Greetings to my Fellow-Christians

Study of Romans: Message Thirty-Three

Wednesday Nights at MFBC

Romans 16:1-16.

ETS: Paul greeted those who had ministered to him in any way, relevant to Rome.

ESS: We should remember those who have served and ministered to us.

OSS: [Ethical] {I want you to remember and reflect on those who have ministered to you in any way, for the sake of the Gospel.}

PQ:

What are the types of greetings found in these verses?

UW: Types

Intro.: Last week, I concluded with a question regarding the importance of the local church as it pertains to support, accountability, and relationships as Paul sought to enlist the Roman church in supporting him both in prayer and perhaps financial assistance. This week, we read about Paul greeting many of his fellow-Christians in this passage. Those who had ministered to him in some way. This is an example of the importance of relationships within the body of Christ (local church) to support the ministry of Christ through our individual lives.

TS: Let us examine the types of greetings together:

There is a commendation greeting. [vv. 1-2]

Phoebe served as a servant, deaconess of the church in Cenchrea. She was likely responsible for serving and teaching other females. However, at this point, she is either the letter carrier or at minimum, traveling with the group delivering the letter.

Paul writes to commend her to the Roman believers on the following premises:

welcome her as is appropriate

she has been a resource and aid in ministry

It was generally common in the ancient world to send people with a letter of commendation or introduction who were traveling to new locations. Think about modern day references on job applications.

There are general greetings. [vv. 3-16]

Prisca and Aquila: tentmakers; opened their home to Paul and many others throughout their journeys. Misplaced several times.

Those beloved by Paul:

Epaenetus: first convert in Asia

Ampliatus:

Stachys:

Persis:

Kinsmen or other Jews: [fellow prisoners]

Andronicus

Junias

Rufus: likely son of Simon of Cyrene who helped carry Jesus’ cross to calvary, resulting in his salvation and the testimony that saved the rest of his family.

Households:

Aristobulus (perhaps Herod’s grandson, of whom all the servants and slaves would have become property of Emperor Claudius, a close friend of Aristobulus)

Narcissus (Secretary to Emperor Claudius)

Those who work hard in the Lord ἐποκίασεν (from κοπιάω meaning to toil or labor to exhaustion)

Mary

Tryphaena and Tryphosa: Ironic because their names mean “dainty and delicate” (Barclay, 250-251)

Nereus: Perhaps connected as chamberlin to Flavius Clemens and his wife, Domatilla- both who were condemned for being Christians.

Mentioned are only 15 of the 26 names (and of course those not named but generally mentioned as “brothers and sisters”) are addressed and we know something about.

Takeaways:

[1] We cannot live an effective Gospel-centered life on our own. We need community.

[2] Who are some people in your life that you could identify as people who have helped you grow in your walk with Christ?

Consulted Resources:

[1] Edwin A. Blum, “Romans,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017).

‌[2] Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Romans, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885).

‌[3] Adam Clarke, The Holy Bible with a Commentary and Critical Notes, New Edition., vol. 6 (Bellingham, WA: Faithlife Corporation, 2014).

‌[4]William Barclay, “The Letter to the Romans” in The New Daily Study Bible (Louisville, KY: The Westminster John Knox Press, 2017).

‌[5] Warren W. Wiersbe, “Romans” in Be Right: How to be Right with God, Yourself, and Others (Colorado Springs, CO: David C. Cook, 2008).