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Learn —

I. THAT BAD NAMES NEED NOT HINDER GOOD SERVICE. "Tryphena" means wanton, and "Tryphosa" luxurious. We should hardly expect excellence of any kind from persons bearing such names as these; yet, notwithstanding their names, they laboured in the Lord. The worst names have been attached to the best men — Quakers, Methodists, Ranters, etc.; and the men thus designated have not taken the trouble to repudiate their designations, but have, through evil report, "laboured in the Lord." An evil name, however, is a serious disadvantage, and parents cannot be too careful in avoiding the selection of names for their children of which in after life they may be ashamed.

II. SINFUL WOMEN MAY BECOME USEFUL SAINTS. It is not improbable that these names were deserved, and were used to designate a certain class. If so, note —

1. The power of Divine grace. Rahab, the woman of Samaria, the woman in Simon's house, are proofs that, under the gospel, the most wanton may become pure; and the history of Christian enterprise teems with instances of those who, bred in the lap of luxury, have become the most laborious in the cause of Christ. They have had much forgiven, because they have loved much, and their much love has constrained them to a life of intense devotion.

2. The magnanimity and courage of the apostle. People of this class are usually shunned, even after strong and varied proof of change of heart and life; men and women are afraid of compromising their reputation by associating with them. but in Paul's case the disciple was not above his Master, who gloried in the title of "the friend of publicans and sinners."

III. COMPANIONSHIP DESECRATED BY SIN MAY BE CONSECRATED BY GRACE. These women, if not sisters, were doubtless friends before their conversion. If one sinner destroyed much good, two sinners, acting in conjunction, will destroy very much more — and sinners usually act in company. The same holds good in an opposite way, when converted men and women act in concert. "Two are better than one." Conclusion:

1. There is encouragement under the most discouraging circumstances for earnest Christians.

2. There is hope for the most abandoned.

3. Converted men and women should seek to make their companions in sin companions in Christian service.

(J. W. Burn.)

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KJV: Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.

WEB: Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.