Romans 16 -- Friends, Foes, and Faithful Servants

Paul told us about some friends, some foes, and some faithful servants here, my commentary said.

The significance of this?  "Paul was a friend maker as well as a soul winner.  He did not try to live an isolated life:  he had friends in the Lord and he appreciated them.  They were a help to him personally and to his ministry ... I have discovered that the servants whom God has used most were people who could make friends.  They multiplied themselves in the lives of their friends and associates in the ministry," my commentary added.

Many of the names might seem unimportant to readers today, but what they had done was certainly important to God!  Some had helped the poor and sick, some had been imprisoned with Paul, and some had laid down their own lives for him.

Paul did issue warnings about some foes to avoid who were diving the churches rather than working with him to spread the gospel.  "Paul gave two instruction:  mark them (meaning identify them) and avoid them.  It is a matter of obedience to the Lord and testimony to others.  The issue is not making or keeping friends, but pleasing the Lord and maintaining a consistent testimony."

Father, thank You for reminding us to be friend makers and to honor faithful servants -- not after they've died, but while they are still serving.  Thank You also for again warning us about those who divide churches.  Give us the discernment to know who is doing what.

 

Your Brother In Christ,
Gary Ford