Digging in Deeper: Romans 16:3-16

“Give my greetings to 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.” (CSB – Read the chapter)

Every year I attend the annual meeting of my State Baptist Convention. Once there, I attend various meetings and breakout sessions. There are times of worship and lots of preaching. Sometimes, if I’m feeling especially brave, I’ll make a tour through the actual convention hall. I’m sufficiently introverted I only do that once. Introverted or not, though, over the years I’ve met various other pastors and ministry leaders, several of whom I have kept up with. Some of them have played a role in my ministry and vice versa. Ministry isn’t something that happens in isolation. Paul’s long list of greetings here at the end of the letter is a good reminder of that. Let’s explore who some of his ministry partners are.

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Digging in Deeper: Romans 16:1-2

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae. So you should 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.” (CSB – Read the chapter)

If you listen closely when you are on an airplane, at some point in the journey you’ll notice the engine sound—a steady drone throughout the flight up to then—change. It’s not a dramatic change, but there’s definitely a difference. This is the point the pilot has begun the final approach into the destination airport. Not long after this change in sound he’ll come on and make the relevant announcement. Today we begin our final approach toward landing our journey through Romans. What we’re going to encounter as we do are a whole lot of greetings. First, though, a commendation. If that sounds boring, however, think again. Just as there is often turbulence when going from one part of the sky to another, we’re yet going to encounter some highly debated verses. Hang on tight!

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Digging in Deeper: 1 Timothy 3:11-12

“Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things.  Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well.”  (ESV – Read the chapter)

This is one of those verses that seems in most English translations to limit the role that women can play in the body of Christ.  I don’t think it actually does that and here’s why. Read the rest…

Digging in Deeper: 1 Corinthians 14:34

“…the women should keep silent in the churches.  For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says.”  (ESV – Read the chapter)

See, I knew it!  Paul is clearly a misogynist.  He wants women silent and in the back, or better yet, barefoot and in the kitchen.  The church of Paul has no real place for women to become fully who God always intended them to be.  We need something fresh and new with feminism at its heart in order for both men and women to find the place God has for them.   Read the rest…