Romans 16 - The Personal Gospel

Introduction

There is a type of television broadcast that I avoid like the plague. I do NOT watch either entertainer, nor athlete award shows: Emmy’s, Oscars, Grammys, Espys, or Heisman or even the Dove Awards do not turn my crank.

TRANSITION: However, Romans 16 is a type of award show that is worth our attention.

Examples of Unity – Part I (Romans 15:1-16)

A Special Commendation (Ro 15.1-2)

Is Phoebe an example for us? YES! – when we notice something commendable, it is noble to honor them personally and in front of others.

Phoebe’s role of patron (prostatis) most likely included hospitality, advocacy and encouragement. I don’t believe she exercised vision or direction of Paul’s ministry. Paul’s explicit use of help (parastate) in Ro 16.2 indicates to me a focus on assisting more than controlling.

Is Phoebe instructive for us? No!

Just because some translations call her a “minister”, it is not a justification for women in the role of pastor-teacher.

The word Paul uses is translated 11 different ways in the 57 English translations I consulted this week. Over half of these translations prefer the word “servant”

In some church government systems a “deacon” is a leading role, we understand elder to be the role of leaders, and deacon used in the New Testament is a serving role. This distinction does NOT mean that one is better than the other! The church needs both functions and both roles.

This brings up a distinction that is causing more than a little controversy within some American denominations. A preacher stands in the pulpit, does this mean everybody who stands in the pulpit is a preacher? Churches with a split-chancel make this distinction—only ordained individuals are permitted in the pulpit, and other participants use a lectern.

In our own history (since we do not belong to a denomination or follow denomination rules), at some times women were not allowed to read or speak from the pulpit, but sometimes both men and women were invited to speak from the lectern. At other times we did not provide a lectern, meaning only men were permitted to speak during services. The ability to perform the task of preaching or holding the role of preacher is one distinctives of our congregation from others in our county.

I believe, and I think all of our elders would agree, is that preaching is both an act of leading and serving, so it could be performed from either piece of furniture. Personally (this is one of the liberty with responsibility areas from Romans 14) I understand our bylaws to regulate that our elders are responsible to fill the pulpit for Sunday services, so only they have the right to invite someone to speak authoritatively from thisdesk.

So, if the woman described in Rom 16:1-2 were to come here, I believe she would have commendable things to offer the congregation that would be delivered from a lectern, music stand, or podium. We have provided microphones and speaking stands for both men and women during our services, we invite participation from both genders as being godly and important, but our bylaws indicate that only Elders (leaders) can invite individuals into this authoritative preaching desk. Note that just because it is delivered from that chair, or some other location in the room does NOT mean it is unimportant! We value the contribution and participation of many. I have spoken from just about every place in this room, Our Elders have spoken from their seats and from various furniture, but THIS desk (in recent years) has only been filled by those invited by our leaders to open the Word of God.

Quickly, what about Ro 16.7? Was Junias well-known AS an apostle, or well-known TO the apostles? Your copy of the Bible may imply something different than the ESV. I want to be fair and let you know that I recognize interpretation is not always a slam dunk. The original phrase is literally in (en) the apostles. So, it could go either way, but I believe comparing Scripture with Scripture (other lists of apostles) indicates it is more probable the way the ESV renders it.

Why am I taking so much time on this? Because the Word of God needs to shape our church rules more than the expectations of our culture.

A Lengthy List (Ro 15.3-16)

Before DEI became a thing, back when television was produced in black-and-white, The 3 Stooges, Our Gang (later known as the Little Rascals), Dennis the Menace, and Opie Taylor liked to build forts with “no girls allowed.

Neither Jesus Christ, nor the Apostle Paul would have joined such a club! Jesus elevated the contribution of women above what the culture of his day thought acceptable.

Because the list in front of us includes these feminine names: Phoebe, Prisca, Mary, Junia, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus’ mother, Julia, Nereus’ sister. Also while the grammar is masculine, I believe the family of Aristobulus, the family of Narcissus, and all the saints with Olympas included some women and minors as well.

It is mere speculation because almost all these names are only mentioned here in all of Scripture, but I believe this list includes both genders, young and old, slave and free, wealthy and poor, and diverse ethnicities. It wasn’t DEI, but it was D & I.

A Warning of Disunity (Romans 15:17-19)

A look back (Ro 14.1-15:13)

I’ve already told you that my expectations of this piece of furniture are a Romans 14 application of strong/weak; bold/timid. I would not break fellowship if somebody used this piece of wood differently.

Ro 16.17 reminds that there are some who become divisive with their brand of obstacles.

Division doesn’t need to be divisive. Paul and Barnabas divided over the matter of John Mark, but the Gospel multiplied because neither created an obstacle.

There ARE times when maturity and faith looks like “agree to disagree”

An appeal to avoid appetites (Ro 16.17-18)

Truth (and our understanding of it) must define the body of Christ more than personal preferences and appetites. When personal preferences are elevated they become obstacle to the very gospel spread that Paul is promoting.

Looking forward (Ro 16.19)

How many times does history speak of a person or group who was noble at one point, but slid into something undesirable?

I believe this warning against divisions instills a humility that requires alert attention. We would be wise to adopt the same mindset.

TRANSITION: After this warning to stay on the rails, to keep going in a good direction, He returns to…

More Examples of Unity (Romans 15:21-24)

Not only is unity needed where the letter would be received, cooperation was demonstrated where it originates.

4 Fellow Workers (Ro 15.21)

Protégé – Timothy a child in the faith (1 Tim 1:2, 2 Tim 1:2)

Friends – Lucius & Sosipater – (likely same as Acts 20:4)

Host – Jason (likely the same as Acts 17:5-9 in Thessalonica)

We all need others!

I am encouraged when I see diversity in our groups!

Last Sunday during discipleship hour I noticed the age-range in both our adult groups!

2 days ago, I counted 13 pick-ups in the parking lot (men who drive sedans and coupes are also welcome). When I came inside quickly, I noticed men from their teens to their 80s.

My peer group from Wichita is forming to resume in Sept. In that group I have Pauls, Barnabases, and Timothies.

1 Unique Skillset (Ro 15.22)

Tertius was not Paul’s version of Mrs. Wiggins (for those who remember the Carol Burnett Show)

Amanuensis – dictation, editor, or proof-reader, but final product was verified or approved by the author by placing of a seal in hot wax.

3 Patrons (Ro 15.23)

We know absolutely nothing about Quartus apart from his mention here, but I can’t ignore the grouping with the city treasurer and the host to the whole church, so I presume him to be a supporter of means.

TRANSITION: Those paying attention may have noticed that I skipped Ro 16.20, let me correct that now.

Results of Unity (Romans 15:20, 25-27)

Good of the Family (Ro 15.20)

When unity reigns, good things happen among God’s people.

God crushes our enemy and guarantees victory!

Grace of Jesus is palpably present.

TRANSITION: Not only do we experience good, but more importantly, God receives glory!

Glory to God (Ro 15.25-27)

1. Seeing God’s plan unfold reminds us that “He’s got this!

2. Seeing God’s plan unfold teaches us to rely on His strength

3. Seeing God’s plan unfold expands to all nations

4. Seeing God’s plan unfold bolsters our obedience.

5. Seeing God’s plan unfold highlights His wisdom.

6. Amen!

Conclusion

I can’t add much to our glorious God so let me just point to the application in your handout as ways we can promote this type of cooperation and unity.

Light & Lamp Application:

Light for my Path

When each disciple contributes (rather than divides) the Gospel Spreads.

Lamps for my Steps

Identify somebody in this room and tell them the 5 on your 5/50 challenge so he/she can pray for them.

Identify somebody in our church whom you could commend (like Phoebe) and tell them!Head