12th December 2023

12th December 2023


Pray (ACts)


Read (Romans 16v3-15)


Message (Scott Woodburn)


There is a major temptation to move quickly past Romans 16. After fifteen chapters of rich theology and application, the sixteenth chapter seems like an uninteresting long goodbye full of names of men and women that we know little about. I'd urge you to resist the temptation to ignore Romans 16 and remember that all of Scripture is God breathed - even the chapters that seem a little bit irrelevant.


What are we to make of Romans 16? I put it to you that it is a wonderful glimpse into the beauty of the church. Paul's list of greetings begins with Prisca and Aquila (v3). They were a husband and wife team  from a Jewish background who had been forced to leave Rome under the persecution of Emperor Claudius (Acts 18v2). Prisca and Aquila had not only risked their lives to support Paul (v4a) but they were wealthy and had allowed the church to meet in their home (v5a). Additionally they had helped Apollos grow in his understanding of Christ(Acts 18v26).


Epaenetus was the first convert to Christ in the Roman province of Asia (v5) which we know as modern day Turkey. Mary had worked hard for the Roman church (v6). Andronicus and Junia had worked alongside Paul and had been imprisoned for their efforts (v7a). They were known to the Apostles and had come to trust Christ before Paul (v7b).


Ampliatus was a brother in Christ (v8). Urbanus was a Gospel worker (v9a) and Paul simply referred to "beloved" Stachys (v9b). Apelles was a well respected believer (v10). Aristobulus may have been a brother of Herod Agrippa I and Paul sent greetings to his family (v10b). Herodion was a freed slave who had worked for the Herods and again Paul sent greetings to the family belonging to someone called Narcissus (v11).


Tryphaena, Tryphosa and Persis were all workers for the Lord (v12) while Rufus was a saved man (possibly a son of Simon of Cyrene) whose mother had treated Paul like her own son (v13). Lastly Paul greeted two specific fellowships. There was the group of Christians which included Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas and Hermas (v14) and there was Philologus, Julia, Nereus, Olympas and all the saints with them (v15).


I freely admit that it is hard to stay focused throughout such a passage. Who were these people? How do we pronounce their names? Is any of this relevant? As I read these verses I am thankful for the church of Jesus Christ. The men and women listed in these verses couldn't have been more different. Some of them were ethnic Jews with others identified as Gentiles. Some were rich, some were poor and some had even served as slaves. Some gave their time, others their money and others still their encouragement.


They couldn't have been more different but they were united by the common cause of the Gospel and their common faith In Jesus. I'm certain your church is not perfect and at times it might even leave you frustrated. Even so, every little fellowship across the land is a little outpost of heaven filled with men and women who love the Lord and are doing their best to serve Him.


Brothers and sisters, however you respond to such passages, please don't despise the church. Jesus doesn't and nor should you. The bride of Christ is ancient and exceedingly beautiful - thanks be to God. 


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q13 Did our first parents continue in the estate wherein they were created? Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the estate wherein they were created, by sinning against God.
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