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Presented, March 11, 2007 pm

PAUL’S FRIENDS IN ROME

Romans 16:1-16

We are rapidly bringing our study of Romans to its conclusion.  We have extensively examined each section of the book.  Now we are in the midst of Paul’s concluding remarks.  In our last lesson we noted his explanation as to why he had not yet been to see them and his plans (Lord willing) to see them on his way to Spain (15:22-33). 

In our lesson this evening, we will notice personal greetings as Paul describes his “friends in the faith” who were acquainted with Rome.  There is a list of names here, some of which we know little or nothing about, and others that we have some familiarity with.  In addition to this there are a couple of lessons to glean from these verses.

I want to begin with a note of caution.  Sometimes, as we are studying we have a tendency to pass over sections of the Bible like this because of the challenging and unfamiliar names of people (and sometimes places).  Remember, that this is as much a part of inspiration as Acts 2:38 and John 3:16.  It is here for a purpose and as Paul said in Romans 15:4, “Whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”  In this lesson I intend to explain some things we can learn, even from names – especially if we take the time to do just a little background searching.

I.                     Phoebe, our sister and servant (1-2)

a.           A sister in the faith – there is a place for women in the work of the church.  We all have something we can do.
The body of Christ is made up of all different types of people.  They are described as a body with parts – see Romans 12:4-5.  Even though our society at large is choosing to ignore it – there are differences between men and women beyond that of anatomy.  There are things that women in general are more suited to do and accomplish than their male counterparts.  They have strengths and attributes that are very much needed for a church to be complete.  BUT, there are also things they are NOT as strong at, nor do they have permission to perform certain tasks as God has commanded.

b.          Phoebe – probably a Gentile. Here name was derived from Greek mythology, the feminine form of the name given to Apollo, god of the music and healing, and son of Zeus.

c.           She is a “servant of the church in Cencrea”.

                     i.          The word servant is from the Greek word, diakonos, which means a servant.  It is the same word we find in 1 Timothy 3:8 & 12 that describes the office of deacon.  BUT, the word is more commonly a reference to a servant – Matthew 20:26, 23:13 – servants; Romans 13:4 – The government is called, God’s “minister.”

                    ii.         Some see Phoebe as proof that women can serve in the office of a deacon(ness), noting that it is not actually a leadership position, but rather a position of service under the elders.   However, it is worthy of note that such is not necessarily implied in this text.  As already noted, the general use of the word is that of a servant, not necessarily a title or office (such as 1 Timothy 3).  Rules of interpretation call for us to assume the usual meaning of a word UNLESS there is proof of something different.   So to place it as an office without further proof is, at least in my mind, presumptuous.  

                  iii.         IT could be that she was simply a Christian from Cencrea who did what she could do for the church she was a part of.  Some believe that she delivered this letter to Rome for Paul from Corinth.

d.          She was to be received in a worthy manner and assisted in whatever her needs included.  Again some see this as an official role, but (again) that is not implied in the text.  Paul’s point is that she is a godly and trustworthy sister and as such she was worthy of being helped (perhaps with lodging and food and whatever needs she had while in Rome).  Paul verifies that such help would not be wasteful.
This is an example of brethren helping brethren as we find frequently in scripture -

e.           She had also proved herself worthy by having helped others herself.

II.                   Priscilla and Aquila (3-5)

a.           We first read about them in Acts 18:1-2 where in Corinth, Paul stayed with them because they were of the same trade (tentmakers).  Evidently, they formed a pretty strong bond from this.  We read of their faith and soundness in Acts 18:24-28 where they are instrumental in turning Apollos around in his teachings.

b.          He viewed them as his fellow workers.  With Paul, serving God was NOT an ego trip.  He was always willing to share glory with others.  They deserved as much credit as Paul, at least in his eyes. 
It is also evident they had done much for the Gentiles and building up churches among them.  This included risking their lives.

c.           And Paul was not the ONLY one grateful to them – the churches among the Gentiles were grateful as well.  Are we grateful when others do for us?

d.          Finally, we note that the church me in their house.  Such was a common practice back then for a couple of reasons: 1) They didn’t own buildings and such – most were poor with little property; 2) with a government and others becoming increasingly more hostile toward them, meeting in homes could be less suspicious.

 

III.                 Other brothers and sisters (4-15)

a.        Why all these names?  They show the vastness of the family of God.  It is interesting that while Paul had never been to Rome, he knew many brethren who were there.  The more we travel – IF we take the time to assemble with saints in other places – the more opportunity we will have to meet brethren and increase your spiritual family!

b.       Why these names?  I once read of a lesson on Colossians 4:7-18 entitled, “God’s Second String” by Mark Copeland.  In that lesson, he notes that the mentioning of all these individuals (in Colossians) helped him and supported him in many different ways – often behind the scenes.  BUT, without them Paul could not function as adequately. 
Romans 16 is the same thing.  There are names mentioned only here and with little or no comment. – but the brethren there knew who Paul was talking about.  Consider some of them:

c.        Epaenetus – the first convert to Christ from Asia

d.       Mary who worked hard for you

e.        Andronicus and Junias – Paul’s kinsmen and fellow prisoners (they too had suffered for the cause).  AND he notes they were known by the apostles and Christians before Paul.  NOTE: This is a pure example of one working behind the scenes.  We read of them ONLY here, yet they were known by apostles and had been Christians for many years (they probably were Jews and had lived in Jerusalem).

f.         Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord

g.       Urbanus, another fellow worker.

h.       Also Stachys, Appeles, Aristobulus, Herodion – Paul’s kinsman.

i.         Narcissus and his household, Tryphaena and Tryphosa, Persis – the beloved and a hard worker.  NOTE: These are feminine names – meaning they were women.

j.          Rufus – a choice man in the Lord.  Also interesting is that along with Rufus they were to greet “his mother and mine.”  Does this make Rufus Paul’s physical brother? Not necessarily so – most believe this is a simple reference to Paul’s closeness to this woman, i.e. she is like a mother to him.

k.        Asyncretus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and brethren with them

l.         Philologus and Julia, Nereus, Olympas and all the saints with them

IV.                Greet one another with a holy kiss (16)

a.        We conclude tonight with this verse.   Here Paul makes a general call to everyone – greet each other.  The “holy kiss” was a sign of welcome, similar to our hand shake.  It was a kind greeting  extended to friends.  Paul is telling these brethren to be good and pleasant to one another.  KEEP THIS IN MIND as you consider the problems Paul has addressed in previous chapters concerning their attitudes.

b.       It is a HOLY kiss – not a hypocritical one.  It shows proper reverence toward one another and God as you act.

Thus we find another section of the book of Romans.  We have noted its significance as Paul is bringing his letter to its conclusion.  Let us learn from this lesson the real value of ALL of our brethren – even those we don’t know that well.  Think about it!