The Pulpit Commentary — Romans — Section 462

than that, when hie friend was &t so greet a distance from him, Pe.ul, In writing to tho Romans, should send n greeting of affection to the beloved BSBocia.te of bygone days? Christie.nity sa.nctifies and elevates human affection. II. Tm;:· BO:!,'"D OF KINISTERlAL INTEREST. Epametus was the flrstfruits of Asia's offering unto Christ. This being the case, it is somewhat singule.r the.t we know nothing more regarding him. Paul has spoken of himself as ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable. ThG conversion of the Gentiles was a harvest, a sacrifice; and the firstl'ruits accordingly must have been to the npost.le's mind peculiarly precious. The expression is very suggestive. 1. Of what toil and somng was this conversion the result I There is no crop without foregoing lawur; and the Book of the Acts of the Apostles shows us at what expenditure of labour and suffering the harvest was secured. When the parent instils into the mind of his children from infancy the doctrines and precepts of religion; when the teacher endeavours to bring the youthful mind, otherwise perhaps uncultivated nnd uncared- for, under Christian training and influence; when the pastor faithfully and continuously scatters the seed of the kingdom in men's hearts, sowing beside all waters; when the evangelist and missionary toil, in uncongenial circumstances and amidst many dis- cou..-a,,<rements, for the salvation of human souls ;-all such elfort is seed-sowing, of which sometimes only the springing blade may be discerned by the labourer, who is happy indeed if he be suffered to see here and there the firstfruits of his endeavours, 2. How rich, ripe, and promising were these firstfruits I It is proof enough of the Christian character of Eprenetus, that the apostle regarded him as a beloved friend. In this case Paul's labours bad proved manifestly not in vain. Here was doubtless a renewed and holy person, adorning the Christian profession, and by ripeness and beauty and serl'"iceableness of character fitted to be regarded as the firstfruits of a province. Now, the firstfruit.s may be as good in quality as the harvest which follows. In fact, Christian ministers are justified in looking for such results to follow their patient and prayerful t.oiL Nothing else can reward them; spiritual results, and these only, a.re the desired recompense. 3. Of a harvest how wealthy and glorious was this individual Christian the earnest and promise! Genius and faith can see in the firstfruits, insig- nificant, it may be, in themselves, the pfomise of vast results, extending thl'oughout spacious regions and endnring throughout long ages. So, doubtless, it was in this case; the Apostle Paul felt the image of Eprenetus revived in his memory, nay, his veryDll.me awakened in his mind a glorious vision of the future evangelization of a vast and populous province, of the formation of large and flourishing Churches, of the final salvation of a multitude of precious sonls. Such associations, such expectations, would natmally lend an additional interest and sweetness to this warm-hearted greeting com- mllllicated from afar. Al'PLicA.TioK. 1. Remark the beauty of Christian courtesy. It is right to remember and to greet ancient comrades in Christian toil, and all who a.re bound to us by ties of former fellowship. 2. Learn the lesson of Christian love-love unfeigned. Love should be not only of a general, a sentimental kiD.d; it should be personal and faithful, love to individual souls with whom Providence may have brought you into contact. 3. Cnltivate the disposition of hope. Regard in every convert to the faith of Christ the proof of Divine power e.nd grace ; and see in such the happy omen of a recovered and regenerated world. Ver. 6.-.A 'UJUIMA'l,'B labou.rB for CJkri,st. During our Saviour's earthly ministry, many devout and grateful women devoted their time, their substance, and their per- sonal ministratiom to the Lord. And Christ's apostles, ae we may judge from the record in the Acts, were also frequently indebted to the hospitality, the ?.ealous co-operation, and the sympathizing and generous spirit, of consecrated Christian women. From this chapter it appears that the early Churches were, in some cases, assisted in their benevolent and evangelistic work by feminine ministrations. Of llla.ry we know nothing but what is recorded to her honour and remembrance in this paasage that she bestowed much labour upon the Christia.IIB of the imperial city. If she be ~ken u a representative of pioue and. benevolen~ and laboriou~ Christian women, the rec,,rd concerning her may suggest reflcct10ns regarding the vocation of such persona i.J., tLe Church of Chrut. on. xvr.1-27,] THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE ROMANS. 461