Title: Workers of the Church Remembering
Church workers who remember the contents (Romans 16:1-16)
In the last chapter of the book of Romans, Paul gives a personal greeting by listing the names of 36 people who have devotedly helped him. These were Paul's co-workers. Have you tried hard to do God's work? If so, you must have felt the need for co-workers.
1. Someone to recommend (verses 1-2)
It is a great honor to be recommended by Paul, who carried out his mission as the second most honorable apostle after Jesus. What kind of people can you recommend as church workers for the kingdom of God?
(1) Church workers
(2) co-workers in labor
⑶ minister of service
It is that a female deacon named Phoebe became a supporter not only of Paul but also of many other members of the church. How many times have you served the saints and servants of the Lord, and have you been given the nickname “Guardian”? Even from the apostle Paul (verse 2). What nicknames do you have? If the person's life stood out for his ministry to become a name, how would such a nickname be called?
2. Someone to greet (verses 3-15)
Paul writes to greet people and families who have worked hard for the gospel with him and have made special friendships or have labored in various ways. The word 'Greetings' means to "look after each other and have fellowship." Twenty-six names are listed here.
(1) Sacrificial co-workers (verses 3-4)
(2) The firstfruits and the brothers who were saved through it (verses 5, 8-9, 14-15)
We see that Paul remembers a man named 'Ephaneetus'. Because he is the firstfruits. Do you have firstfruits? The firstfruits are just as important as the first time you believe in Jesus. I pray that you will bear the fruit of evangelism and become saints who pray and greet you.
In verses 8-9, the names of the slaves appear. ‘Urbano’ in verse 9 is also the name of a slave. Verse 14 gives the list of slaves (v. 14). Here, except for the man named ‘Blegon’, all of them are slaves’ names. Perhaps it was a group of former slaves. But these people are also said to be God's people and saved people. This means that although they were slaves, they became members of a church by evangelizing other brothers. In this way, evangelism does not only save one soul, but forms a small group where we can fellowship. When a member is associated with a small group, the member cannot easily leave the church.
See verse 15. ‘Nereo’ here is the secretary of the consul who served the emperors Domitian and Vius Clemens. Verse 11 mentions Nagissu, who was the secretary of Emperor Claudius. Therefore, both slaves and nobles of high rank were people who bore the fruits of the apostle Paul's evangelism. The church is a place where people, regardless of age or gender, rich or poor, have been redeemed by the blood of Christ and become one brother. So, isn't the church called a community of faith?
⑶ Those who worked hard (verses 6 and 12)
Love takes hard work. The reason why the Thessalonian church became a famous church was because of the “work of faith, patience of hope, and labor of love.” I hope that our church will also become a famous church because of the saints who work hard for love. In verse 12, Mary, Drubana, Drubosa, and Percy were women, but they were people who worked hard. The Lord's workers are recognized in Christ (v. 10).
⑷ Those who believed first (verse 7)
Here, two people, ‘Andronicus’ and ‘Junia’, were introduced as relatives of Paul, but they are not great because they are relatives of Paul. Who are these people? He is said to be “one who was made famous by the apostles.” The actions that moved the Apostle Paul were those who shared in suffering when they suffered. Can't we forget the people who participated in hardship together in a really difficult time?
⑸ Relatives (verse 11)
‘Herodion’ is a person related to Herod’s family. Still, seeing that the apostle Paul speaks of relatives, there is no doubt that they have become special relatives. Jesus said, “Whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother” (Matthew 12:50). Because they met often and often shared their circumstances. Therefore, although Herodion was related to Herod's family, he was called a relative because he shared his heart and will with Paul and shared material and missionary visions.
3. A true greeting should be a relationship that can be kissed in a holy way (v. 16).
① The joy of fellowship (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20)
A true church should be a place where you can be comforted, forgiven, understood, and loved. The church is the place to embrace, love, understand, encourage, and kiss the dirty and insignificant brothers. Church officials can undertake a richer ministry when such spiritual fellowship takes place.
(2) The leading role of the church
There are no protagonists in the church, but there are protagonists. There are workers who work with a sense of ownership of the church. I hope to be such a protagonist. Today, the Apostle Paul wrote a letter to greet the 36 co-workers who had been with him in his great works of God. Maybe the last person remembered. Every church remembered are those who serve.
Ministry: Let's live with what kind of church we want to remain as workers.