Theology for Everybody: Romansنموونە

Paul writes, “Greet my kinsman Herodion” (v. 11). Herodion was Paul’s relative by birth and by new birth—he is Jewish and loves Jesus. Sometimes somebody loves Jesus, and you feel close to them. Then there is someone who loves Jesus and comes from your same culture, ethnicity, or background. They understand you; they get you. Herodion got Paul.

Paul continues, “Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus” (v. 11). Once again, Paul is talking about a father who is leading his family in love. The best way to have a healthy family is to serve Jesus Christ together. One of the great joys of my life is serving the Lord Jesus with my wife, Grace, and our five kids. They all love and serve Jesus. Grace’s mom now lives close to us and is part of our ministry. We have three generations serving Jesus together.

Paul then writes, “Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa” (v. 12). These names mean “dainty” and “delicate.” Likely they are friends or sisters who work together. Sometimes people serve together, and that is how they become good friends. The easiest way to develop relationships is to serve together. Tryphaena and Tryphosa love Jesus, and they are incredibly productive and helpful.

Paul writes, “Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord” (v. 12). If God were to put two things on your headstone when you die, wouldn’t it be great for Him to say, “I love you, and you got a lot of work done”? That would be amazing. God loves you—that’s unconditional—but you decide whether you get a lot done. God works for you and in you; you get to partner with Him so that He can work through you.

In verse 13, Paul writes, “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.” We looked at predestination in Romans chapters 9–11, and Rufus is a prime example. God picked Rufus; He chose him. If you are a Christian, God chose you. You did nothing to deserve it.

Paul mentions Rufus’ mother but not his father. Now, we cannot prove this, but it is believed that Rufus’ father is the person the Roman soldier assigned to help Jesus carry the cross in Mark 15:21. This verse says, “They compelled a passerby, Simon of Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.” If this is the same Rufus Paul mentions, then his dad started ministry by helping Jesus in His most difficult hour. What a testimony!

Rufus’ mother is like a mother to Paul. The apostle didn’t have a wife; he was either divorced, widowed, or never married. He didn’t have kids either, so he was always alone. But people became like family to him. If you are an older saint, then you need to know that much of what you learned in parenting is preparation for ministry. You might object, “I don’t know how to do ministry. I was just a mom.” The world needs moms. We all need a mom, and Paul gets a mom with this woman.

Today’s Reflection

Does your family have a testimony? If so, what is it?