§. 194. Of Faithfulness in declaring the salutations of others.
THe Apostle having commended to them his own salutation, presenteth also the salutations of others in these words, They of Italy salute you.
Italy is one of the fairest Regions in Europe. There are many very famous Cities in that Region: as Rome, Venice, Neapoles, Florence, Genua, and sundry others. There were Churches in many parts of Italy. It may be that there was a Church of the Jews in that part of Italy where the Apostle was, when he wrote this Epistle; and that he might mean them especially. Or if they were converted Gentiles, they were such as bore good-will to these Hebrews: and re∣joyced in this, that the Hebrews imbraced the Christian faith: and thereupon de∣sire that their good-will to the Hebrews might be testified; which is to salute them. Without all question they were such Christians as well knew the Hebrews, and whom the Hebrews well knew: and thereupon the Apostle thus sets them down in∣definitely, They of Italy.
This testifieth the Apostles faithfulnesse in performing that which was com∣mitted to his charge. Others desired him to commend their good-will to the Hebrews; and this he doth in this word, Salute you. The like is done concerning sundry particular persons by name, Rom. 16. 21, &c. 1 Corinth. 16. 19, &c.
This is the rather to be noted, because many exceedingly fail in this point of faithfulness. Friends desire to have their love commended to their friends in ab∣sence, by such as write or go to them, who clean neglect to perform that Christian duty of love.
If an Apostle made conscience of performing this duty, surely it is a duty whereof all Christians ought to make conscience.