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True helpers bring encouragement and strength to the work. "Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus" (Romans 16:3 AV ). What practical and trustworthy fellow workers this precious couple proved to be:
They opened their home in hospitality They opened their finances to assist They travelled with Paul, prayed with him and for him They believed in gift ministry of Paul and gladly embraced
its vision and consequences. They selflessly protected him, risking their own necks for
his life (Romans 16:4 ). Those in the front line of action are often under attack
and need faithful supporters. They were greatly appreciated by all the Gentile churches
for their willing, selfless sacrifice. They led a house church in Rome that Paul greets (Romans
16:5 ). Possibly many house churches constituted the church at Rome.
Romans 16:5 "... Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia (marg. Asia) to Christ. "
When firstfruits become fruitful themselves, joy overflows.
The N.I.V translation points to Mary working very hard for the believers at Rome. "Laboured much" indicates great practical and spiritual toil on behalf of all the saints. Such wholehearted workers are a great blessing.
"Greet Herodian, my kinsman" (Romans 16:11 ). To have other "sent ones" taking the good news to the lost was a great joy to Paul. They were well known to the twelve apostles, though of course, not among them. They had come to Christ before Paul - but there had been times of working together in the gospel and they had shared his hardships. Some families are exceptionally blessed with gift ministry. What a favour of grace that is!
"Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord" (Romans 16:8 ). Amplias had a life in the Lord that was so winsome it was easy to love Jesus in Amplias.
It is striking to see how Paul retained personal names and maintained personal affection.
"Greet Apelles, approved in Christ" (Romans 16:10 ). Though unknown, Apelles represents a host of tried and proved members of Christ.
Believe for the saving of your family.
The word "household" is not in the Greek, but only "those from" or "of" Aristobulus and Narcissus. That they were prominent men with families who served the Lord, is clear. God delights in saving families, so our expectation and faith for the salvation of whole families should be great.
Interesting that possibly two sisters and another lady are mentioned for their toil in the Lord's work. Only eternity will reveal what we owe to hard working sisters in Christ. Mark that when Paul writes of a man to whom he is especially attached he says "my beloved". Leaders can learn from Paul's care in these expressions so as not to give rise to wrong interpretations of relationship. The one is personal, the other general.
Possibly the Rufus made reference to in Mark 15:21. Like him we are chosen in the Lord to be fruitful. (John 15:16 ). Even the apostles had been the recipients of the loving care of Rufus' mother heart. Such are sure of their reward.
The first fellowship introduced to us at Rome was that meeting in the home of Priscilla and Aquila (Romans 16:3 ). This is the second, and the men mentioned were no doubt the elders of the fellowship. The third company are with a special couple "Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas" (Romans 16:15 ). "All the saints" who gathered with them indicates that this large fellowship was led by a group of leaders or elders. All these meeting places made up the church at Rome, and possibly there was a city eldership, where interrelationship took place. Something the Lord the Spirit is restoring in our cities today.
Can we take the exhortation "Greet one another with a holy kiss" (Romans 16:16 ) to have particular reference to city elders meeting together? Even if we greet by a warm handshake it should convey love in Christ, and peace and friendship. City elders meeting like that will bless their city.
"The churches of Christ greet you" (Romans 16:16 ). The Lord Jesus Christ is both the foundation of the church and its living Head. Wherever we find a fellowship of believers we are at home. It is proper to be at one with all in Christ Jesus - greeting expresses that oneness and delight in relationship.
QUESTIONS
FOR GROUP INTERACTION