Though Romans is much more doctrinal than personal, Paul extends personal greetings to many in the concluding chapter. Time and space will not permit us to consider each of these individuals, but we will merely notice a couple of points here, and then give brief attention to the final instructions Paul gives to his brethren.
Paul begins by commending a traveling Christian woman by the name of Phoebe (v. 1). He instructs his brethren to “welcome her” and assist this worthy woman with her needs (v. 2). (Compare the word “welcome” with Paul’s use of it in 14:1, 3.) Though some have sought to make her a “deacon” (in the official capacity), this would have violated Paul’s own teaching (see 1 Tim. 3:12). Of course, there are numerous ways a woman can serve in the church without being a deacon.
Prisca’s and Aquila’s were one of the great households of the first century church, valuable to their brethren and the apostle Paul. At some point they had actually put their own lives at risk for Paul (v. 4).
It is beneficial to note the way that Paul describes these fellow saints in chapter 16. Most often when a description is given, it is in regard to the work they did for the church (see vv. 6, 9, 12). How would Paul describe us? We also see that Paul has a genuine affection for his fellow servants in the Lord (see his use of the word “beloved”).
As he concludes his greeting he says in verse 16: “Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.” As Paul has extended his sincere greetings to them by word, they are to greet one another in person, using the common means of that time. (We have no indication that this was intended to be the means of greeting that all Christians everywhere were to use.) Likewise, it should be noted that the phrase “churches of Christ” was not intended to be the only designation used for the church. We know this because it is not used exclusively. (See the next page in your Bible! 1 Cor. 1:2.)
Once converted to tea, you devensec.com cialis lowest price can add peppermint, honey or lemon to mask the flavour of the ginger. This generic viagra 50mg medicine is available in a blue pill. Ask questions before purchasing from them and once you are comfortable with them, place a small trial order first to see how things work out. pfizer viagra achat If extreme force is applied to the erect penile organ during sexual intercourse, you are more likely to have such issues with sexual intimacy. levitra no prescription
At this point Paul appeals to his brethren to beware of those causing division through their teaching (v. 17). Paul, as guided by the Holy Spirit, and perhaps evident without this supernatural knowledge, suggests these are self-serving individuals (v. 18). Care is to be taken not to be deceived by these smooth talkers (v. 18).
Before concluding, Paul extends a personal greeting from those with him. Amongst them is a man by the name of Tertius, “who wrote this letter” (v. 22). There is little doubt that he served as Paul’s scribe in actually writing the letter for Paul. Paul claimed to be the actual author in 1:1.
Paul’s final words are those which solicit a blessing upon his beloved readers, which will come through the preaching of the gospel which was once unknown, but now revealed to all nations, “to bring about the obedience of the faith… through Jesus Christ” (vv. 26-27).
Paul has intricately detailed the Gospel system in the book of Romans. When faith in it leads to obedience, it accomplishes God’s design, the saving of the soul through the grace of Christ. Let us obey the Gospel from the heart and teach the Gospel with all our might!
Daren Scrhoeder
