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In that the apostle calls this household a Church, we may note that a religious and well-ordered family is as it were a little Church. Now, do we learn from hence that our houses are Churches? Then these things will follow.

1. That God's worship and piety must be set up in them. How can they be Churches of God if God be not served in them?

2. All must be done there in order, and quietness, and silence, for so it is or should be in the Church.

3. Evil persons that are incorrigible must not dwell there, but must be cast out (Psalm 101.).

4. The husband or master of the family must dwell there as a man of knowledge, and wives, children, and servants must obey as the Church doth Christ.Conclusion:

1. Are our families Churches? Why, then, religious families are in a happy case, for then God Himself will dwell there; so as a stranger coming to such places may say, as Jacob did of Bethel, "Surely God is in this place."

2. Should our families be Churches? Oh, then, woe unto the world of profane households.

(N. Byfield.)

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KJV: Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church which is in his house.

WEB: Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in his house.