“Romans 16:1-16”

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. “Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.”

---End of Scripture verses---

The Apostle Paul had a great appreciation for all the quality people that added value to his work and to his life. He knew that he depended upon a strong team of committed “fellow workers in Christ Jesus” (verse 3) to spread and facilitate the Gospel, and to strengthen local congregations of the Lord’s church. The church of Christ is made up of individual people and every single one of them is important. Paul took the time here to do a lot of “name-dropping,” and to praise several of his brothers and sisters for all that they contributed to the kingdom.

He begins this section by commending a sister in Christ named Phoebe to the congregation at Rome (verse 1). Evidently she was chosen by Paul to hand-deliver this letter to the church. Paul wrote this epistle from the city of Corinth, and Phoebe lived in the nearby town of Cenchrea. Paul encouraged the Roman brethren to receive her with open arms and to “help her in whatever matter she may have need of” them (verse 2). She was a worthy sister who had dedicated her life to helping other people with their needs.

He then mentioned his old friends and fellow-soldiers, Aquila and Prisca (Priscilla) (verse 3). This dynamic duo had proven themselves invaluable to Paul in his service to the Lord, and had even “risked their own necks” in order to save Paul from one of the many “perils” that he had exposed himself to while preaching the Gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). He went on to extend greetings to a host of other fellow workers who served there in the church at Rome.

Paul ends by sending greetings from “all the churches of Christ” (verse 16) that he had worked with and had received contributions from for the collection for the needy saints in Jerusalem. Each and every faithful congregation of the Lord’s church that existed in the first century properly bore the name “church of Christ.” It is no surprise that they should be called such, since Jesus purchased HIS one and only church with His own blood, and the gates of Hades did not prevail against its establishment (Matthew 16:18). Any congregation that professes to follow, serve and worship Jesus should wear His name without shame.

Paul also encouraged the brethren in Rome to “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (verse 16). This was the customary way for people to greet one another in that place and culture, so I don’t believe it is any more binding upon us as a part of the doctrine of Christ than “foot washing” is. Be that as it may, I still think we should express the warmth and love that the holy kiss conveyed in ways that are appropriate and acceptable in our culture. So, I expect at least a warm handshake or a big hug the next time I see you!

Please read Romans 16:17-27 for tomorrow.

Have a great day!!!

- Louie Taylor

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