A. A young adult man was walking through a supermarket to pick up a few things when he noticed an older lady following him around.
1. Thinking nothing of it, he ignored her and continued on.
2. Finally, when he went to the checkout line, she quickly slipped in front of him.
3. “Pardon me,” she said, “I’m sorry if my staring at you has made you feel uncomfortable, but it’s just that you look just like my son who died recently.”
4. “I’m very sorry,” replied the young man, “is there anything I can do for you?”
5. “Yes,” she said, “As I leave the store could you holler and wave to me saying, ‘Good-bye, Mother!’? It would make me feel so much better.”
6. “Sure, I can do that for you,” answered the young man.
7. After the woman had her groceries scanned and placed in her shopping cart, she headed to the door, and the young man called out to her and waved, “Good-bye, Mother!”
a. And the woman smiled and waved back, saying, “Good-bye son.”
8. When the cashier finished scanning his groceries, she said, “that will be one hundred, twenty-seven dollars and fifty cents.”
9. “How can my bill be that high?” he asked, “I am only buying a few things!”
10. The cashier replied, “Well, your mother, who just left, said that you would pay for her groceries.”
11. The moral of the story is: Some good-byes hurt more than others!
B. Today, we will be saying good-bye to our sermon series on Paul’s letter to the Romans, and as we do so we will witness Paul saying his good-byes to the church in Rome.
1. We will notice that Paul includes in this chapter items that are typical of the conclusions in his other letters: including Paul’s greetings to specific Christians in Rome, and greetings from other Christians who are with Paul.
2. But what is not typical about this section is the number of greetings – Paul asks the Romans to greet 26 individuals, 2 families, and 3 house churches.
3. But what is most surprising about this is the fact that Paul has never visited Rome.
4. So, how in the world did Paul know about so many people from a place he had never been?
a. Some of them were people Paul had met and worked with in his missionary journeys.
b. Others he may have known only by reputation.
c. But one way or another, Paul knew them and considered them worthy of mention in this personal conclusion to his letter.
d. Paul considered many of them to be heroes, but he is also going to warn the Romans about some villains.
C. To some people, Romans 16 appears to be one of the least-interesting chapters of the NT.
1. It consists mostly of Paul’s greetings to this long list of people in Rome.
2. At first glance that doesn’t seem to offer much that would interest us today inasmuch as the names are hard to pronounce and even harder to spell.
3. But to make matters worse, we don’t know who most of these people are because many of them are never mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament.
4. What I hope we realize today is that this chapter offers us a rare snapshot of early Christianity.
5. Behind this list of unpronounceable names stands a bedrock truth about the nature of the growing Christian movement and why it had the power to change the ancient world.
D. This chapter also gives us insight into Paul and his ministry, and what it was about Paul and his ministry that made him so effective.
1. If I were to ask what words you would use to describe the Apostle Paul, you might say things like serious, brilliant, logical, studious, dedicated, driven, and committed.
2. All those words fit the usual picture we have of the man from Tarsus.
3. When you think about Paul that way, does he sound like the kind of guy you would invite over to the house for dinner or to watch the Super Bowl?
4. If you were going to go out for coffee with Paul, you might feel like you better prepare by brushing up on your Greek or your Old Testament theology.
5. Do you think of Paul as being a guy who had a sense of humor? I don’t.
6. Nevertheless, one thing that Romans 16 reminds us of is that Paul was also a people person.
7. In addition to being brilliant, and serious, and driven, he had a heart for people.
8. Paul made friends and associations wherever he went – he was great at networking!
E. Let’s read through the list of people Paul wanted to send greetings to, and then make a few comments about the people and what put them on the list: 1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. 2 So you should welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many—and of me also. 3 Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches. 5 Greet also the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews and fellow prisoners. They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother—and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and 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 send you greetings. (Romans 16:1-16)
D. Let’s start discussing the list where Paul started – with Phoebe – whom Paul calls our sister and servant of the church in Cenchreae.
1. Letters of commendation were important in the ancient world.
2. People who traveled in an age with few public facilities (such as hotels or restaurants) depended on the assistance of people they had sometimes never met for their needs.
3. Phoebe was apparently traveling to Rome, and may have been carrying Paul’s letter to the church at Rome, so he encourages the church to welcome and provide for her.
4. Phoebe was more than a sister in Christ, she was a servant – the Greek word is diakonos – which simply means servant, and can be used informally as a general servant, or can be used in the formal roll as deacon – Paul is likely using it in the informal sense here.
5. Paul also calls her a “benefactor of many” and it is likely that Phoebe was a wealthy business woman who used her wealth to support the church and its missionaries (like Paul).
E. Next, Paul mentions two people we recognize – Priscilla and Aquila – they were his co-workers.
1. Priscilla and Aquila were originally from Rome, but Paul met them and ministered with them in Corinth and later in Ephesus.
2. Early on, they taught Apollos the true doctrine of Jesus (Acts 18:24-28).
3. As tent-makers, they were wealthy enough to have a house big enough to host a house church wherever they went.
4. At one point, Aquila and Priscilla risked their lives for Paul, maybe during the riot in Ephesus.
F. Other people in Paul’s list are less well-known in Scripture.
1. Epaenetus is mentioned only here in the NT, but Paul knew him well enough to call him a “dear friend.” He was Paul’s first convert in Asia Minor and must have later moved to Rome.
2. Mary (a common name among Jews and Gentiles) was a hard-working Christian woman.
3. Andronicus and Junia are the most debated names in the list.
a. One question is whether Junia is a man or woman (the name can be used for either).
b. Junia is most likely a woman and is either a sister or wife of Andronicus.
c. They may be relatives of Paul and have been in prison with him at some point.
d. Some translations make it sound like they are additional apostles using words like “they are outstanding among the apostles.”
e. The Christian standard gives us an appropriate translation they are “noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles.” – they were likely a missionary team who was doing an outstanding job.
4. The next four names – Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys and Apelles – were all common slave names – some Roman, some Greek.
5. The next three names – Aristobulus, Herodion, Narcissus – seem to have some connection to the imperial household in Rome.
6. Most commentators think that Tryphaena and Tryphosa were sisters, possibly twins - their names come from a root that means “dainty” or “delicate” – they were hard workers for God.
7. Persis means “woman of Persia” – another hard working friend of Paul.
8. Rufus is interesting because Mark mentions that Simon of Cyrene who carried Jesus’ cross, had two sons, Alexander and Rufus (Mark 15:21) - since Mark’s gospel may have been written to Rome, perhaps this Rufus is Simon’s son - his mother had become like a mother to Paul.
9. Then Paul mentions two groups of names in verses 14-15 - the first group (Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas) is all men, and the second (Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas) was probably another house church in Rome.
G. Taken as a whole, this list gives us two important spiritual insights.
1. First, the list shows us just how diverse the church in Rome was and how diverse all churches should be.
a. The church at Rome included the rich and the poor, slaves and freedmen, Jews and Gentiles, Greeks and Romans, forgotten house churches and members of the imperial household.
b. And Paul knew them all by name!
2. Second, the list shows us what Christians should be commended for.
a. Notice how many in the list were commended for their service – these people were all active in service for the Lord – they labored and worked for the cause of Christ.
1. All of them made it a priority to serve, whether they were male or female, slave or free, rich or poor, Jewish or Gentile – they were all serving in some way.
b. Notice also how many of them were commended for their suffering – some in the list had risked their lives, others had been imprisoned, others had been tested and approved.
3. And because these people had been so devoted to service and were willing to suffer, they were loved and appreciated by Paul, and of course by God as well.
4. I’m so thankful that we are a diverse church and let’s continue to love and reach out to all people with the love of God and the good news of salvation in Jesus – regardless of gender, race, economics or education – all are loved and welcome in the church.
5. And let’s continue to serve and sacrifice in our ministry to the Lord so that we will be appreciated and beloved by each other and by God.
H. Paul ends this section in verse 16 saying: Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings.
1. As we find ourselves in the middle of the COVID-19 (coronavirus) crisis, I find it interesting and a bit humorous that we are covering a passage with the holy kiss in it.
2. The holy kiss was a widely practiced activity in the first few centuries of the church.
a. We’re told that during the worship service there would a time of greeting in which the men would kiss the men and the women the women, the kiss would be given either on the cheek or the forehead, or in the case of the men, on the beard.
b. One document from the early church gives this instruction: “Let the deacon say to the people, ‘let no one have any quarrel against another; let no one come in hypocrisy. Then, let the men give the men, and women the women, the Lord’s kiss. But let no one do it with deceit as Judas betrayed the Lord with a kiss.’ ”
c. Augustine said of the early Christians, “They demonstrated their inward peace by their outward kiss.”
d. Over time the kiss took place during the Lord’s Supper.
2. Eventually voices were raised in warning about possible abuse, and by the fourth century, it was no longer a practice.
3. Today the holy kiss has been replaced by the holy handshake or the holy hug.
4. Right now, as you know, we are in a temporary period of social distancing, but I hope that very soon we can return to a true, warm, loving expression of God’s love, that might include holy touch and face to face fellowship.
5. In the end we don’t need some kind of formal rule (like it has to be a kiss or a hug), but what we need is a real love in our hearts for each other and a desire to express it in the most appropriate ways.
6. Let me say one thing about Paul’s mention of “the churches of Christ send greetings.”
a. Paul wasn’t using that phrase as some kind of denominational name – there were no denominations in that day.
b. Paul was simply using it as a description – “all the assemblies or gatherings of Christ.”
c. I’m thankful that we are part of a fellowship known for the phrase “church of Christ.”
d. All churches have to be known by some name, and our fellowship chose one that identifies us with Jesus and with Him alone.
e. We aren’t the church of David Owens or of anyone other person than Christ.
f. But it is one thing to make that claim and it is something else to live it out – let’s strive to be Christ’s church in more than name – let’s be His church in attitude, action and mission.
I. As we turn to the last 10 verses of the chapter, we see that Paul touches quickly on several different topics, most of which are common in the endings of Paul’s letters.
1. One unusual thing Paul does in this closing is that he launches into a warning about false teachers.
2. Paul wrote: 17 Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them, 18 because such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words. (Romans 16:17-18)
3. Why did Paul wait until the very end to include these warnings? Perhaps he waits to the very end because false teachers have not yet arrived on the scene, or because he hears about their threat as he was just about to send the letter.
4. Paul didn’t include any details about who these false teachers may have been or about what heresy they were propagating.
5. But what Paul includes here is a good general introduction to false teachers and how they work.
6. In addition to their errors in doctrine, Paul says three things about false teachers:
a. First, they serve themselves – this is their motive.
b. Second, they are crafty and effective speakers – this is their method.
c. Third, they create divisions in the church – this is their results – their fruits.
7. By definition, the views that false teachers propagate are contrary to biblical teaching.
a. Their teachings are often illogical, but they mask the problem in a flurry of rhetoric.
b. They pull out every rhetorical trick in the book to win converts.
c. False teachers often gain a hearing because they can be so engaging and so much fun to listen to.
d. Paul, in contrast, often pointed out that he didn’t use flattery or slick presentation, but just plainly taught the truth as simply and clearly as he could.
8. There are many false teachers in our world today, and many of them gain a large audience - mostly by telling people what they want to hear – whether it be that God wants everyone to be healthy and wealthy, or that you can live anyway you want as long as you sincerely believe what you believe and love like you want to love.
9. Paul encourages them and us to watch out for false teachers, and to avoid them.
J. In the next few verses, Paul then quickly returns to a positive and encouraging direction: 19 The report of your obedience has reached everyone. Therefore I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise about what is good, and yet innocent about what is evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. (Rom. 16:19-20)
1. Paul expresses his confidence in them that they won’t be taken in by false teachers.
2. Paul rejoices in their obedience, and wants them to focus on what is good and right, and remain innocent about what is evil.
a. Not innocent in the sense of lack of knowledge, but in lack of involvement with evil.
3. Paul then offers a powerful and hopeful promise: The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. (vs. 20)
a. Paul may be applying that to false teachers, but more likely to the work of the evil one in general.
b. The promise alludes to the well-known prophesy of Genesis 3:15 that says, “he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.” (speaking of Christ and Satan)
c. Does it sound contradictory that the God of peace is going to crush somebody?!
d. The fact that God is a God of peace doesn’t mean He avoids the battle.
e. It is not peace at any cost, but peace through triumph over evil.
f. God of peace will make sure that truth prevails – He will crush Satan’s attempts to introduce error and destroy the church.
g. A generation ago, Edward John Carnell declared: “It is better to divide over truth than to unite around error.”
f. Unity and peace are important, but the truth must be fought for.
4. Additionally, how comforting to know that God’s grace is with us always!
K. Now as Paul truly ends his letter, he mentions a few people who are with him in Corinth who want to send their greetings to the church in Rome: 21 Timothy, my coworker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen, greet you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you. (Rom. 16:21-23)
1. Timothy needs no introduction to us – he is Paul’s closest co-worker and is like a son to him.
2. Lucius may be Lucius of Cyrene (Acts 13:1) or Luke the doctor and traveling companion.
3. Jason is probably the one who offered hospitality to Paul in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9).
4. Sosipater is probably the same as Sopater of Berea mentioned in Acts 20:4.
5. Tertius is the trained scribe who wrote down what Paul dictated.
a. Tertius is likely a former slave, because his name simply means “third.”
b. Children born in slavery were sometimes only given the name that is their number.
c. The last person named in verse 23, may have been his brother – Quartus means “fourth.”
6. Gaius is probably the Gaius of Corinth who offered hospitality to Paul and the whole church.
7. Erastus was the city treasurer of Corinth – we marvel again that the church can be made up of high city officials and common slaves and former slaves – one in Christ, and equal in Christ.
L. Paul appropriately concludes his letter with a doxology in praise of God: 25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God to advance the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles— 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ—to him be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 16:25-27)
1. The words of this doxology echo many of the key ideas of Paul’s letter.
2. Paul began the letter boldly stating that he is not ashamed of the gospel, and now he praises God who is able to strengthen according to the gospel.
3. Paul has said in this letter and in others that the good news of redemption for all people in Christ is the climax of the plan of God, a “mystery” kept hidden in the past, but now revealed and made known for all to see.
4. Throughout the Bible, OT included, God has been saying that his desire was to bring all nations to faith and obedience and salvation – both Jews and Gentiles.
5. God is the only one wise enough to come up with such a wonderful plan for the redemption of His creation, and therefore all glory belongs to Him forever and ever. Amen!
M. I hope you have enjoyed and benefitted from our journey through Paul’s deeply challenging and spiritual strengthening letter to the Romans.
1. Here are some of the things we have learned.
2. There is only one way to receive righteousness from God and it is through faith in Jesus.
3. The righteousness of Christ is given to us by God’s grace through faith.
4. In Romans 3:23-24, Paul declared: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
5. When a person believes and obeys the gospel, they are baptized into Christ.
6. And in that baptism they are buried with Christ into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead, so they arise and walk in newness of life.
7. From that beginning, the born again follower of Jesus seeks to offer their lives as a living sacrifice; learning to think like God thinks and love like God loves.
8. And as we all strive to have the mind of Christ and accept each other and bear with each other as Christ does us, then with one heart and one voice we can proclaim the good news of God’s grace found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
9. We want to help all people know that gospel that has the power to save and we want to help all people live the gospel that transforms us and sanctifies us in God’s service.
Resources:
Romans, The NIV Application Commentary, by Douglas Moo
An Honor Roll of Saints, by Dr. Richard Strauss
Does it Matter What You Believe?, by Dr. Richard Strauss
Let’s Bring Back the Holy Kiss: Rediscovering Real Love in the Family of God, by Ray Pritchard
Trouble in the Church, by Ray Pritchard
