Romans Chapter 16
Greetings and Love Expressed
16 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; 2 that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.
I commend you to our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church (Paul is confirming Phoebe, her name means “bright”. Phoebe is being a bright light to the church. She was helping to illuminate Jesus Christ. This is a good example of how women are being used in the Church. This was a church at Cenchrea. Cenchrea means “millet” a fast growing edible plant that grows fast in poor soil. Phoebe was planting seeds and bearing fruit fast!
Notice that Paul tells the brothers and sisters to “receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints”. What manner is worthy of the saints? This means with great care!
And “that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you” – Paul tells the family to go to work for helping her. Do what she says in whatever matter she may have need of you! Godly women make a huge difference.
Notice this – for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well. Phoebe was not some high minded woman of God directing others. She was a helper too! She is the same level as Paul or any other saint serving God ! We should be helpers…
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5 also greet the church that is in their house.
Paul is not done yet. Now he says to greet Prisca and Acquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks! Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned by name six times in the New Testament, always together as a couple (Acts 18:2-3, Acts 18-19, Acts 26; Rom 16:3-5; 1Cor 16:19; 2Tim 4:19). They exercised leadership among the fledgling churches and were held in high esteem. Prisca was the wife and Acquila was her husband. Notice that she was named before him showing her importance. This is not normal, it’s the opposite of the custom in that day.
Prisca means “venerable” which menas accorded a great deal of respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character. Acquila means “eagle” known for its keen sight and ability to soar over great distances. He was a tentmaker who made tents in many places. Obviously well traveled. Paul lived with them for 18 months.
Notice they had a church in their house (an ecclesia) a small gathering together – this is the way to do church…. We meet home to home. We actually know each other, pray for each other and love one another. Does this describe the way you do church?
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