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Apprentice, Secretary, Host and Civil Servant

Romans 16:21-23
Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews. I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. (NIVUK)

As Paul signed off his letter to the church in Rome, he sent greetings from eight people who were part of his core ministry team.  Of these, we know a little about four: Timothy, Tertius, Gaius and Erastus.  Tertius was Paul's secretary.  As the Apostle dictated, so he wrote down this letter to the church in Rome.  For such a task he needed to be totally committed to the Lord, the gospel message and a willing servant of the Apostle Paul.  It would have been a real challenge, applying all his linguistic skills to ensure that he communicated exactly what the Apostle intended ... and wrote it down legibly!

Gaius, probably not the Gaius from Macedonia (Acts 19:29) or the Gaius from Derbe (Acts 20:4), was most likely to be an early convert in Corinth who Paul personally baptised (1 Corinthians 1:14).  This man was Paul's host in Corinth and probably the church met in his house.  He would have been a man who used his wealth wisely with an open heart and generous spirit, serving the Lord through hospitality.

Erastus was a senior civil servant who controlled the public finances.  Despite his significant civic role, he was not ashamed to be a close associate with the Apostle and known as a Christian.

The wonderful thing about the church of Jesus Christ is not only that God welcomes all who will come through faith in Christ, but also that God places people with key skills and values into the local church - in order that the kingdom may grow and that mission can remain a priority.  So, whatever your background, education, skills or job, offer it to the Lord. He will use all who submit to Him taking what they have and multiplying it for His glory.

Prayer 
Sovereign Lord. Thank You for finding me and saving me. Thank You too for all my experience, gifts and skills. Forgive me for thinking that they are only intended to strengthen me and my family. I am sorry that I have failed to see how much You could use me in the context of the local church and global mission. Please help me to understand that every gift submitted to You is transformed into an instrument of grace, so that Your people can be strengthened, Your church built and Your gospel can move throughout the world. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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