Honoring Faithful Servants

When most people read the book of Romans, they remember chapters like 3, where Paul explains justification by faith, or chapter 8, where he declares there is no condemnation to those in Christ. But when they reach chapter 16, they often skim over it quickly. It seems to be just a long list of names — greetings, commendations, and recognitions.

But let me remind you: every name in the Bible is there for a reason. Behind each name is a testimony. Behind each greeting is a life of service. And by including these names, the Holy Spirit shows us that the Gospel doesn’t move forward through one man, but through many faithful servants working together for the glory of Christ.

Paul takes time here, in his final chapter, to recognize those who partnered with him in ministry. He doesn’t forget the ordinary saints who labored, encouraged, sacrificed, and served.

And the lesson for us is clear: a mature church is not built on the back of one leader, but on the faithfulness of many who are willing to serve in unseen places.

Let’s look at this passage together and see how Paul honored faithful servants.

I. The Commendation of a Faithful Servant (vv.1–2)

Paul begins with Phoebe. “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea: That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.”

Her Ministry — She was “a servant of the church.” The word servant is the same as deacon. She gave herself to the work of the church, not seeking recognition but simply serving.

Her Mission — She was likely the one carrying Paul’s letter from Corinth to Rome. Think about that: the most doctrinal book of the New Testament was entrusted to a faithful servant to deliver!

Her Merit — She had been “a succourer of many.” The word means “patron” or “supporter.” She had invested her time, her resources, and her encouragement in helping others.

💡 Application: Every church needs Phoebes. Men and women who quietly, faithfully serve. They may never stand behind a pulpit, but they are indispensable to the work of the church.

II. The Commendation of Faithful Couples (vv.3–5)

Next Paul greets Priscilla and Aquila: “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Likewise greet the church that is in their house.”

Sacrificial in Service — They risked their lives for Paul. They were willing to lay down their necks for the Gospel.

Supportive of Churches — They opened their home for a church. Wherever they went — Corinth, Ephesus, or Rome — their home became a center of ministry.

💡 Application: Gospel-centered marriages multiply their impact. A husband and wife who serve together can make their home a lighthouse for Christ. What greater testimony than for your family to be known as a place where Christ is honored?

III. The Commendation of Faithful Workers (vv.6–12)

Paul then greets a long list of individual workers. Notice how many times he highlights their labor.

Mary — “bestowed much labour on us” (v.6).

Urbanus — “our helper in Christ” (v.9).

Tryphena and Tryphosa — “who labour in the Lord” (v.12). Possibly sisters, both faithfully working.

Persis — “who laboured much in the Lord” (v.12). She wasn’t just a worker — she went above and beyond.

The repeated word here is labour. These weren’t famous preachers, but steady workers. They weren’t in the spotlight, but they were faithful in the trenches.

💡 Application: The Gospel advances not only through those who preach, but through those who labor. The people who clean, encourage, teach, serve, and give are the backbone of the church.

IV. The Commendation of a Faithful Family (vv.13–16)

Paul greets Rufus: “Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.”

Rufus — called “chosen in the Lord.” Tradition suggests he may have been the son of Simon of Cyrene, the man who carried Jesus’ cross (Mark 15:21). If true, the father carried the cross, and the son carried the Gospel.

His Mother — Paul calls her “his mother and mine.” She had cared for Paul like a spiritual mother.

The Family of Faith — Paul ends by saying, “Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.” The church is not just an organization; it is a family bound together in love.

💡 Application: Families matter in the kingdom of God. Homes that open their doors, parents who nurture in the faith, and children who follow Christ leave an eternal legacy.

Conclusion

Romans 16 reminds us that God’s work is done not only by apostles and preachers, but by faithful servants, couples, workers, and families.

God uses faithful servants like Phoebe.

God uses faithful couples like Priscilla and Aquila.

God uses faithful workers like Mary, Urbanus, and Persis.

God uses faithful families like Rufus and his mother.

Paul honored them because their names were written in heaven. And if Paul could honor them, shouldn’t we also honor those who serve faithfully in our churches today?

Invitation

Are you willing to be a Phoebe — serving quietly, but faithfully?

Are you willing to be like Priscilla and Aquila — opening your home for ministry?

Are you willing to labor like Mary and Persis — working hard, even when it’s unnoticed?

Are you willing to lead your family like Rufus’ mother — nurturing others in the faith?

The world may never know your name, but God knows. And one day, He will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”