Morning Devotionals

by Don Emmitte

 

March 29th, 2008

 

"The Lesser Known Disciples (Part 3)"

Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. (Romans 16:7 NIV).

Andronicus and Junias, his wife, were relatives of Paul. They had been converted before Paul, and, like Paul, had suffered imprisonment, although when and where can only be surmised. When they are referred to as "outstanding among the apostles," this may be interpreted as either designating the high esteem in which they were held by the Twelve, or as reckoning them in the number of apostles. While there have been those, including Chrysostom, who believe that they were a part of the original “apostles” it is more likely that the general meaning of the word applies. This is certainly the fact as we read of Barnabus (Acts 14:14), Titus (2 Corinthians 8:23) and Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25). It was a designation of the traveling evangelists or missionaries who preached the gospel from place to place. On this assumption, Andronicus was one of the most prominent and successful of the traveling missionaries of the early church. They were probably among the seventy that Jesus called and sent out to preach the Gospel.

Church tradition is really the only source beyond what we have seen thus far. Whatever the “designation” of this courageous couple, we can be sure that they were fearless in their desire to serve the Lord. They were both martyred for their faith while preaching in Pannonia. This area is mostly the present day Hungary.

The key points I sense in these lesser known disciples are in the fact that they were both courageous in their faith and willing to go wherever the Lord would send them. Courage is a trait that many Christians have difficulty with. Of course, very few of us will be called upon to give up our life for Christ in today’s world. However, there are other things that we may be called upon to forego. How about when we find ourselves challenged because we seem “different”? This is especially true with the effects of peer pressure. These saints of old ought to inspire us to be courageous for our faith.

However, even more importantly is our willingness to go where Christ leads us. That’s especially tough when we get comfortable. I have been faced with that challenge several times in my life. I can tell you that it always difficult. Pray, seek the wisdom of others, and then go! You may be sensing a call today. Don’t shrink from the challenge. And, by the way, that ”call” is probably not into vocational service. It might be, however, it is more likely that God’s call to you is much closer to home than that. If you listen, you’ll hear it. Just listen!