WHAT DID THIS HOST OF NAMED FOLKS DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

William Andrew Dillard
It gives one pause to think that some of the grandest deeds mentioned in the Bible do not carry with them proper names of those who did them. On the other hand, a number of proper names are given without much if any detail of what they did except in a general way. Could it possibly be that such is another way of underscoring that any worthwhile thing done in the sight of God is actually attributable to God rather than the human instrument? Could it also be that the mention of many proper names without detail of what they did is another way of the Bible underscoring the importance of the individual being dedicated to God, and to the things of God so that they forever share in the blessings of dedicated discipleship?
Truly, one cannot be held responsible for living in a day of smaller things. But every person in every age is accountable to God for how he is faithful in that to which he has access.
It is in this line of thought that the following host of proper names are brought forth for consideration.
Gaius, Erastus, Quartus, Tertius, Sosipater, Jason, Lucius, Timotheus, Olympas, Nereus, Julia, Philologus, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, Phlegon, Asyncritus, Rufus, Persis, Tryphosa, Tryphena, Harcissus, Herodion, Aristobulus, Apelles, Stachys, Urbane, Amplias, Junia, Andronicus, Mary, Epaenetus, Aquila, Priscilla, and Phebe.
Aside from being somewhat difficult to pronounce, most of them are also foreign to a great many Bible readers. But there they are, penned into the eternal Word of God. They are noted specifically as being helpers or blessings in other forms to the apostle Paul. This may be found in Romans 16. Moreover, the brief paragraph of names is far from inclusive of all whose names may be found in the divine sixty-six books.
However, that these are there shouts loudly to all of God’s people of covenant down through the age of names that are not known to us, but names that are well known to God. The role of their kind has swollen the magnificent books of life, and nothing could be more humbly rewarding than that names of modern saints should continue to swell those pages.
To believe what God has said, and to walk within the constraints of that belief is of far greater value than most people realize. The host of folks that ran through the mind of the apostle Paul as he neared the finish line of his course brought him thankfulness and joy. They blessed the apostle, and they were a blessing to one another in the sweet fellowship of God’s work, and folks, that is so right!

WHAT DID THE APOSTLE PETER DO THAT WAS SO RIGHT?

William Andrew Dillard

Most every Bible student is familiar with the great sin of the Apostle Peter. Peter was a man quick to speak and a little slow to think. It seems that he had to say something on every occasion, and often what he said was wrong. In that regard many of us today can identify with him.
Of course, what is remembered most is his boast to stay with the Lord, and support Him no matter what the circumstances. Jesus told him that before the rooster crowed he would deny Him three times. That is exactly what happened. What must it have been like to know that you not only denied, but cursed to emphasis that denial of Jesus in the crucial hour of his trial and subsequent crucifixion?
So, what did Peter do that was so right? In tears he repented of his deed as he realized the weakness of the flesh and what can happen when real danger knocks at one’s door. His repentance was genuine, and the grace of God was sufficient to forgive him and restore him to prominent service in His ministry. Peter would never be the same. However, his bitterly disappointing sin was totally forgiven and he was so much the wiser for the experience.
God’s Word teaches us that “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” I John 1:9. Peter sinned greatly, but he genuinely repented, received the forgiveness of God and went on to serve Him in a great and wonderful way. That is so right!
We should never let past sins and disappointing deeds keep us from a close relationship with the Lord. God is in the convicting business. Additionally, He is in the forgiving business when one repents of sin. He is in the restoration business of broken lives to meaningful purpose in His great cause on earth. No one should miss out on the fulfillment of spiritual potential in this life, and the reward that it will bring in the next one.
Are you disappointed in yourself? Are you disappointed in others? We are all sinners. We all disappoint others from time to time. We also disappoint ourselves, especially when we think we are strong, and we discount the weakness of the flesh. It is not amazing that we should fail, but it is so important that we repent, and go on in serving our wonderful Lord and Savior Who loves us. In this, we can also identify with the apostle Peter, and that is so right!