YouTube: https://youtu.be/5HVs31lVVg0

Download Audio: https://od.lk/f/MV8yOTU4MDQwMzJf
Download Video: https://od.lk/f/MV8yOTU4MDQwNTdf
Download PDF: https://od.lk/f/MV8yOTU4MDQwMzhf

Priscilla: Romans 16:1-16
Personal Greetings

1 But I commend our sister Phoebe to you, being a servant of the assembly in Cenchrea,

2 that you may receive her in the Lord, as is worthy of the saints, and may assist her in whatever thing she may need of you. For she also became a helper of many, and of myself.

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

4 who laid down their neck for my soul, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the nations.

5 And greet the assembly at their house, and my beloved Epenetus, who is a firstfruit of Achaia for Christ.

6 Greet Mary, who did much labor for us.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners, noted among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.

9 Greet Urbanus, our helper in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.

10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ; Greet those of Aristobulus.

11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of Narcissus, those being in the Lord.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those laboring in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has labored in many things in the Lord.

13 Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brothers with them.

15 Greet Philologus and Julias, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints with them.

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.

[Literal Translation of the Holy Bible]

Dear God, my Beloved Father, today I offer you my reflections on the Word of God in Romans 16:1-16 about Paul’s greetings.

Dear God, I understand verses 1 and 2 as follows: Apostle Paul introduces Phoebe to the Church in Rome. She is a deaconess of the Church in Cenchreae and has been a helper to Paul and many others. Therefore, Paul desires the Church in Rome to welcome Phoebe and assist her in any way she may need, just as they would welcome and help a sister in Christ.

Dear God, I understand verses 3 and 4 as follows: Aquila and Priscilla are a couple who fervently serve the Lord with Paul, preaching the Gospel, and building Churches among the Gentiles. They traveled with Paul on some of his missionary journeys, and he appreciates them because they not only shared in his burden but also risked their own lives for his sake. Therefore, the Churches among the Gentiles also appreciate them.

Dear God, I understand verses 5 and 6 as follows: Epenetus was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia, and Mary worked hard for the Church in many ways. Although the Bible does not specify who Mary was, Paul still recognizes her zeal in serving the Lord as an example for the Church.

Dear God, I understand verse 7 to mean that Andronicus and Junia were Paul’s kin and esteemed apostles who were in Christ before Paul and who were also imprisoned with him.

Dear God, I summarize my understanding from verses 8 to 15 as follows: Paul sends his greetings to the brothers and sisters in Christ who live in Rome and whom he has had the opportunity to know. They are among those who have been saved and live according to God’s Word. Despite the many challenges they have faced in serving the Lord, they have remained steadfast in their faith. Paul cherishes them and does not look down on his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, even if they are slaves, uneducated, or of low social status. He values and praises the exemplary lives of women who have devotedly believed in God, worked hard in serving Him, and helped build the Church.

Dear God, I understand verse 16 to mean that, according to the custom of Paul’s time, the people of God in the Church showed their affection by kissing on the cheek when greeting each other. Nowadays, the people of God do not need to show their love through the traditional kiss when greeting each other. However, true people of God demonstrate their love for their brothers and sisters in the Church through their willingness to receive and help them, as befitting the saints of God. In doing so, they are also doing it for Christ.

Dear Father, may You grant each member of Your Church a passionate heart to serve You in the ministry of preaching the Gospel and building the Church. Amen!

In the grace of Jesus Christ, my Lord.

Priscilla Christian Huynh
04/15/2023