Romans 16:1-16:16

The Lasting Effect of Selfless Friends

For several months now. we've gone verse by verse through this wonderful letter, and we're on the home stretch. Today on Bridging the Gap we again focus on chapter sixteen and what Paul had to say about some of his trustworthy, faithful friends. Yes they were just ordinary, mostly unknown Christians. But they were known to God and He used them in an extraordinary way.

  1. I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
  2. That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
  3. Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
  4. Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
  5. Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
  6. Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
  7. Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
  8. Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
  9. Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
  10. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
  11. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
  12. Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
  13. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
  14. Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
  15. Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
  16. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.