Romans - Paul Greets His Friends

Paul Greets His Friends

Romans 16:1-16

 

In the beginning portion of this final chapter of this letter, Paul takes the time to greet all friends and acquaintances he had met during his missionary travels. It was customary for believers who traveled from place to place to carry with them letters of commendation. This practice is referred to in Paul’s 2^nd Letter to the Corinthian church. (2 Corinthians 3:1 - New Living Translation) “Are we beginning to praise ourselves again? Are we like others, who need to bring you letters of recommendation, or who ask you to write such letters on their behalf? Surely not!”

The first individual mentioned in Paul’s correspondence is Phoebe, who belonged to the church at Cenchrea, located some seven miles from Corinth and serving as the seaport of the city (cf. Ac 18:18). It was one of the Achaian communities to which the Gospel spread from Corinth during and after Paul's original ministry in that city (2Co 1:1). Phoebe is called a "servant" of this church. The same word can be rendered "deaconess." Men were serving as deacons about this time (Php 1:1), and before long women were being referred to in a way that suggests they held such an office in the church.

The reason Paul sent so many greetings was because he didn’t want to leave anyone out. Being human, Christians may have had the tendency to look upon themselves being left out of the greeting as favoritism. Each individual mentioned had assisted Paul in one way or another since his conversion. It may seem odd that he would know so many believers from a church he had never visited, however, because of his extensive travelling it was very possible that he met these folks on the road or in another city and found out from them that they attended the Roman congregation.

Paul specifically mentions the likes of Priscilla and Aquilla and Epenetus. The ladies were considered by the apostle to be “co-workers” for Christ and Epenetus was the first person to be converted during Paul’s missionary travels. It can be difficult to recall everyone who means something important to you, but Paul shares not only their names but what their association to him was. 

The next posting from Romans represents the final one from Paul’s letter to the Jews and Gentiles who made up the Roman congregation. Friends and associations can be the saving grace of a brother or sister who is on the road so much. Having contacts both far and wide can certainly come in handy. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In His Name & for His Glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resource: Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament