The Apostle’s Greetings, Part 1

Romans 16:1-16
[1] I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, [2] that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.

[3] Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, [4] who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. [5] Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. [6] Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. [7] Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. [8] Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. [9] Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. [10] Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. [11] Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. [12] Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. [13] Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. [14] Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. [15] Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. [16] Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

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