Romans 16:1-16
“The Family Album” (part A)
Vs. 1-16 Friends to greet
Intro
The 16th chapter of Romans is no insignificant relic of the past; names that are easier to forget then they are difficult to pronounce! No, it is a chapter of the future not the past, a testimony that what matters most in this life is not our possessions or positions but our friendships which is all of this life that will remain and pass into eternity. What we have here my precious friends is no mere list of names but a testimony of what God does in lives that will last forever. A quick peek into the “Family Album” which is a true representation of heaven as we gather around the throne of God Who alone has made our enduring love and friendship possible.
Behind every name is a story and the ones listed here would make up a “love story” as these are all folks that God loved and loved God. The story is in their transformation and how God was now using them to love others in making new friends. Many of these names and their stories will have to wait as we don’t know much of them but we will one day. Of the 24 specific names mentioned six are women which is interesting concerning the fact Paul is often maligned for what many perceive as his disregard for women in authority. I suggest that if you want to know what Paul thought of women you only need to read this chapter to see that he valued them as equals in serving Jesus and verbally shows his appreciation for all they do. Three times (verses 6, 12) Paul says that these ladies “labored” and he chooses a word in the Greek that means “to work to the point of exhaustion”. Two of these names mean “dainty” and “delicate” but Paul says that these two aristocrats had developed a habit in Christ of working until they just couldn’t do another thing. Of those 24 specific names 13 occur in inscriptions on official documents in the Emperor’s palace in Rome. This is interesting because of what Paul wrote in Philip. 4:22 that, “All the saints greet you, but especially those who are of Caesar’s household.” Christianity had penetrated the imperial palace of the world empire in less than 70 years and it had done so on the back of friendship.
Vs. 1-16 Friends to greet
Paul was a friend maker and because of this he was a soul-winner! As Paul recollected their names he sent them a message of love which has become enshrined in the Holy Scriptures. Spurgeon once said, “It is better to be God’s dog than to be the devil’s darling.” God loves multiplication and in the words of “Three Dog Night” (An American Rock Band), “One is the loneliest number that you’ll ever do”. This chapter divides into three sections of which we will only look at the first part of it for now;
Vs. 1-16 Some friends to greet: The first list found in verses 1-16 is of those folks that Paul was sending a greeting too.
Vs. 17-20 Some foes to avoid: Sandwiched between these two lists (verses 17-20) are people to avoid so that their obedience can continue to be known to all.
Vs. 21-24 Some friends to thank: The 2nd list found in verses 21-23 is a list of those he was sending a greeting from while he was in Corinth.
Of the 33 names mentioned our eluded to:
Nine of them were with Paul: Eight men and one woman
Twenty four of them were in Rome: Seventeen men and seven women
Two households are mentioned: As well as two unnamed women the mother of Rufus and the sister of Nereus, as well as some unnamed men
Vs. 1-2 The letter was carried by a traveling business woman named “Phoebe” and the Church through history ought to be grateful to this faithful servant who traveled from Corinth to Rome carrying this precious letter. Paul tells us that she was from the sea port of Cenchrea about 9 miles from the city of Corinth. Her name “Phoebe” is the feminine form of a title given to the pagan god Apollo, and meant “the bright one,” and she certainly seemed to fit her name (this would make her a Gentile not Jewish). Phoebe was on her way to Rome and the fact that we are reading this letter suggests that Paul’s commendation was well founded. This was a faithful lady who obviously could be entrusted with a very important task. There is an indication in the language here that she labored spreading the gospel and teaching the Word as did Paul as he describes her as a helper of many.
Vs. 3-5a Paul turns his greetings to a wonderful couple that we know quite a bit about Priscilla and her husband Aquila. Their names are mentioned some 6 times in the scriptures and four of those times Priscilla’s name is mentioned first, which indicates that she had a more visible role in ministry then did her supporting husband. Paul says that they risked their lives for him and that may be a reference to the riots that broke out in Ephesus mentioned in Acts 19. They also had a church in their house as in the first 300 years of the Church there were no buildings as we have now.
Vs. 5b-6 “Epaenetus” was the first believer led to the Lord when Paul came to Asia whose capital was Ephesus located in modern day Turkey. The Mary recorded here seems to be associated with him and Paul distinguishes her by what she did among them saying that she labored or toiled among them. There are 6 Mary’s in the bible and you usually think of Jesus’ mom or Mary of Bethany the sister of Martha and Lazarus. Yet all we know of this Mary is that she is a worker and the word used means to sweat. Think of that: This gal joins a list of Mary’s because she was willing to break a sweat for Jesus! Oh saints don’t you see that notoriety isn’t in what we do it’s in how we do it and Who we do it for!
Vs. 7-10a Some see “Andronicus” and “Junias” as relatives of Paul, be that as it may, he does say that they shared other things in common as they were “fellow prisoners” and were known among the leadership of the Church. What I find of further interest is Paul’s words saying that they were saved before he was. They predated his conversion and no doubt knew him when he was “Saul of Tarsus” persecuting the Church in Jerusalem and consenting to the death of Stephen. Imagine what encouragement these two were to Paul as they could see his progression in Christ. They could testify of his heart and love for people as they shared a cell with him. They were well regarded among the apostles, having become Christians sometime in the first three or four years after Pentecost. The idea that Andronicus and Junia are apostles themselves (though not of the twelve), is in the sense of being special emissaries of God, not in the sense of being of the twelve.
“Amplias” (verse 8) is an interesting name as they have found a single tomb in the Domitilla cemetery in the catacombs in Rome with this very name. The single name implies that he was a slave but yet the tomb is very ornate which suggests that he was a Christian and highly regarded in the Church in Rome. We know nothing of “Urbanus” and “Stachys” (verse 9) other than what is recorded here that they were loved and Paul appreciated his work. “Apelles” (verse 10), name means “Called” and Paul says he was, “approved in Christ”. The word approved means to “endure testing, to withstand the pressure”.
Oh dear ones that is what our calling ought to signify that we have endured the testing of our faith, withstood the pressures of life all because we have found our home in the Lord. In Psalm 61:3 we read that God has “been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy”, that is what “Apelles” had proven by his life!
Vs.10b-11 Also mentioned by Paul are some Christians that had risen to high places within the Roman government. “Aristobulus” (verse 10) was the great-grandson of King Herod the Great who killed all the Jewish males 2 years and under in Bethlehem seeking to kill Jesus. He killed his children, his wives and anyone else that was a threat to his power. Yet with that said the servants of his great grandson are named among the believers in Rome! Aristobulus had been a close friend of Emperor Claudius and it seems some from his household had become believers and upon his death it is reported that they became property of the emperor. In connection to this household of servants Paul also sends a greeting out to “Herodion” (verse 11a) who he calls a relative, an indication that Paul had a family connection to the ruling family of Jews. Friends, don’t worry about the fact that you come from a dysfunctional family. God does His most amazing work in the garden full of dirt!
“Narcissus” (verse 11b) is another name that pops up in ancient Roman history as he was the house keeper for Flavius Clemens who became the consul of Rome, the highest political office of the city. Flavius was condemned to death by the Emperor Domitian in 95 AD some 35 years after this letter. He was put to death because he was a Christian and his wife Domatilla who was also a believer was banished from the Island of Pontia. What this seems to indicate is that Roman society had already been infiltrated by the Lord through believing servants who lived in such a way that their masters became followers of Jesus.
The interesting twist to this story is that Flavius Clemens was the son of Flavius Sabinus who had been Nero’s consul when Nero had ordered him to persecute Christians charging them with the fires which almost burned Rome to the ground in 64 A.D. Nero had ordered him to roll believers in pitch and set them on fire making them human torches. Could it be that 30 years earlier the young Flavius Clemens had witnessed the courage of these Christians at the hands of the brutality of his father and with the influence of a young “Narcissus” became a follower of Jesus himself?
Vs. 12 The names of “Tryphena” and “Tryphosa” suggest nobility as their names mean “dainty” and “delicate” yet in Christ they had become hard workers. Think of that a moment as Jesus can take a person born in slavery and make them royalty and he can take one born to nobility and make them even greater royalty by making them His servants. “Persis” (verses 12b), yet another woman who served whom Paul calls “the darling,” she must have been a sweet heart in her service to others.
Vs. 13 Rufus perhaps is the same one spoken of in Mark 15:21 and if so his father was Simon the Cyrene who was compelled to carry the cross of Jesus on that first Good Friday as he was there to celebrate the pass over.
Vs.14 It seems here in these five names as well as those not mentioned, is a group of young Greek businessmen that had come to Rome and started a home church at their place. I love it when folks that share something in common band together to share their common interest, pooling their time, talent and treasure to impact their communities!
Vs. 15-16 Here again is another group that most likely made up a house church: “Philologus” (verse 15), was probably a nickname as it means “lover of the Word”, and he gathered together with these men and women to “love each other” because they loved the Word!
Of the rest of these names, Paul finds something wonderful to say about almost every one of them – noting their labor, his special regard for them (beloved), their standing in the Lord (approved in Christ . . . in the Lord . . . chosen in the Lord). It shows Paul’s generous way of paying compliments in a way meant to build up God’s people. In Luke 7:45 we are told that the common greeting was a kiss. Based upon a comment from Clement of Alexandria it seems that this practice was later abused.
Romans 16:17-27
“You’ve Got A Friend”
Vs. 17-20 Foes to avoid
Vs. 21-24 Friends to thank
Vs. 25-27 Faith to extol
Intro
Having investigated the list of names that Paul records for us in the 16th chapter I can see “Four general things in these believers“:
They were no longer their own: They had been bought with a price and they no longer directed the affairs of their lives. God had sent them into the world and He would direct them through the world.
They knew life was not going to be easy: They expected a fight so they gave all they had to the battle.
They knew that in the Christian life there was no such thing as time out or instant replay: Leisure was necessary for rest and re-evaluation but was never to be a lifestyle! It was there so we could get back in the game and be more effective in their service.
They were 100% dependent upon the Holy Spirit: No believer was without a ministry and there was no separation between professional and non-professional only differences in gifting! Dear ones, imagine for a moment what would be different in our lives, in our families, in our communities and in our world if we too lived like this?
Vs. 17-20 Foes to avoid;
Vs. 17-19 From all the greetings Paul takes time to warn the believers against those who would divide the body through their actions or teaching. Not everyone was working to spread the gospel, there were some professing believers for selfish reasons working for the other side spreading division and discord. This passage is helpful to the body of Christ as it deals with what unfortunately is too common of a problem, disturbances and divisions within the Church. Apparently in Rome there was a group of professing believers who instead of gathering folks together were bent on dividing them. Newell said, “Mad dogs are shot; infectious diseases are quarantined; but evil teachers who would divide to their destruction and draw away the saints with teaching contrary to the doctrine of Christ and His Apostles are everywhere tolerated!”
Here is what we know of this situation based upon the verses before us:
These professing believers were putting up road blocks: The design of them was to cause “division and offenses”. We aren’t given the specifics by Paul of what the practices were but no doubt it caused some to be lifted up in pride while making others second class Christians. This happens when some teaching or practice becomes the mark of what a “true believer” is. This is further clarified in Paul’s words when he says in verse 18 that they did so not to serve Jesus but their own bellies. They were only interested in advancing themselves not the cause of Christ even though they made it sound as if Jesus was their interest. They insist on some doctrine that makes them a little closer to Jesus or some ceremony that becomes an obstacle to faith.
Their methods were in words: Though these things were by nature divisive their methods of introducing them were slick and smooth using words that were flattering. They probably quoted scripture and said that some doctrine they held or practice they participated in made them a cut above the rest of the believers.
Paul’s advice is threefold:
Vs. 19 Be wise in what is good” I’ve taken this verse out of order but I believe that we must start here first. This is the best defense against dividers and deceivers. He didn’t say investigate them, or preach against them. It is of far more use to know the good than it is to know the evil, to learn about the genuine rather than the counterfeit. Just teach the Word of God as it will shed light that can expose a stench without having to lift the lid! I’m afraid that some in the Church have adopted the mentality that they need to check out what the counterfeit has to offer so as to be able to relate to those who are trapped in its snares. But one doesn’t need to sample poison to be able to administer the antidote! Out LIVE, out LOVE and you will out LAST!
Vs. 17a Note those:
“Note those who cause divisions and offenses” both those who would divide God’s people (cause divisions), and those who would deceive God’s people further described as offenses contrary to the doctrine you have learned. Based upon verse 20 we can see that what lurks behind their actions is Satan who is always the one behind division and discord. But not to worry friend, Satan will lose in the end as he will be placed under the feet of the Church.
Vs. 17b Avoid those: Once these have been noted (marked), they are to be avoided. Truth without unity leads to pride; unity without truth leads to a departure from the truth. Both of these must be guarded against. Dividers and deceivers never want to appear selfish, they perceive themselves as noble crusaders for a great cause. Far too often the church has engaged them and attacked them and Paul says, don’t bother with them at all. And the reason for this is to be found in verse 20 where we read, “the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” “God does the crushing, but Satan ends up under the feet of believers.” This won’t happen until Satan is bound and cast into the bottomless pit (Rev. 20:1-3); but every victory God wins for us right now is a preview of that event.
VS. 21-24 Friends to thank
Vs. 21 Here Paul gives a list of those that were with him at the writing of this letter in Corinth. Timothy, we know much about his conversion and growth as it is recorded for us in scripture. In Acts 16 we are told that his mother was Jewish but his father was Greek. Twice Paul calls him “his true son in the faith“. Paul mentions him along with himself as being a “bond servant of Jesus”. He calls him his “fellow worker”, and “minister of God‘. As a young man Timothy had made a decision to fellow Jesus and he never wavered from that decision and because of this fact continued to leave an impact for Jesus.
Paul mentions Lucius, Jason and Sosipater as his countrymen so they were also Jews. Lucius appears to be the same fellow that came from Cyrene mentioned in Acts 13 as one of the teachers in the city of Antioch. Jason evidently hosted Paul when he went to the city of Thessalonica. He stayed there until a riot broke out in the city because of him. Having Paul as a house guest had some inherent problems as riots and destruction always went with him. Jason might have thought twice about this but instead he welcomed him. Sosipater may be the same man mentioned in Acts 20:9 as Sopater who went with him as he gathered the offering from the Churches and then accompanied Paul to Jerusalem.
Vs. 22 Tertius or “third” who had been writing this letter as Paul’s secretary and was probably dealing with major hand cramps. This was Paul’s normal practice in writing letters to churches, but this is the only letter where Paul’s secretary is mentioned by name. He and his brother Quartus (fourth” verse 23), were slaves and society didn’t even give them a name as they were born slaves they only had a number. They apparently had become educated as they could read and write and with that became a part of the blessing we call the book of Romans. They could say that they felt just like a number but here their “numbers” have been read every time someone has read this glorious book. Just remember when the world makes you feel like a number God thinks so much of you that He not only writes your name in the book of life He makes sure that folks will read it every day somewhere in the world!
Vs. 23-24 Gaius was a man in whose whom Paul was staying in Corinth. 1 Corinth 1:14 tells us that Paul led him to Jesus then baptized him as the church in Corinth got going. He had such a reputation for hospitality that Paul can say he was regarded as the host of the whole church. Erastus held a high government job in Corinth, probably treasurer. Again this speaks of the fact that the gospel can change any life that is willing to receive Jesus! And to all of them the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ had been with them!
Vs. 25-27 Faith to extol;
Vs. 25-27 The very last paragraph was penned by Paul without his secretary Tertius and is the longest benediction by Paul. In 2 Thess. 3:17 Paul says, “The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.” In Galatians 6:11 Paul says, “See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!” These final words summarize the entire letter as His goal according to chapter 1:11 was to establish them. Lots of people appear to be established but they aren’t, they are merely stuck. God’s plan for you and me is to find in our relationship with Him a security that can handle all that life throws at us. You and I don’t have to be “flakey” even when the world is “shaky”! Paul tells us Who the stabilizing influence of our lives is saying, “Now to Him who is able to establish you.”
Jesus will use three things to stabilize us is a shaky world:
My gospel: Paul isn’t speaking of his personal gospel but rather by saying “MY,” he is saying that this is where he has turned to find that which stabilizes him in an unstable world.
The preaching of Jesus: In saying this Paul reveals an important truth that at The heart of the gospel is not intellectual, it is relational. The heart of the gospel is the person of Jesus.
The revelation of the mystery: This unveiling of the mystery had been kept a secret since the beginning of the world but now has been made manifest through the word of God. What is the mystery that Paul is referring to that would stabilize a believer? Well I believe that Col. 1:26-27 gives us the answer as Paul writes, “The mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Dear ones, are you living by this truth that the Jesus who has begun a good work in you will see it through to completion? In 1971 James Taylor sang a Carole King song, “You’ve Got a Friend’, and though I don’t know who they had in mind I know who comes to mind as my Friend that will stabilize me. Listen to the words and see if you agree: “When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand and nothing whoa nothing is going right. Close your eyes and think of Me and soon I will be there to brighten up even your darkest nights.” Paul closes with a doxology of praise to the “Only wise God be glory through Jesus Christ forever!“