I. The Word: Romans 16:3-16

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house.

Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia[a] to Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my countryman.[b]Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The[c] churches of Christ greet you.

Reflection Questions:

1. Has anyone ever saved your life? Or saved you from a potentially disastrous situation?
2. How do you feel about that person?
3. How do you think your life would have turned out without this person in your life?

As I read today’s verses, one word keeps echoing in my mind: community.

Paul’s greetings to the various people listed in these verses are so much more than simple, polite pleasantries. What we see in the above verses is Paul’s genuine expression of love and gratitude toward a group of people who played a pivotal role in advancing God’s Kingdom.

As Mr. Fiddler mentioned in yesterday’s Starter devotional, we cannot always know the significance we’ll have on God’s Kingdom, but we are called to obey His Word regardless.

I’d venture to say that none of the saints listed in today’s verses knew the full extent of the impact they would have in aiding Paul in his mission and building the church at large.

Likewise, we may never fully grasp the importance of serving diligently in the areas of service we’re assigned to, but we can be certain that we each have a purpose and we are all called to community with other believers.

As difficult, uncomfortable, and inconvenient as authentic community can be at times, God calls all believers to take part in community and do life with other believers. The fact is nobody can do Christianity alone…not even Paul, who is arguably one of the most influential Christians of all time.

Today’s verses depict Paul’s sheer gratitude for his fellow believers.

I encourage you today to cultivate true friendship with the believers in your life. Be authentic. Share life’s celebrations together as well as the hardships. Pray for and encourage the hurting Christians you know. It may not seem like much in this moment, but it may have eternal implications.

Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced. You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. (James 3 MSG)