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Romans 16
Toward the end of this long letter which Paul wrote to the saints that were at Rome, he spends a long time directing attention to individual believers. God is an individual God, and never forget that. He doesn’t deal with groups….He deals with individuals.
It is a (super)natural thing that the individuals that God deals with are drawn together in loving, thankful fellowship (full sharing). That fellowship is definitely an intended result of God’s working within each individual member of the body of Christ to will and do His good pleasure. But whatever the individual church (gathering of saints) looks like, it is because and due to God energizing in each individual.
Ephesians 4:16 From whom (Christ) the whole body is fitly jointed together, and compacted by that which every joint (relationship) supplies according to the effectual working (energizing) in the measure of every part (individual member), makes increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
So, let’s take a look at Paul’s sentiments toward these believers. I always cry when I read this section, because Paul…like his heavenly Father…..saw individuals, not a blob of a group of people. And Paul is our example of what is available and possible for each individual believer. (I Timothy 1:16).
Verse 1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea.
Paul wrote this letter from Corinth (a city of Greece), and most likely sent it to Rome via Phebe.
Verses 2-7 That you receive her in the Lord, as becomes saints, and that you assist her in whatsoever business she has need of you; for she has been a comforter of many, and of myself also.
Greet Priscilla and Aquilla, my helpers in Christ Jesus: (you may remember them from Acts 18, in Ephesus)
Who have for my life laid down their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
Likewise, greet the church that is in their house. (why isn’t this a part of the previous verse???)
Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us.
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Some believe this is indication that a female was an apostle, Junia being a feminine name. Also, if you count the names after Aquilla and Priscilla, who had a church in their home, until the next “household” is named, there are 8 names, a very good indication of the size of the Gentile household churches of the first century.
Verses 8-16 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
Salute Apelles, approved in Christ. Salute them who are of Aristobulus’ household (church in the home? …. I think so)
Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them who be of the household (church?) of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.
Salute Tryphena, and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.
Salute Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. (was Rufus Paul’s brother?)
Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them.
Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nerius, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
Salute one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
WOW! That’s 28 people, give or take, that are mentioned by name, not including those referred to NOT by name. And we’re not done yet. Now a little warning.
Verse 17 Now I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.
Romans doctrinally lays out the truth of the righteousness of God which was given as a gift to mankind through the completed work of Jesus Christ. Those that cause divisions and offenses contrary to that doctrine are spoken of in detail in Corinthians, as well as Galatians.
Verse 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
The belly was considered the source of a man’s passions and emotions (specifically, the bowels). One who serves his own belly is one who allows his emotions to guide his thinking and decision making. Emotions can be very good, but never as a reference for truth, or as a counselor or guide for our decisions. Those supposed spiritual advisors who appeal to our emotions by good words and fair speeches, but who do not make known the risen and glorified Christ, are to be noted and avoided, lest we be persuaded by an emotional appeal which is not of Christ.
Verses 19, 20 For your obedience is come abroad unto all. I am glad therefore on your behalf; but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
When it concerns evil, simply turn away. Don’t consider, weigh, figure, reckon, argue, persuade…….just simply turn away. Now concerning that which is good, apply all your powers of reckoning and figuring.
Verses 21-24 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle (he was the scribe), salute you in the Lord. Gaius my host, and of the whole church (another church in the home), salutes you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city salutes you, and Quartus, a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Verses 25-27 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and (which is) the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery (not according to history, or factual evidence…..the Christ we preach is not the historical Jesus, but the glorified Christ, manifest in his body of believers on this earth), which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets (of that present day), according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith; (faith in what? faith in the mystery of Christ….which only comes as the mystery is being revealed to each one by the spirit of Christ within). To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
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