Romans 16:1-24 Personal Greetings

“Greet one another with an holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.” Rom 16:16

Romans 16 names 37 believers by name…Phoebe, a deaconess, is commended to the Romans and is likely the one who carried Paul’s letter to Rome. Paul sends greetings to 28 men and women who reside in Rome. Eight believers with Paul also sent their greetings. These were real people… brothers and sisters in Christ. They had names and had families and dealt with life like the rest of us. Some were tent makers (Priscilla and Aquila), 13 were slaves and freedmen, one was a mother, several were relatives of Paul, and one was noted as the director of public works. The 37 were both Jews and Gentiles. Some were noted for their hard work in serving Christ, one was mentioned as the first convert in Asia, two had been in prison with Paul, some risked their lives for Paul and some were mentioned by name only.

If I were writing a mighty epistle, who would be in my greeting list. If the letter was to believers in Guatemala, I would greet David and Kathy who gave up a hefty salary, a fully vested retirement and the good life in the United States to go and serve the poor. If the letter was to believers in Phoenix, I would greet Ruffino, who was delivered from a life of alcoholism through a miracle and is a strong follower of Christ. If the letter was to the believers in Albuquerque, I would greet among many, Brad who through great financial difficulties has faithfully served the Lord by leading a group of men on Wednesday mornings. If I were writing to believers in Montana, I would heartily greet my brother Dave who has faithfully served our dear Lord and Savior for years by emailing out his verse of the day (VOTD). If I were writing the church in Canada, I would greet Lawrence, the pastor of a small church who has faithfully encouraged me in my “Faith” and “Romans” emailing adventure.

Take a moment and greet a dear one in Christ with an email or a phone call and let them know they are more than a name, they are deeply special to you.