Chico Alliance Church
Pastor David Welch
“Grateful Greetings and Final Benediction” Romans 16
Review
? Convincing evidence of spiritual maturity
? Courageous reminders of essential truths
? Compelling sense of God’s calling and anointing
? Clear life focus
1. Sharing the works of God operating through us
2. Reaching the unreached is the heart of our passion.
? Caring personal involvement and connection
1. Expressed his long standing desire to meaningfully connect with them
? Desire for their assistance
? Desire to enjoy their company and find refreshing rest
One of the reasons to come together is for encouragement. God made us to live in community. It is a hole that can only be filled by being around others. Some like lots of people. Others are satisfied with a few close friends or a spouse. Everyone needs someone. God designed the body to refresh itself by meaningful connection. Just as the physical body serves the other parts of the body and all the parts cooperate in refreshment rest and rejuvenation, so we should think about our part in the refreshment of others. This desire to touch and connect with people is abundantly evident in the final chapter of grateful greetings. Before we move on to the other examples of connection in this passage I want to jump to chapter sixteen and make some observations from those greetings.
God saw fit to include this section in the Scriptures. Why? He wants us to realize the importance of the individual. It demonstrates the degree of Paul personal involvement with people in ministry. Personal recognition and affirmation is important. Expression of gratitude and acceptance is important. The early church, influenced by the eastern culture, held the practice of greeting in high regard. While visiting the churches in Africa we needed a quick lesson in the art of greeting. They practice a well established greeting protocol. Greetings went beyond, “Hi! How are you!”
Greetings communicated acceptance, acknowledgement of ones importance or contribution and appreciation for that contribution. A triple “A” greeting.
Acceptance - Acknowledgement - Appreciation
There was no special formula or procedure but these elements seem to be typical. Paul urges us to greet one another as a matter of regular practice. Paul practiced meaningful greeting. In most all of his letters we find space dedicated to greeting individuals.
Receive and help Phoebe
I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. Romans 16:1-2
Here Paul commended a dear sister in the Lord. Paul found no problem affirming women in ministry. Neither should we! The word “commend” literally means to stand with. Paul communicated the fact that he stood with and supported Phoebe in regard to ministry. Many believe that Phoebe was the currier of this letter to Rome and Paul urged them to accept her. He highlighted her service to the church at Cencrea which was near Corinth by calling her a “deaconess”; a servant of the church. He also pointed out how she had helped (stood by) many people as well as Paul.
Paul asked that they receive or accept her in a manner worthy of saints. What is a manner worthy of saints? Special people chosen and set apart from the rest by God deserve special treatment worthy of such dignitaries. Do we treat one another that way? Every believer is worthy of such royal treatment. We are all children of the king; heirs and joint heirs with Jesus. Paul asked the church to give her special treatment and to help her; not only because she was a saint but a saint who was a servant of the church and helper of many as well as Paul. Just as she stood up for others, Paul requested they stand up as her protector while among them.
So often we glorify the “up front” people. They are the ones honored and acknowledged. We must not forget to specially honor those who continual serve the church and help people. Serving gifts are as vital to the health of the body as speaking gifts!!!!!!
Greet and thank Prisca and Aqulila
Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. Romans 16:3-5
Paul sent his greetings and expressed gratitude to this ministry couple. They are always mentioned together; sometimes the wife before the husband such as here. Paul mentions them three times and Luke refers to them three times. They had worked with Paul. Paul had on occasion even lived with them. They were fellow tentmakers but Paul focuses on their work for the kingdom. Paul acknowledged their mutual work for the kingdom. Paul also recognized the nature of their sacrifice on his behalf and send gratitude from other churches as well as a request to warmly greet them. Paul most likely sends this greeting with deep emotion for this couple who had stood by him and risked their life for him.
Greet Epaenetus
Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia
Paul calls this person beloved. Not sure why this and not others. I am not sure how Paul maintained a relationship let alone develop a relationship with so many people.
Just as a note of interest. Paul tracked certain monuments of interest like -- the first Asian convert. He calls Epaenitus the firstfruits; the first of many for Christ.
Greet Mary
Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Romans 16:6
Here Paul affirmed another woman in ministry. He noticed and affirmed her hard work in the local church. The word used here indicates “labor to the point of weariness or exhaustion.” Perhaps Paul learned about her devotion along with some of the other reports from Rome. Perhaps Paul had some of these specific examples in mind which convinced him that these believers were full of goodness.”
Greet Andronicus and Junias
Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Romans 16:7
Paul calls these guys kinsmen probably indicating that they were fellow Jews; countrymen. Paul knew them from his time in prison in Corinth. Paul considered them outstanding among those called apostles in a general sense of the term; missionaries. These guys were outstanding missionaries. They had continued in the faith as they had come to Christ even before Paul.
Greet Ampliatus my beloved in the Lord. Romans 16:8
Paul considered any who were “in the Lord” special people; beloved.
Greet Urbanus & Stachys
Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Romans 16:9
Paul calls Urbanus “our” fellow worker as opposed to “my” fellow worker. Why? I don’t know! Perhaps to indicate a relationship not quite as close as with Aquila and Prisca. Perhaps he never worked directly with him but because they were both engaged in a work dear to Paul’s heart he considered him a fellow worker along with all those who engage in such work.
Greet Apelles
Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. 16:10a
What a tribute and affirmation here. The idea “approved” has the thought of tested and found faithful. Passed the test of tribulation.
Greet Aristobulus’s household
Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Romans 16:10b
Perhaps these were the slaves of Aristobulus
Greet Herodion, my kinsman.
Greet the Christians in the household of Narcissus
Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa
Again Paul points out two more women in ministry for the Lord. It is not certain whether these are sisters. Often sisters were given similar sounding names which here might indicate connection. Paul points out their continual hard labor (to toil labor, be wearied) by use of a present tense participle “the ones continually working hard in the Lord.”
Greet Persis
Paul shows his admiration of another woman in ministry. He uses the same term for “work or labor” used earlier but changes the tense from a present tense to a past tense.
“who diligently labored in the Lord.” Perhaps this was a lady who had grown older and who no longer could keep up the rigors of ministry but whose past hard work must never be forgotten.
Greet Rufus and his mother and mine.
Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. Romans 16:13
It is possible that this was one of the sons of Simon the Cyrene mentioned by Mark. Simon if you will remember was drafted to carry Jesus’ cross. Perhaps he is called “elect” pointing out the fact that he was a child of God. Perhaps it may mean that he was special as the NASB translation seems to indicate. Paul also sends greetings to his mother who at some juncture perhaps had been like a mother to Paul.
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them, Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.
In all, Paul specifically singles out eighteen men and nine women along with an undetermined number of members of certain households to greet in his letter.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Paul then encourages them to demonstrate Christian unity by the practice of warmly greeting one another with some physical gesture. Extend a greeting that communicates acceptance, acknowledgment and appreciation. Sometime that includes touch. Our culture? -- A handshake, even a hug, a pat on the shoulder.
Paul shifts a bit by sending greetings to those in Rome from those presently around him.
All the churches of Christ greet you.
Timothy my fellow worker greets you
Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen greet you
I, Tertius, who write this letter, greet you in the Lord.
Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you.
Erastus, the city treasurer greets you,
Quartus, the brother greets you.
This is further proof of Paul’s desire to connect people and be connected himself. He also demonstrated personal involvement in ministry by meeting physical needs.
2. Contributed to the physical needs of the saints
Paul took personal initiative to put people together and provide opportunities to serve each other by meeting material needs in addition to spiritual needs.
but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints. For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem. Yes, they were pleased to do so, and they are indebted to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in their spiritual things, they are indebted to minister to them also in material things. Romans 15:25-27
There is any number of ways to contribute to the needs of the saints with our resources.
It is time we changed our focus from accumulating everything we can to becoming channels of God’s resources to everyone we can or at least to the ones God brings across our path. Paul told the Ephesians to work so that they would have something to share with those in need. God sometimes supplies a “windfall” of resources not to get more stuff or to finally get that new toy we have been wanting but so that we can meaningfully minister to someone in need. Beyond supplying resources to help others in a material sense, God supplies resources to bless others spiritually.
3. Conferred the blessings of Christ
Therefore, when I have finished this, and have put my seal on this fruit of theirs, I will go on by way of you to Spain. I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. 15:28-29
Don’t ever allow Satan to convince you that you are worthless and have nothing to contribute to the lives of others. In reality, we are guardians of a great storehouse of blessings. In God’s way of doing things, we aren’t allowed to remove blessing for ourselves but invites us to enter the storehouse in order to grab unlimited blessings to confer on each other. So much of the time we are so busing seeking blessing for ourselves that we fail to acquire and forward blessings to others. Blessings come both in words and works. God calls us to both inherit a blessing and BE a blessing. God blesses us so that we might bless others. Pass on the blessing. Jesus said it is more blessed to give than receive. Paul had a sense of the supernatural work of Christ in him and through him and anticipated visiting the Roman believers in that blessing in order to be a blessing to them. You have been abundantly blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Eph 1)
Bring it along anytime you gather with others. You do have something to offer. How are we doing with the personal touch among each other and among those God brings our way?
• Open expression of desire for meaningful connect (fellowship)
• Active involvement in meeting needs
• Generous sharing of the blessing of Christ
Are we reluctant to get personally involved? Have we become too self-focused to see the needs of others? Are we organized to meet the needs of those in other parts of the world? A healthy ministry includes personal interaction and meaningful connection. Finally, Paul’s ministry relied heavily on intercessory prayer. He both prayed for other and asked for specific prayer in much of his correspondence.
? Continual reliance on intercessory prayer
Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me
Here Paul asked for two specific things.
1. Prayer for protection
that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea
2. Prayer for acceptance
that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;
so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God
and find refreshing rest in your company. Romans 15:30-32
How are we doing in the prayer department?
There is no healthy ministry without continual prayer and intercession.
Six Signs of a healthy ministry
? Convincing evidence of spiritual maturity
? Courageous reminders of essential truths
? Compelling sense of God’s calling and anointing
? Clear life focus
? Caring personal involvement
? Continual reliance on intercessory prayer
Final Exhortation and Benediction
Paul concludes his letter with a final exhortation and benediction.
1. Identify and turn away from those promoting false teaching and living.
Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. 16:17-18
There is always the danger of false teaching. Faulty teaching leads to faulty thinking which leads to faulty living. That is why we are to guard against those who lead disobedient lives knowing that they also have faulty thinking. Paul urges them to watch out for them and when they identify them, turn away from them.
2. Keep learning and living what is good while avoiding the evil
For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil. Romans 16:19
Earlier Paul urged us to adopt a proper attitude toward good and evil. Embrace what is good. Abhor what is evil. Here Paul urged them to adopt a proper lifestyle regarding good and evil. Know and live what is good. Ignore (be innocent) in what is evil.
When it comes to what is good, gain all the experience you can get.
When it comes to what is evil, avoid it in all its forms.
Don’t learn about it.
Don’t study it.
Don’t think about it.
Don’t experience it.
The tragedy of Adam and Eve’s sin was the attainment of the knowledge of good and evil.
Better that we don’t know evil.
Hebrews teaches that the ability to discernment between good and evil comes from practicing the good. If we know and live the truth, the lies become obvious. Faulting thinking leads to disobedient living, which leads to dullness of hearing.
3. Satan will soon be defeated
The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. 16:20a
What a glorious promise!! As a result of becoming wise concerning good and remaining innocent of the evil, we will gain the upper hand in the war against Satan. The ultimate result of wise living is victorious living. God will give us the victory. Notice however the participatory flavor of this statement. Even though God does the crushing, it will be under OUR feet!
4. May God’s grace embrace your life
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. 16:20b
The earliest and therefore considered more reliable manuscripts and copies do not contain this verse. Some feel that it may have been added later. It is consistent with Paul’s writing habits.
5. Glory be to the most powerful only wise God
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.
Romans 16:25-27
Paul calls us to glorify God. He identifies him in two ways
First, glory to the God who is able to establish us who is worthy of all glory through Christ.
To establish means to confirm, strengthen, support, make fast, prop up.
Paul reveals the means by which God will establish us.
God will establish us according to the Gospel and the preaching of Jesus, the revelation of God’s plan of salvation through the prophets according to a timetable decreed by God and leads to the obedience of faith among all nations.
Second, glory to the God who is the only wise God who is worthy of all glory through Christ.
PERSONAL NOTES
