October 5, 2003

THE MINISTRY OF OTHERS

Romans 16:1-16

   David had his list of mighty men who had excelled in service to his kingdom, and Uriah the Hittite, a Gentile, was among that number. In Romans 16 Paul mixes Jews and Gentiles all working in unity.

   First he listed Phebe, a deaconess in the church of Cenchrea , near Corinth in Greece , who seemed to be the one entrusted to carry this sacred letter on a business trip and deliver it to "the saints at Rome ." Her faithful service to Paul and so many others had proven her dedicated and trustworthy. His commendation was no small honor!

   Then Paul turned to the ones receiving this letter and mentioned Priscilla and Aquila, a faithful Jewish couple, with whom Paul had labored first in tent-making in Corinth , and then together in the gospel. Priscilla and Aquila traveled with Paul to Ephesus, and when Paul left, they stayed behind and were greatly used to help Apollos to understand the word of God "more perfectly" even though he was "eloquent...and mighty in the Scriptures" (Acts 18:18-26). Imagine the thrill of helping Apollos, who would later be teamed with Paul in ministry and apostleship! Along with his own greeting Paul included this couple and "the church...in their house" (1 Cor 3:3-6, 16:19).

   Paul affectionately mentioned "my well beloved Epaenetus," "my fellowprisoners," "Amplias, my beloved in the Lord," "Urbane our helper," "Herodian my kinsman," "the beloved Persus," and so many more, most of whom we know nothing other than their listing here. From verse 3 to 16 Paul saluted (greeted) sixteen times until finally telling them to "salute one another with an holy kiss." He named 27 and mentioned countless unnamed saints. He joined Timothy, Lucius, Jason, Sosipater, Tertius, Gaius his host, Erastus, and Quartus in final greeting. What an honor to be listed in such a "hall of fame."

   However blessed to behold the harmony among all these co-workers, Paul felt the need to admonish them to "mark them which cause division and offences contrary to the doctrine they had learned" (16:17). He warned that such service was not for the Lord, but for the self-interest of the offenders and cautioned against "good words and fair speeches" deceiving "the hearts of the simple." Be ever vigilant!

Ivan L. Burgener