Romans 16:1-2Phoebe was probably the one who was carrying the letter to Rome. The word “servant” is the word for deacon. As a fellowship, we don’t officially recognize female deacons. We also don’t distinguish between those who serve in administration and helps versus church elders who are expected to provide a spiritual leadership to the church. That further complicates applying titles to individuals. However, we have plenty of women who are serving the church. Another of our peculiarities is that we consider deacon and honorific title. It would probably be better if we just said servant or worker since it might help us remember that it isn’t something for your tombstone but rather something to do right now.
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
Romans 16:3-16
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus, 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.
There are many names here. Priscilla and Aquila were apparently in prison with Paul and then moved to Rome later and helped organize the church since it was meeting in their house. These two also taught Apollos when he was preaching but didn’t have a complete understanding of the Gospel (Acts 18:24-26). Andronicus and Junia were apparently married and were Jews who had been saved before Paul was saved. In a time when the Roman world considered women at best as second class citizens, Paul is careful to acknowledge the ministry of women in the Church.
The mention of Rufus is interesting since the Gospel of Mark (that may have been written to the Church in Rome) identifies the man who helped carry the Cross as Simon of Cyrene and the father of Alexander and Rufus. That is one of those things that we’ll need to ask about in heaven but that must have been a very special family.
Romans 16:17-20If we are going to be able to respond to this appeal then we will certainly need a firm grasp on the doctrine taught in Romans. The challenge is not to be slack about doctrine but rather to have it clear in your head so that you can actually identify someone who is departing from Scripture. In the first few centuries you could claim that Scripture was difficult to acquire and study but we don’t have that excuse anymore.
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. For your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise as to what is good and innocent as to what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Romans 16:21-23
Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen. I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
I find it interesting to hear the names of those who were working with Paul. In particular we get to find out about Tertius who actually did the writing. I think we can begin to see that Paul was certainly no lone ranger. Paul had a tremendous group of individuals around him ministering.
Romans 16:25-27
Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.
This is a wonderful benediction and encouragement to pursue an understanding of Scripture for our own strength. The mystery has been explained in detail by Paul (as written by Tertius) in the book of Romans. Only God gets glory for the Gospel. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment