Romans 16:1-27

Personal

I really gave my life to the Lord at age 25. Prior to that I had spent the previous six or seven years running as far away from the Lord as I could. Prior to that I had spent eighteen years on a spiritual roller coaster. I would be “on fire” for God for a while and “not on fire” for a while. It was discouraging. When I came back to the Lord there were several things I really wanted. One of those things was to stay on the right path this time. How? Well, I can’t say that I have batted 1.000 these past almost forty years but I am still in the faith and still growing and it has been consistent and good. The key? My friends.

It seems to me that Paul felt very much the same way. He sends greetings to twenty-seven people by name, and this in a city he has never even visited. Additionally, he mentions Rufus’ mother and speaks of her being a mother to him as well. He also mentions three house churches and two households. And he starts by commending Phoebe to them, so she obviously was one of those bringing the letter. Then the list of those with Paul runs to eight names plus Gaius’ household. Paul was surrounded by, and deeply connected to, the Body of Christ.

In the middle of these personal notes he warns against those who cause divisions. He says that those who would separate believers are self centered and only serving their own appetites.

How anyone can think it is a good idea, or even an OK idea, to not be connected to the Body of Christ in frequent and regular fellowship and worship is beyond me. Apparently it is beyond the Holy Spirit inspired apostle Paul as well.