1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.3 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. 5 Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. 6 Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. 12 Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.
14 Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. 16 Greet each other in Christian love. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.
Making It Personal
As Paul wraps up his letter to the church in Roma, he shares some personal remarks. I have to admit, it’s one of my favourite parts of Paul’s letters. He takes time to mention some of the individuals who have help him serve the church.
Let’s face it, no one is successful in ministry alone. I think it’s easy to forget that. So much is said about Paul and how successful his ministry was, and yet Paul recognizes that he doesn’t do it on his own. There are so many who stand with him, encourage him, strengthen him, bless him. Without those people, who knows how successful Paul would have been.
God has called each of us to serve in partnership with others. We all have a role to play. Successful ministry happens when we do our part and recognize the value of the others who serve alongside us.
Who are you serving with? Have you taken time to thank God for them? Perhaps now is a good time to do just that.
My prayer: Lord, I thank you for those who serve beside me in achieving all you’ve called me to do. From my wife and children, to the leadership team at Bikers’ Church, and all the members who fulfill their role each and every week, I am blessed to have great people at my side. And so, thank you for each one of them. Amen.
Until tomorrow.
