Romans_16
Scripture
Romans 16:1-16 NIV
“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings..”
Observation-What does it say?
Paul continues to write to the church in Rome, who were “loved by God and called to be saints” (Rom 1:7), in order to encourage and teach them about the doctrines of Christ. (gotquestions.org)
In this chapter, specifically the first section, he is acknowledging and recognizing fellow believers who are near and dear to his heart.
Understanding-What does it mean?
No matter what we are going through in life, make a way to stay connected to those we love.
“You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ””
Acts 20:34-35 NIV
Even through the trials and tribulations of Paul’s life from arrests to imprisonment, Paul finds a way to connect with those dear to his heart through letter. I love how he honored each of them by name personally and specifically and then included some encouragement to the church, commending some for their obedience, but still warning them to be wise with the good and innocent with evil.
Life Application
Contact, pray for and encourage someone today!
Who can you or I contact today that we’ve been putting off because of our own personal schedules or issues? Let’s look outside of ourselves and be an encouragement to someone who needs it today!
Holy Spirit, help us to love You wholeheartedly and as a result love, serve and encourage others the way You have called us to. Please give us the desire to look outside of ourselves, our personal lives and struggles. Amen.
*Also, speaking of honoring and encouraging people, just a plug that our Grateful Gathering date has changed to Friday, Nov. 17th @ 6:30pm. Take a second to RSVP now.
I’m thankful to be part of a church where we seek to be intentional about giving thanks and honoring others.
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-Michelle Gaddi