Scripture
Salute Apelles the approved in Christ.
~Romans 16:10, ASV
Quote
Excellence is not being the best, it is doing your best.
~Image Quotes
Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Who was Apelles? What did he do? Little if anything is known about this man. His name means “called,” but what was his calling? Some think he was one of the first Christian apologist but we really have no solid evidence concerning his life and activity. All we know is that Paul saluted him. This salute was a greeting; an honorable and affectionate greeting. It means that Paul admired and respected Apelles. Basically, all that Paul says about Apelles is that he was approved in Christ. In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until liquid, poured into molds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins were comparatively soft, and of course many people shaved them closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens to stop the practice of whittling down the coins then in circulation. But some money-changers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money; they were men of honor who put only genuine, full-weight money into circulation. Such men were called dokimos, and this is the word translated approved in today’s text.
Being approved, accepted or pleasing to Christ is all that matters. We dream of hearing Him say someday, “Well done; You have been a good and faithful servant.” A part from His approval, there is nothing of real value. Our accomplishments, whatever they are, will not be listed or recognized. In the end, it will come down to one short sentence, “Here is Jack, he did or did not please Christ.”
Many believers labor in obscurity. Their work goes unnoticed. They win no awards; get no credits and they never advance up the ladder of worldly success. Some of them stand at the door of our churches and hand out bulletins, some work in the nursery or teach children. We may not value their contribution but God does. Some day they will get the royal salute and hear a “Well done.” When Jesus comes there will be a great reversal: those that were first here will be last in His kingdom. Those who seemed least here on earth will be great in His kingdom. I did not make this up: check out Matthew 19:30.
Looking forward to another LORD’s day. God is good. Thanks for all the birthday greeting yesterday. It was a good day thanks to family and friends. I hope you have a great day and hope to see many of you in worship.