Receive Each Other As Worthy of the Saints
Scripture Passage: Romans 16:1-5 (NASB)
1 I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea, 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia.
SUMMARY
While sending his letter to the Roman church, Paul recommends a few fellow coworkers, Phoebe, Prisca, Aquila and Epaenetus. He also greets the church that is in their house. Phoebe is a servant of the church at Cenchrea. Paul asks the church in Rome to help her; for she has been a helper for many, including Paul. Prisca and Aquila risked their life for Paul, and as a result, churches of the Gentiles give thanks to them. Epaenetus is the first convert to Christ from Asia.
REFLECTION
In the past, I skimmed through the first part of Romans 16, and never truly understood what God is trying to tell me through this passage. Today I slowly read through these five verses and asked myself: What significant roles did these people play in expanding God’s kingdom? What is the message God wants to speak to me? Through Phoebe’s service, Paul received help from her in his journey to spread the gospel. She utilized her gifts as Paul mentioned in Roman 12: 7-8 “if service, in the act of serving … the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence.” Paul called Prisca and Aquila as his fellow workers. In one way, they shared the same background as tent makers; in another way, they shared the same vision that Paul mentioned in Romans 14: 8 “for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s.” When they risked their necks for Paul, they aided the subsequent mission of Paul to proclaim gospel to Gentiles. Epaenetus was the first fruit of Asia, and he was a beloved to Apostle Paul. Through his salvation, Paul witnessed the power of the Spirit and was encouraged to preach the gospel where Christ was not known. Paul describes in Romans 15:21, “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” Among all these people, Paul also saluted the church that is in their house.
I reflected and found myself so blessed to be surrounded by many fellow brothers and sisters in Holywave. Many women of God dedicate their time and energy to serve others in our church. Many members give so generously. Many leaders lead so diligently. Many couples work together and share the same vision to live their lives for the Lord. I have been so touched by their testimonies during baptisms. Many families hold family worship in their houses.
APPLICATION
I was reminded to honor and respect the Lord’s people in a manner worthy of the saints. Salute and give thanks to them. Help them in whatever matter they may need from me. Pray for them as Paul urges brothers and sisters in Roman 15:30 “to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me”.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for every fellow brother and sister in Holywave. We share the same vision to work for Your Kingdom. May the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant us to be of the same mind with one another, according to Christ Jesus, so that with one purpose and one voice we may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus name I pray.
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