The Apostle’s Loving Salute
Dave Riddle - 3/01/20
Key Passage: Romans 16:1-16
The Wonderful Messenger - Phoebe
Romans 16:1 - I commend to you our sister Phoebe...
Romans 16:2 - welcome her and assist her as she did the same for me.
“Servant”: diakonos (Greek: διάκονος) - servant, deacon, helper.
An important partner in Paul’s ministry entrusted to deliver this important message.
The Gutsy Couple - Priscilla & Aquila
Romans 16:3-4a - my coworkers who risked their own lives for mine...
They discipled and invested in Paul early in his ministry
Read more about them in Acts 18
Romans 16:4b - not just significant to Paul, but to all the gentile churches.
The Dedicated Friends - Many people!
Romans 16:5-15 - a long list of names.
A Few Takeaways from this list of people
Diversity / Unity
Diverse: Both Jews and gentiles.
Diverse: Significant class diversity
This list includes names that were popularly used for slaves.
Also included are people of influence and power, including possibly people in Caesar’s own household.
Diverse: among the men there are also 9 women mentioned (4 women singled out for their hard work).
United: Brothers and sisters in Christ
United: one church united despite their differences.
Depth of Relationship
These are people who Paul has spent time and served with.
Not shallow acquaintances.
Strength of Character
Romans 16:7 - “noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles...”
Apostle: two ways to interpret this word:
Strict: the 12 core disciples of Jesus (minus Judas plus Matthias). Paul is often included in this group as well.
General: all those sent out by Jesus.
A better translation would probably be: “outstanding among the apostles”
Missionaries sent out by Jesus, included among the more general definition of the word “apostle”.
What do we take away from this list of names?
An incredibly diverse list like this reminds us of how the gospel unites us despite our differences.
It cuts through our differences and brings us together.