; the Vulgate Latin reads "Ampliatus", and so do the Alexandrian copy, and the Ethiopic version: some call him "Amphias", and "Amphiatus", and say, but whether on good authority I will not affirm, that this man was bishop of Odyssus; but be he who he will, the apostle had a singular affection for him; and that not upon any external account, as natural relation, riches, honour, learning, &c. but for the Lord's sake, and as he was in Christ, a member of him, and so in a spiritual relation to the apostle; a "brother" of his, as the Ethiopic version here calls him; and because he was honoured with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, and for his usefulness in the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. This was a Roman name; the Vulgate Latin reads "Ampliatus", and so do the Alexandrian copy, and the Ethiopic version: some call him "Amphias", and "Amphiatus", and say, but whether on good authority I will not affirm, that this man was bishop of Odyssus; but be he who he will, the apostle had a singular affection for him; and that not upon any external account, as natural relation, riches, honour, learning, &c. but for the Lord's sake, and as he was in Christ, a member of him, and so in a spiritual relation to the apostle; a "brother" of his, as the Ethiopic version here calls him; and because he was honoured with the gifts and graces of the Spirit, and for his usefulness in the Gospel of Christ Jesus. Romans 16:9 rom 16:9 rom 16:9 rom 16:9Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ,.... This also was a Roman name, and which many of the popes of Rome have since taken to themselves; he is said to be one of the seventy disciples, and to be a bishop in Macedonia; See Gill on Luk 10:1; which is not very probable: others have conjectured him to be one of the pastors of the church of Rome, which is more likely; and if he was, but few of his successors have deserved the character given of him, an "helper in Christ"; in spreading the Gospel, and enlarging the kingdom and interest of Christ: and Stachys my beloved; this is a Greek name, he is said to be one of the seventy disciples, and bishop of Byzantium; See Gill on Luk 10:1. According to the Roman martyrology, he was ordained bishop of the Byzantine church, by Andrew the apostle, but this is not to be depended on; he was, however, because of his faith in Christ, and love to him, or on such like spiritual accounts, very dear to the apostle.

Romans 16:8

Personal Greetings and Love

⁷Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.⁸Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.