Paul Sends Greetings to Friends And Churches
May 11, 2021
Commentary
In this chapter Paul sends greeting to at least 26 people by name, as well as two unnamed saints, and to the people in several churches who were meeting in homes. It shows that Paul was a real “people person.” His great heart embraced all the people of God, and his love for them provoked him to take a keen interest in them. He had many friends and he deeply appreciated them for all they had done for him and for the cause of Christ.
There is certainly a big lesson here for all of us, and especially those of us who have been involved in a public ministry. In any ministry for the Lord, it takes many people behind the scenes who usually are unknown to men. We need to be very thoughtful and express our appreciation to those who support us and cause the Lord’s work to go forward. Thank you letters and times of verbal expression are so important. The ministry the Lord has given to us is multiplied by the number of friends and associates we have around us.
Most of these people that Paul mentions we know very little about. It is interesting to note that several women are mentioned in this list. Phoebe was a businesswoman involved in the church at Cenchrea and was the one who carried Paul’s letter to Rome (vv. 1-2). Priscilla and Aquila were almost like members of his own family (vv. 3-4). He had first met them in Corinth on his second missionary journey (Acts 18:2) and worked with them in tent making. They had come to Corinth from Rome when Claudius declared that all Jews must leave Rome. They accompanied Paul to Ephesus (Acts 18:18) and helped him there. Eventually they had moved back to Rome and one of the many house churches met in their home (v. 5). He mentions Epaenetus the first convert to Christ in Asia. Paul could only share his appreciation to all these devoted saints in Rome (vv. 3-16).
Application
Often, I think of my home as a place where I can go and shut the door and keep the world out: but equally my home needs to be a place that is open door to others. An open door, an open hand, and an open heart should be characteristics in my life.
Romans 16:1– 16 (NET)
1 Now I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, 2 so that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and provide her with whatever help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many, including me.
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life. Not only I, but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them. 5 Also greet the church in their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my compatriots and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my good friend Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my compatriot. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, laborers in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother who was also a mother to me. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the believers who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.