Appreciating workers in Christ

Romans: The Gospel for God’s glory
Romans 16:1-16
Appreciating workers in Christ
Appreciate and express love for fellow workers in Christ

Though Paul had never been to Rome, he had connections with several people who were members of the church in Rome. Paul loved and appreciated these people, and so is able to enhance his relationship with the church before he visits by sending his greetings.

1) I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, 2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well, 16:1-2.

Phoebe has been an exceptional servant of the church in Cenchreae (near Corinth). Paul commends her to the church in Rome. Describe ways people you have known who have helped workers in Christ by their service.

2) Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house, 16:3-5a.

In what ways had Prisca (Priscilla, Acts 18:18-19, 24-26) and Aquila been helpful to Paul and to church?

3) 5b Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. 7 They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.
12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

Note the ways Paul describes the people he knows and comment on the significance for us. From Paul’s greetings, what can you learn about ways our serving the Lord and one another encourages workers in Christ? Many of those Paul greets are slaves, or freed slaves. What do you think about this? Share what you appreciate about Christians who have impacted you in your life.

4) Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you, 16:16.
Should we be greeting one another with a holy kiss? If not, how do we obey this? Why do you think Paul says all the churches in Christ greet you? What is important about cultivating global relationships with Christ’s people?