Thankful For God's Family! Series

Paul names a number of people here that are unknown to us - but not unknown to God! (6-12). Andronicus and Junia (7) - possibly a husband and wife missionary team. (8-10a) all unknown to us but known to God. (10a) What a compliment - “whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test.”. Household of Aristobulus (10b) - Aristobulus was a grandson of Herod the Great, a friend of Emperor Claudius. His household could have been his slaves that

now belonged to Claudius. Met as a house church. Herodian (11a) unknown to us.

Narcissus (11b) may be a former slave who became personal secretary to Emperor Claudius. Those of the ‘household of Narcissus’ could be the slaves which passed into the Emperor’s possession.

Note: If Aristobulus was the grandson of Herod, and if Narcissus is the same secretary to Claudius, then within

the Imperial court were many slaves who were already Christians. God was at work infiltrating the courts of power

with His influence.

Tryphena and Tryphosa, Persis (12) "dainty" and "delicate." Paul says that they "work hard in the Lord." The word used here means "to toil to the point of exhaustion."

We should rejoice to find these names of unknown Christians - it should remind us that every Christian is KNOWN by God. He sees us all. None are more important, nor less.

4. THANKFUL FOR CHURCH FAMILY (Romans 16:13-16)

Romans 16:13-16 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord’s people who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.

Rufus and his mother who was also like a mother to Paul. (13) Rufus could be the son of Simon of Cyrene. Mark tells us Simon was “father of Alexander and Rufus”. (MK 15:21). Their mother was also like a mother to Paul - A family in the faith because of an encounter with Jesus.

The church served the Lord together as families, even meeting as house-churches, since they are listed as they are (14-15).

Paul sums up this section with a final greeting: Greet each other with a sacred kiss. (v.16) Merida: “While for many Christians in various parts of the world a holy kiss is socially awkward, whatever the contest, there should be warmth, love, enthusiasm, purity, and cheerfulness as we greet one another - whichever way we choose to physically display it.” “churches of Christ” was not a name of the church but a possessive description. The churches that belong to Christ.

5. THANKFUL FOR UNITY / OVERCOMING STRIFE (16:17-20)

Romans 16:17-20 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.