Romans 16:1-16

PAUL’s COWORKERS IN ROME

Keywords 16:1-2

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me.

 

1. Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila, and Epenetus (1-5)

Paul concludes his letter with personal greetings to the people who had shared

in his gospel work throughout the Empire, and who were now in Rome. Phoebe

was the bearer of this very important letter. She had been a great help to many

people, especially to Paul and he instructs the Church to welcome her warmly and

supply all her needs. Priscilla and Aquila’s house church was a missionary church.

They were Jews, but they wholeheartedly participated in the ministry to Gentiles.

They were self-supporting laymen and fruitful one-to-one Bible teachers. (Ac 18)

Epenetus’ conversion brought hope that all Asia could be reached for Christ.

 

2. Hard-working women and others (6-16)

Paul recognized the women who worked hard making an environment for gospel

work--Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis. He acknowledges two outstanding

apostles (missionaries) who were his seniors. He encourages them all to show the

affection of Christ to one another (16).

 

Prayer Lord, help me to receive others in the Lord and to encourage all those

who work hard for you.

One Word Welcome one another with affection