Weekly Devotional - March 8th

Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia.

Greet Mary, who has labored much for you.

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding to the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.

Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

Greet Herodion, my kinsman.

Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.

Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, laborers in the Lord.

Greet Persis the beloved, who labored much in the Lord.

Romans 16:5-12

Here, Paul offers us a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes workings of the first-century Christian community and the value he placed on those relationships, as he closes out his epistle. He sends a personal greeting to each person in a group of diverse folks. It appears that Paul is highlighting how each one has played a unique role in spreading the gospel and nurturing the church. We see that Epaenetus is recognized as the first from Asia to convert to Christ; Mary, who is recognized for her abundant labor, and Andronicus and Junia (who could be a woman) are noted as outstanding to the apostles and were early followers of Christ. Paul shows his affection for Ampliatus, Stachys, and Urbanus as fellow workers, reminding us that ministry is a shared responsibility. Paul also notes Apelles as “approved in Christ,” which is a shout-out to his perseverance in faith. He greets the entire households of Aristobulus and Narcissus, indicating the significance of the collective family in the church. Finally, Paul points out three women, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, and Persis, where again we see Paul’s inclusiveness with the role of women in the church.

It is always helpful for us consider those in our own Christian communities. Those who have

labored, served, prayed, or encouraged not only us personally, but also the body of Christ.

Finally, we should also examine our own roles: Are we laboring for the Lord, supporting others, and sharing the love and unity that Paul describes? Not to display our own righteousness or merit the favor of God, but for the bounty of blessings in grace and mercy He has poured out for us in Christ.