Theology for Everybody: Romansنموونە

Paul mentions a group of men who are doing life and ministry together. Men and women build relationships differently. Women build relationships face-to-face; they get together and talk. Men, however, build relationships shoulder-to-shoulder. They like to do things together. The best way for men to build relationships is to find common interests and do them shoulder-to-shoulder. These men who Paul mentions serve Jesus Christ together. If you’re a man trying to find meaningful Christian relationships, find a place to serve. I guarantee you will find brothers in Christ.

The final group Paul mentions is “Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them” (v. 15). Philologus means ‘lover of the word.’ It’s probably a nickname, the ancient equivalent of “Bible Guy.” Bible people love to teach classes, lead Bible studies, and answer questions. They usually have the gift of teaching, as mentioned in Romans chapter 12.

Paul closes his personal greetings with an instruction: “Greet one another with a holy kiss” (v. 16). As I previously mentioned, there is a difference between principles and methods. God’s principles are timeless, but our methods are timely. God’s principles are unchanging, but our methods can change. Paul refers to a warm, affectionate greeting that would be appropriate in the Middle East today. People in East Asia bow, while those in the United States, Canada, or Europe shake hands.

“All the churches of Christ greet you” (v. 16). Paul knows our world is a lonely place. Most people ignore you until they want to take advantage of you. If God is our Father and we are a family of brothers and sisters in Jesus, then we need to behave in such a way that represents our Father, so we can extend His influence, which is love.

Everyone on Paul’s list is connected to and partnered with the local church. Every person is a vital servant on Team Jesus. They have different gifts and abilities, but they all do something significant. Everyone is under the same Bible teaching, and they are all listening to it. Everyone strives for unity and love among all the churches, despite significant diversity. Some churches are public, and some are private. Some people mentioned are men, though more are women. God honors both. They are married and single, young and old, slave and free, rich and poor, Romans and Jews. There’s a lot of diversity in the list, but it’s all unity around Jesus Christ.

Today’s Reflection

Are you partnering with your local church? If not, what is stopping you from starting today?