I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon, of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me. Romans 16:1-2
It is often easy to skim the last chapter of a book. It can seem filled with pleasantries and greetings, really nothing of "substance". However, Charles Spurgeon addresses this train of thought this way:
"This chapter contains Paul’s loving salutation to the various Christians dwelling at Rome. Remember that it is an Inspired passage. Although it consists of Christian courtesies addressed to different individuals, yet it was written by an Apostle and written not as an ordinary letter but as a part of the Inspired volume. Therefore there must be valuable matter in it and though, when we read it, it may appear to be uninstructive, there must be edifying matter beneath the surface because all Scripture is given by Inspiration and is meant to benefit us in one way or another.
An important point to consider keeping in mind when reading this chapter are the great number of women Paul highlights who are playing key roles in the church and are suffering along him, which reenforces that God doesn't discriminate on the basis of sex, color or heritage! Join me in reading Romans 16 and be encouraged!
I am out for work until 2/25/23. I look forward to starting a new book and will keep you in my prayers.
