This concept of various character and group studies has its foundation in scripture. In fact, the word ‘note’ is found four times in the New King James New Testament (the King James Version uses the words ‘salute’ and ‘mark’ in some of these passages).
The first time we see the word is in Romans 16:7. There Paul says, “Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.” Romans 16 as a chapter, is an interesting one in that Paul lists several people by name. For many of them, this is the only time they are mentioned in all of scripture. Andronicus and Junia are in this category. What is said about them in Romans 16:7 is all that inspiration says about them. They may seem insignificant compared to Paul, Peter, or Luke but the Holy Spirit saw fit to include them in this passage and there are some things that we can learn from these two people.
It is important to call people out by name. In this case, it is important to acknowledge people for the good that they have done. Paul also did this for three men in 1Corinthians 16:14-18. We also learn from Paul that some people need to be named because of the negative things they have done. Andronicus and Junia were of note “among the apostles.” Paul wanted them greeted and acknowledged.
Paul also used the word ‘note’ in Philippians 3:17 where he said, “Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern.” This was not the only time Paul said to look to him for an example of how to live. In 1Corinthians 11:1, he said, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” In the first part of Galatians 4:12, Paul stated, “Brethren, I urge you to become like me….” Here is Philippians 3:17, Paul said that we could follow after his example and to note (notice, acknowledge, make yourself aware of) those who live or conduct themselves as Paul does. In the same context, he points out that many walk as “enemies of the cross of Christ” (see verse 18). In contrast to that, the citizenship of the Christian is in Heaven and thus, there is a certain way that he or she ought to live or conduct themselves while here on the earth. In Philippians 1:27, Paul says, “Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel….” May we all strive to live as Paul lived — according to the gospel.
The two other passages where the word ‘note’ is used are both in a negative sense. One of them is back in Romans 16. Verse 17 says, “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” In contrast to noting those, such as Andronicus and Junia, who are doing positive things, this time Paul says we are to notice those who are doing negative things. In order to stand on guard against the enemies of the cross, we must notice what they are doing. Paul tells us how to respond to them: “...and avoid them.” There comes a time when fellowship must be severed. In another place, Paul said, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them” (Ephesians 5:11). This is further seen in the last passage in which the word ‘note’ is used.
The final passage in which the word ‘note’ is used is 2Thessalonians 3:14. There the apostle says, “And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.” What did Paul mean when he said “avoid them” in Romans 16:17? If there was any confusion, 2Thessalonians 3:14 helps clear it up. The text says “do not keep company with him….” Paul even tells us why we are not to keep company with the person who does not live after the gospel of Christ. Specifically, “that he might be ashamed.” It is true that we live in a culture where is seems that the recurring theme is we should not feel shame for anything. This was certainly not the Holy Spirit’s persuasion and it ought not to be our persuasion either. There are times when shame is a good thing and will motivate people to do what is right. As we can easily see, the idea of noting various people or groups of people have its foundation is scripture. We need to acknowledge those who are doing right and pattern our lives after them. We need to avoid those who are doing wrong.
-J
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