Read the Credits
When was the last time you watched a movie and thought there might be something after the credits? To no surprise movies that are a series are more susceptible to having all the audience wait until the end looking for any sign of what could come next. However, while waiting for that hoped scene we preoccupy our time looking at the credits. The names, positions, and all the people that are necessary to create the movie. It is here that I want to bring our attention to today. Some people are quick to leave the theater and miss not only seeing the hidden scene, but also appreciating those behind the scenes who made the movie.
We at times do this with the end of books of the Bible, this is especially true with Paul’s letters to the different churches. I have seen people speed read the second Paul starts to name people, as if the credits had come up and they wanted out. This is unfortunate, for just like a movie, we can still learn a great deal about what we have just gone through. Let’s look at a wonderful example, please go to 1 Corinthians 16:19-24, “19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 The salutation with my own hand--Paul’s. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. O Lord, come! 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. 24 My love [be] with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
Many people might not understand the significance of what is given here. How this is applicable right now in 2023 to you and I? Without this section of scripture, we wouldn’t have the examples of Christian application.
Verse 19, “The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” This couple was previously expelled from Rome as seen in Acts 18:1-2. “1 After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth. 2 And he found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome); and he came to them.” These two no matter where they moved, made sure to open their home for the local Christians; look at Romans 16:3-5, “3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ.” Dr. Ed Hindson with Liberty Commentary on the New Testament states when studying these two, “Apparently, wherever this couple went they made their home a sanctuary where Christ was honored and believers gathered to share the Word together and worship.” No matter what happens in life, we as believers can provide something to the local Christian community. Priscilla and Aquila were both wanting to serve and provide a place for the gospel to be preached. This doesn’t mean we as believers have to give over our house to be used, but rather allow what God has given us to be used as we are called. For these two believers, God always provided a suitable home and they intended to use it for Him.
The next part Paul wants us to know is found in verse 20, “All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.” As Christians it doesn’t matter where we come from, what is our past, nor any other born aspects of diversity; we are to be united in Christ. Dr. Ed Hindson also helps us understand this command, “In the custom of the day, this was an expression of mutual affection and friendship. In other words, they were to put away their divisive spirit and unite in the bonds of love.” This is very important today for us to understand, Christians must be united under the Lord Jesus Christ. We can be different in every other way, uniquely drawn to cross, but firmly founded in God’s Word. This is how you can have people from all over the world, different times, classes, and experiences are all united. Look at an example of this in Revelation 5:9-10, “9 And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, 10 And have made us kings and priests to our God; And we shall reign on the earth.” The Church is unique and we are to uphold to those values as Christians.
So far, we have learned in just two verses so easily skipped, that the gifts from the Lord should be utilized with great earnest, that we should be flexible with what challenges the world throws at us, and utilize what Christ has given. Secondly, we are to be united as believers under Christ. We are to not be swayed by the hatred and divisiveness brought about. Next week, we will continue with the last three verses and learn what else is applicable in these simple but forgotten texts.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL