Romans 16 reminds me of so many people in my life that have stood by my side. Some were for a season, and others are in my heart forever. Faces flash in my mind when I think of my greatest joys, and my saddest sorrows. I suspect all were just living life, unaware that they were “ministering”. Today’s lesson is about the transforming power of love in action. The final chapter of the book of Romans begins with Paul listing some of his beloved friends. “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon”. Paul askes that they “receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of His people”. Paul adds, “give her any help she may need”. Paul revolutionized the world by teaching that the ground at the foot of the cross is equally level for everyone. There are none righteous, so all sinners can be restored by faith in Christ. Earlier Paul wrote “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Each of us have unique gifts, but we are unified by one Spirit. His introduction includes familiar names, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me”. He also lists names we do not know, but each was important to Paul for various reasons, “the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia… my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me… our co-worker in Christ… my dear friend… who has been a mother to me”. Paul desired that this church would welcome his friends as family. There is an implied wholesomeness in his request to “Greet one another with a holy kiss”. When we honor Christ as our Savior, we become brothers and sisters in the faith. This is the unguarded greeting given to family.
Perhaps realizing he may not ever see them again, Paul includes a warning to the church, “watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned”. Although this is great relationship advice, he is referring to false teachers that detract from the finished work of Christ through “smooth talk and flattery”. Paul’s entire ministry was dedicated to freeing believers from the obligations of the Law. “If righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (Galatians 2:21). Complete forgiveness from sin requires nothing but faith in the atoning blood of Christ. Paul says to beware of those that serve “their own appetites”. A Pastor’s job is to point us to the Messiah. It is naïve to believe anyone is beyond corruption. Paul wants those he taught “to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil”. Dividers often spread rumors intended to stir up hatred. The wise go to the source and seek truth. When we avoid gossip, we find it much harder to hate. Paul adds, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet”. If you are lacking peace, perhaps you are listening to dividers?
The chapter and letter close with a few postscripts. Paul restates his desire that “The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you”. He adds additional greetings from those physically close, including “Timothy, my co-worker”. The scribe to whom Paul dictated the letter adds “I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord”. Paul closes the letter with the path to peace for all that want it. First, God “is able to establish… the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ”. He says the message is “now revealed… so that all… might come to the obedience that comes from faith”. Paul concludes with the humility of a man that has been rescued from sorrow. His Personal conversion transformed him from an angry persecutor to a man filled with eternal hope. Perhaps remembering the family of friends, he declares “to… God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen”. Dear friend, please know that you too can have peace with God through the holy name of Jesus. Will you speak His name in faith?