Romans 16:15
IN THIS MOST wonderful epistle written by the apostle to the saints at Rome, these words are found, “Salute Philologus.” The epistle itself, the foundation of all the rest, and of the Christian life itself, is worthy of our most careful study unfolding as it does the utter ruin of the human race, and the redemption and full salvation of God, based upon the blood of atonement, and brought to light by the Gospel.
The closing chapter is devoted to commendations, salutations, and personal touches, all beautiful and perfect in their place. “Salute Philologus” is one worthy of note. Nowhere else do we read of this name upon the pages of inspiration. We never read that he was an evangelist, as Philip, nor yet of his pastoral labors, or teaching, as is recorded of Paul Timothy, Apollos and others; nor is he even commended for things noticed of certain others in this chapter. “Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which labored much in the Lord.” “Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us,” etc.
There may have been in his case little or no gift, and perhaps not time nor strength to do much in the way of labor; perhaps little seen or known in public, but of all this Scripture says nothing, but simply those words.
One thought looms up before the mind as we meditate upon this part of the inspired Word of God. Is the name the characteristic of the life of this one so worthy of the apostle’s salutation?
If so then we have found the key to a life sweet and precious to God and worthy of a place in the closing part of this epistle; and to those familiar with the Word of God this line of interpretation will not be new, nor yet out of order. Notice this from Genesis 4 down through the inspired word; Eve naming her sons, Cain and Abel; Noah’s birth (Gen. 5:29), Leah’s four sons (Gen. 29:32-35), in fact, the whole family; and again the Spirit’s interpretation of the name of Melchisedec (Heb. 7). Also the frequent changes of names, as from Jacob to Israel, Simon to Peter, Saul to Paul, and Joses to Barnabas. These are incidents true and divine in this line and order. But now, to return, if the name gives us a clue to this case, there was abundant reason why the apostle caused it to be placed upon the divine record, “Salute Philologus”—a lover of the Word—for so is his name by interpretation.
What a lesson this name has in it for us—the true secret of the Christian life, progress, and usefulness, the secret of true greatness before God. This epistle Paul had sent to Rome, and it was written by inspiration. Did not the apostle desire all the saints to read it and meditate upon the wondrous and precious themes therein given? Surely this was the apostle’s desire for the saints in that large city. Hence Philologus would be a pattern in this respect, and the mention of his name might inspire all to the same diligence and love for divine truth, “a lover of the Word.”
Beloved, let us, one and all, more truly answer to this name. These days are dark, evil is on the increase, lack of confidence is felt everywhere, and neglect of the Word of God is generally prevalent among the saints.
May we have a reviving everywhere, and true, hearty interest in the study of the Word of God. It is written of one, “I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). And again, still later, “I rejoiced at Thy Word as one that findeth great spoil. Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold” (Psalm 119:162,127).
Again, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart” (Jer. 15:16). These also were true Philologuses in their day and time, and we do well to draw near, and as the heart warms in communion with the Father and the Son, love for the Word will revive. The range is large, the fields are immense, the mines are rich and full of heavenly ore, and yet many of the people of God are passing over and by, and gather little or nothing. Reading a few verses, or a chapter now and then, good and right in its place, will not give us this Philologus character. Rather, we must “As newborn babes desire the sincere milk of the Word” (1 Peter 2:2). “If thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; then shalt thou understand the gear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God” (Prov. 2:1-5). Then the Book will not appear dry, and hours spent therein will not grow dreary.
We may be dumb and have no utterance; deaf and hear little oral ministry; yet there lies before us the precious Word of God, and if we are never commended, or rewarded for preaching or teaching, will it be said at the end that we have been lovers of the Word?
Phildelphia (Rev 3:7) is a name akin to Philologus, and one of the things said to Philadelphia is, “Thou hast kept My Word.” Herein lies the secret of all spiritual power. How refreshing, in a day like this, when higher critics are doing their best to awaken and overthrow confidence in the Word, and again Satan in other ways draws away the hearts of men by love of pleasure, love of wealth, love for the Word of God, those who abide fast by it.
Search it! and love—beyond rubies or fine gold—the precious things written therein. Of such we can truly say, The Lord increase their number, and to such we can yet write, “Salute Philologus.
—A.E.B.