Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsfolk and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding in the view of the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Romans 16:3-15
It wasn’t till these last few years that I understood how precious this passage was. For the longest time I would skim it and not think anything but that these were some weird names. Now… oh my … this list of names brings lots of emotion! These ARE Paul’s people! These are his spiritual ‘family’! Attempting to be a ‘novelist’ and fiction writer has changed my perspective SO greatly when it comes to passages like this. Every one of these names were REAL people with great testimonies of the Lord in their lives! And they personally KNEW the Apostle Paul!?! The stories here have to be incredibly RICH!
Then I think of my own ‘people’. All those who have journeyed with me these last few years in relationship and prayer. They are unknown to you – but to me they are SO vitally important to my life! You too have that circle of the Body of Christ that surrounds you! The Holy Spirit can bring the scriptures to life if you will let Him. Can you imagine reading your name in a letter like the one Paul wrote here? What would that do in encouragement for you? We touch other people’s lives far greater than we understand. How can you be an encouragement to those in your circle today? Pray for them today.
Paul mentions 26 people here in this passage. I could mention over 40 that are in my life now that are part of my reading / prayer / ministry / spiritual family …circle. We all have a circle … who are VITALLY important to our lives AND to Christ! The number of people doesn’t matter – but the people DO! They are God’s blessing to us. Brothers and sisters in Christ who along with you – serve the Lord. I thank Jesus for all these precious saints in Christ!
Reach out to ‘your’ people and let them know how vital they are to your life! Just like Paul was doing here … they really are part of your tapestry of your life. We really aren’t complete without them. We are a family of God.
Father … I thank YOU for YOUR love for me. Jesus … because of YOU I have a spiritual family. Holy Spirit … knit us together even tighter!