Read: Romans 16:1-16
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 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. 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 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. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
I don’t know about you, but I was tempted to skim these verses because they include so many names. But then I realized that they are in a very tangible way God’s good word for us. Let me explain what I mean.
First, the text shows how relational and personal Paul was. This is by far the longest list of names we can find in any of Paul’s letters. He knows people in Rome, and he cares about them. The theology of Romans was not developed in an ivory tower, but rather, it was meant to encourage real people, just like us. The thoughtfulness of Paul’s language and arguments is an act of love to brothers and sisters, just like us. Men and women who need guidance, comfort, exhortation, and, most importantly, a clear view of Jesus Christ.
Second, behind each name we can find a story of God’s faithfulness. The great book of Romans ends with the names of ordinary church members and leaders. Men and women who might have been the first to hear and believe the gospel, not just among their families but in their whole city. Just like us, they had issues understanding the gospel, and just like us, they were probably not very important in society. But we know that they were part of God’s story, part of his church. Just like us.
These verses remind us that God has used Romans to bring about faith, repentance, and new life for almost 2,000 years now. And to this day, Romans, in all its beauty and depth, is not written for scholars and historians, but for people just like us.
It truly is God’s good word for us.
Would you join me for a few moments to thank God for the book of Romans and the fellowship of saints throughout the ages?
