Romans 16:9, My Beloved

Romans 16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

Stachys was highlighted as a beloved, a dear brother in Christ. We do not have any information concerning this person but we know that he has established a blessed relationship of mutual love and support with the Apostle Paul. What a privilege to be a child of God. The Apostle Paul experienced Christian fellowship and help and love.

How we can be a blessed to a believer as Stachys was. He may not have been mentioned for anywhere else in Scripture. But that one mentioned underscored his privilege status in God’s kingdom as a friend and support to the beloved Apostle. He is the widow at Zarephath who provided shelter and shared her last meal with Elijah the prophet. The prophet was facing incarceration for his ministry and God provided the widow and her son to provide mutual support. Or the Shunammite woman who provided the prophet Elisha with lodgings when he passes by her home. What encouragement to these beloved servants of God and what affection they must have felt for their show of help and love.

May the Lord bless His people to do good sowing seeds of love and friendship for the Lord’s sake for His honour and glory. Amen.