Romans 16

In last Sunday’s sermon, I made note of how Paul mentions numerous people in the closing verses of the second epistle to Timothy. This emphasizes that the kingdom of God involves real, personal relationships with our brothers and sisters in the faith. Part of pressing into the kingdom of God is found in cultivating and strengthening the relationships we have with those who surround us. Many in our time insist on pursuing a “personal religion” or a sort of “lone-wolf spirituality” that is disconnected from the church family model we find in the New Testament. It is for this reason that I believe Paul was moved to mention so many people by name at the end of his letters - the family of God was important to him and he was greatly blessed by the relationships he built within that family.

I ended my sermon by encouraging folks to read the closing portions of several of Paul’s epistles to see how important these personal relationships were to him. Examples are found in several places in scripture but Romans 16 is a particularly rich example. I’ve reproduced it below with highlights of all those mentioned by name. Clearly, personal relationships within the kingdom of God were of great importance to Paul, and they should be to us as well. In this time of increasing isolation, the increasing influence of virtual interaction, and social media, God’s people do well to press into building personal, face-to-face relationships with their brothers and sisters in their local assembly. The Lord established the church and he didn’t do it for no reason. He intends for his sheep to profess his resurrection in baptism, to join with his people in the kingdom as members of the church, and to love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are the family of God and those who lose sight of that fact remain blind to some portion of the kingdom that is available and beneficial to them as we sojourn through this life.

- Elder Daniel Samons

Romans 16

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 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. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour 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. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 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. For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet 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. Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.” (Romans 16:1-27)