The Apostle's Greetings, Pt. 1

Romans 16:1-16

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.
3 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. 5 Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.
Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. 6 Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. 12Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me.
14 Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. 16 Greet each other with a sacred kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.

The Apostle’s Greetings, Pt. 1 — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 16:1-16
Sermon Series: Romans
(87th Sermon)
January 23, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.
   Why are we tempted to fly over passages like this? In the words of Chrysostom, how have you discovered “treasure” in these sorts of texts?
2.   In what ways was Christianity countercultural in its appreciation and elevation of women? How is this reflected in these greetings?
3.   How is Phoebe described? Should we view her as a deacon/deaconess?
4.   What was the history between Paul and Prisca and Aquila? Why is this couple in Rome, and how does Paul’s mention of them help to draw support for his ministry/mission?
5.   What does this list of names tell us about the Christian life? Why should it raise our affections for God’s people?

References: Acts 18:27; Philippians 1:1; 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Acts 6:3; 1 Timothy 2:12; 3:11; Acts 18:24-26; Romans 15:14; Acts 18:1