SAINTS WORTH NOTING
READ Romans 16:1-16
Romans 16 is the final chapter in the Book of Romans. It contains a list of salutations and greetings by Paul to people in the church at Rome. It is noteworthy, in greeting so many individuals he knew in the Roman church, there is no mention made of Peter. It is clear, Peter was not in Rome nor had any part of the church, notwithstanding Roman Catholic doctrine. There are several final words of instruction. It ends with a great benediction, filled with gems of truth.
I am going to present three divisions in this last chapter. First, is a list of saints to greet (vs. 1-16). Next, there are some sinners to avoid (vs. 17-20). Finally, there is a list of servants to honor (vs. 21-24).
Notice Romans 16:3-4, "Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: 4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles."
Priscilla and Aquila were close companions of Paul. They were originally residents of Rome. But the Roman emperor, Claudius, had the Jews banished from Rome in A.D. 52. Priscilla and Aquila moved to Corinth. They were the couple who opened their home to Paul when he first entered Corinth. They were also the couple who went into business with Paul as tent-makers. They later traveled with Paul to Ephesus where they settled (Acts 18:18). The chief characteristics of this couple were their open hearts and their open home. Wherever we find them, we find that their home was the center for Christian worship and fellowship.
They received the young preacher, Apollos, into their home to instruct him in the faith (Acts 18:24-26).
They had a church meeting in their home in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 6:19).
They had another church meeting in their home in Rome (Romans 16:13).
Paul called them "my helpers [fellow workers] in Christ Jesus" (Romans 6:3), and he explained what he meant. They risked their lives in order to save him. This probably refers to the attacks made upon Paul and the church in Corinth (Acts 18:6, & 12-17) or to some other severe persecution that took place in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 15:32; cp. 2 Corinthians 1:8). In either case, this godly couple, Priscilla and Aquila, risked their lives in order to save the life of one of God's dear servants, Paul himself.
Note:
1) A believer should have an open home and show forth a testimony of hospitality.
"Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality" (Romans 12:13).
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares" (Hebrews 13:2).
2) A believer should be a helper or a fellow worker and laborer in the ministry of Christ Jesus.
"Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" (Matthew 9:37-38).
3) A believer should humble and sacrifice himself for the sake of other believers.
"For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it" (Matthew 16:25).
"Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth [welfare]" (1 Corinthians 10:24).
True hospitality is an effort of love. An open heart will always show a visitor the way to an open door. A closed heart will slam shut the door of hospitality.
Open or shut: Which way will the door of your home swing?
Your Friend and HIS,
Pastor Abbott
MEDITATIONS
1. Married couples who serve Christ together are a great blessing to the church. What are some ways that couples can make an impact on newcomers or unbelievers in your church or community?
2. If you are married, have you prayed about how God might use you and your spouse as a team to minister to people? Is your home as open as it should be for ministry?
3. What kind of impact can a home that practices hospitality have upon a community or church?