Bible Reading
Romans 16:1-27 “I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints and assist her in whatever matter she may require your help. For indeed she has been a benefactor of many—and of me also. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life. Not only do I thank them, but so do all the Gentile churches. Greet also the church that meets in their home. Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews and fellow prisoners. They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me. Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those who belong to the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother—and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send you greetings. Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching that you learned. Avoid them, because such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words. The report of your obedience has reached everyone. Therefore I rejoice over you, but I want you to be wise about what is good and yet innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you. Timothy, my coworker, and Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen, greet you. I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you. Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation about Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept silent for long ages but now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, according to the command of the eternal God to advance the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles— to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ—to him be the glory forever! Amen.”
[37:27]Mark 15:21 “They forced a man coming in from the country, who was passing by, to carry Jesus’s cross. He was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.”
[56:12]Matthew 28:19-20 “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
[01:22:01]Observation questions
- In Romans 16:1–16, what different kinds of service does Paul recognize? How did these believers use their homes, relationships, and willingness to take risks to help others? [48:02]
- What stands out about the way Paul describes the women in his greetings, particularly their work for the Lord? [54:26]
- In Romans 16:17–19, what actions, motives, and methods identify the people Paul warns the church to avoid? [01:05:05]
- In Romans 16:25–27, what does Paul say God does to strengthen believers, and what purpose does God have for making the gospel known? [01:19:20]
Interpretation questions
- Why does Paul give so much attention to people whose names appear nowhere else or whose stories are barely known? What does this suggest about how a church should measure a meaningful life? [52:34]
- How can a church distinguish the harmful division described in Romans 16:17–18 from an honest disagreement between believers? What makes someone’s influence more important to examine than how pleasant their words sound? [01:06:34]
- Paul calls believers to be wise about good and innocent about evil in Romans 16:19. Why should a commitment to protecting unborn children and vulnerable people include practical, costly care rather than stop at a public position? [01:13:48]
- How do Romans 16:25–27 and Matthew 28:19–20 connect being strengthened by the gospel with helping others follow Jesus? Why is feeling encouraged not the whole purpose of receiving good news? [01:22:03]
Application questions
- God entrusts people to our care, not just possessions. Who in your life needs more of your time or attention right now? What might caring for that relationship look like this week? [41:24]
- Whose quiet service in the church have you benefited from but perhaps taken for granted, especially among the women who work faithfully? How could you thank or support that person in a meaningful way? [54:26]
- Think about a voice you regularly listen to—in person, online, or in public life. How do you check whether its influence is helping you love others and remain faithful to Jesus? Have you noticed your own words building unity or stirring division? [01:03:32]
- Protecting vulnerable lives calls for practical help and grace. What could you or this group realistically offer someone facing an unexpected pregnancy or a family under strain—such as meals, transportation, childcare, or help finding resources? How could that help be offered without judgment? [01:14:12]
- Think of a recent disagreement that tested your patience. What would responding with grace look like without pretending to agree or setting aside necessary boundaries? [01:28:20]
- Where do you need God to strengthen you through the gospel right now? As you depend on him, who is one person you could take a small step toward this week to share the hope of Jesus? [01:22:28]
