Romans 16
If Paul were alive today, he'd have a bunch of friends on Facebook! In Romans 16 Paul sends his greetings to 29 (as I count them) specific people. Then at the end of the chapter, there are another 8 people listed who join in his greeting. This comes immediately after 15 chapters of heavy doctrinal stuff. Hmmmm.....So why do you think we're given this glimpse into Paul's life? And, what do we do with it? Tami W.
I remember when I was a young kid in a church, the priest would ask everybody to greet everyone, and people would start saying "peace be with you" to people all around them while standing stationary where they were, I didn't see anything wrong with it then, but now I see how it was so impersonal and pretentious when religion becomes an act of ritual and when we just go through the motions without really engaging personally into what we do.
In contrast, Paul shows how he cares deeply about the people he know, how he wanted to make sure he mention their names to make his greetings personal. I can imagine how Paul was in person he probably seeks everyone out to greet them instead of waiting for them to come to him. It showed how authentic his salvation is, and that he no longer was the Saul that sought out to destroy christians and christianity, but a man who has undergone through "circumcision of the heart".
This i pray,
change my heart oh God,
make it ever true,
change my heart oh God
may i be like You.
Good morning Tami,
Not being sure of this, but I think the Romans whom he writing this letter to, is closer to him in relationship (kind of like family ).
He is bringing special attention to the list of people that I believe were traveling in a group to the Romans with sister Phoebe, delivering this letter, and is mentioned before Romans 15:17-20
17I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I am full of joy over you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.
I take special interest in verses 17-20 and why he inserted this information where he did, before closing the letter in which he mention those with him with special recognition. Comments on this would be appreciated.
I have not signed up to facebook. Maybe I should check it out. P4 is my first at commenting, Bloging Etc. I am a little from what I call the old way of thinking, and I am open to trying to learn new ways. Seeing peoples fruit helps me know whether I can trust them or not. I prefer to be friends to people I trust. Jesus is my friend , My wife is my friend.. I put a high position and trust in who I call my friends. I don’t take friendship lightly.
I might be also taking this a little too serious. I am a what my wife used to say ( Mr. serious ). She has helped me to lighten up a lot over the years. But I know that sometimes things are said for face value and are not intended to go as deep as I have a tendency to take them.
To me the verses I mentioned and the question asked regarding facebook friends has stimulated a thought. How can we get to know people only by their words? Only by faith we believe in and put our trust in God and his word. Then we get know Jesus in a personal way, in which he helps us to change from the inside out. I would be very cautious myself in approaching a friendship via this new format.
I am very open to comments and want to learn.
Jerry
Cont...I intended to comment on the ...So why do you think we're given this glimpse into Paul's life? And, what do we do with it?
As I mentioned earlier, I think he was closer in relationship to the Romans.I also remember back when he was Saul and where he came from.
This enables us to get closer to, and a have a better understanding of him and how he loved his fellow brothers and sisters. This is and example to us. We should learn from it.
Being open ( Transparent ) to me is the best way for me. But I do alsays want to be alert and watchful for the enemy is looking for someone to destroy.
Thanks again the allowing me to comment.
Jerry
The thing that struck me most about this chapter and these people was that Almighty God, Creator of Heaven and Earth extended His grace and allowed these faithful servants to become a part of His Word! No movie star or name in lights on Broadway could ever be immortalized like that! 2,000 years and counting, Andronicus and Junius! We may not be able to pronounce them all, but we will actually get to meet them someday and maybe find out why the Lord honored them so.