Romans Chapter 16
While we find all these names in the final chapter of the book of Romans that are difficult to pronounce, we need to contemplate that these were real people who Paul genuinely cared deeply about. These people had become Paul’s family. You may find yourself in a place where you are not living near blood relatives, but your spiritual family has become so dear and precious to you. This is how Paul felt about people who were fellow believers in Christ, and who also labored to spread the gospel. Their names are forever written down in scriptures as testimony of their faithfulness to their service for Jesus.
“Of the 24 names here, 13 also appear in inscriptions or documents connected with the Emperor’s palace in Rome. We know that there were Christians among Caesar’s household Philippians 4:22. Paul may be writing many of the servants who worked for Caesar who became Christians.” [Guzik]
Let's Reflect
1. What husband and wife couple did Paul reference, who were also mentioned back in Acts 18; a couple that risked their life for him?
2. He mentions several women’s names as well. One particular woman he felt had been like a mother to Paul. Who did he mention in this way?
3. Paul’s encouragement to greet one another in the church with a holy kiss describes a people that truly care about one another. While many people attest to having their feelings hurt by church people; this is not what God intended for the body of Christ. He wants us to love and care for one another. According to verse 17 how should we respond to those who do not follow sound doctrine and want to cause division in the church?
4. There will always be people who will let you down in this lifetime because we live in a sinful world. The wisdom of God needs to penetrate our heart so deeply that we are not led astray by those who do not follow after Christ wholeheartedly. Paul advises us to not be naïve but to stand in the wisdom of God. We need to have the kind of reputation that Paul saw in these believers. What did he say about the believers he had mentioned by name? See verse 19.
5. Here in the final chapter, we learn that Paul had the help of a man who wrote down the letter that Paul has dictated. What was this man’s name?
6. Paul ends with a doxology or a prayer of blessing on his fellow believers. He prays for the people to be strengthened in their walk with Jesus Christ who is the gospel. Paul mentions that the mystery has now been revealed – the gospel has been spread to the Gentiles as well as the Jews. Jesus was and is the fulfillment of the prophetic writings that have been made known to whom?
7. Under whose command did the gospel message go out to the whole world?
Devotionals
