Romans 16:01-16 Remember every act of believers
Ministry of the Women – Romans 16:1-2.
This recommendation and commendation on the ministry of Paul on the Pastor of the Cenchrea. She was a deaconess which was equivalent to the Deacons of the Church in those days. The Acts of the Apostles give the record of the ministry of the deacons and their role in the Church. They have ordained servants of God likewise this Phoebe was a deaconess serving the early Church. Paul calls her as a Saint and worthy of honor by the Church and believers.
House Church – Romans 16:3-4
The early believers were in one accord, with one mind and one aim. They always had high respect for one another. They enjoyed meeting together in the houses and had wonderful days of fellowship over the worship. Paul remembers the family of Aquilla and Priscilla and their association with Paul at Corinth and the ministry they rendered together while involved in tent making. Probably they might have moved to Rome.
The uniqueness of the Believers – Romans 16:4. b -16
Paul greets his dear friend Ephenetus who was the first convert in the Province of Asia. It shows that Paul treated the new believer as equivalent to him and developed a friendship with them and remembered them. Another friend was Urbanus who was a fellow worker. There were friends from converts and friends at the colleague level. Paul named a few women such as Tryphena and Tryphosa Also he had a friendship with a woman named Persis. He acknowledges her friendship and hard work.
He recognized hard work of Mary. It is another example that we should appreciate people who work hard at given responsibility. He remembered his relatives Andronicus and Junias and even commented that they were outstanding among the apostles. It shows that there were many apostles in those days. He also recalls the name of Herodian who was his relative.
Paul had accepted the elderly woman as a mother. Especially remembers the mother of Rufus whom he would like to call his mother. Jesus told John to accept Mary as his mother. We see another practical example from the life of Paul. He mentions the names of a few more believers in Rome and calls them saints.
Discussion:
1. Discuss the Role of Women in the ministry.
2. Remember the uniquely talented in your circle, and appreciate today.
3. What is your attitude towards the small churches and House Churches?
(For further studies on Romans, refer this cite)
