Bible Word of the Day
Caesar’s Household (Those Who Worked for Caesar)
Meaning
During his imprisonment Paul was guarded twenty-four hours a day by Roman soldiers. To all of whom, Paul preached the Gospel of Christ. They were chained to Paul and unable to get away from his preaching, so Paul used the opportunity to spread the Gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord. God used Paul’s imprisonment and trip to Rome to spread the Gospel of Christ to people who otherwise would have never heard the Gospel message, let alone from an apostle of Christ directly. This included Roman soldiers, those who worked for Ceasar, the rich, the poor, business people as well as slaves.
This also included a special group of people who worked for the household of Caesar. This was a group of people who had power and influence. These people were members of the Roman Imperial Palace staff. They carried out the various logistical duties required to keep the palace running. Among them were beneficiaries of the Emperor’s favor as well as numerous slaves. And yet Paul preached the Gospel of Christ to each and every one of them. It’s even possible that Paul preached the Gospel of Christ to Nero himself. And it was these people as well as others who spread the Gospel message throughout the Roman Empire.
“Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren who are with me greet you. All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Letter to the Philippians 4:20-23)
“Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.” (Letter to the Romans 16:5-16)