Busy day yesterday- sheep shearing day! Yahoo!! Now the aches and pains are creeping in my muscles and joints from all the activity! Five sheep in about 2 hours- not too bad. They don't have professional cuts, but they will be cooler this summer! What excitement did you have?!
This is the final chapter in Romans. This is odd for Paul, as he usually does these types of greetings as an introduction to the letter. In this final chapter, Paul lists many people that have helped him or are good for guidance. Some of the names we will now, some will be new to us.
It is interesting that the first person Paul mentions is a woman (v 1). Paul tends to look at women in a negative light, but he "highly recommends" Phoebe to the Romans. The commendation from Paul is important- there were many "false prophets" that were looking to make a quick buck; Phoebe's backing from Paul adds credibility to her ministry. "Phoebe" is the feminine form of the pagan god Apollo and it means "bright one." Christians, upon their conversion, didn't see a need for a name change (as opposed to Jews- that would often change their name with major life changes)- even if there was some pagan significance to it.
We met Priscilla and Aquila (v 3) in Acts 18. They seem to be instrumental in the spread of Christianity to the Gentiles, even by having a church in their home (v 5). This was a common occurrence- small congregations would meet in homes of people, each having their own "pastor." Many Methodist (and probably other denominations) started churches in this manner. The Park terrace UMC church started in the basement of the home across the street!
Epenetus (v 5b)- seems to be one of the first converts in Achaia (Corinth area); Paul uses the term "dear friend" or "beloved friend"; this person must have been very important and close to Paul as he doesn't use the terms of endearment very often!
Mary (v 6) must have done lots of leg work for the Roman church; there is some thought that it may be Mary, the mother of John Mark- but no consensus; there seems to be no other information about her.
Andronicus and Junia (v 7)- Jews (my relatives) that are in prison for the sake of the gospel; converted to Christianity before Paul did (thoughts are within 3 or 4 years after the first "Christian" Pentecost in Acts 2); this may be a husband/wife team or possibly brother/sister team, maybe even father/daughter
Ampliatus (v 8)- thought to be one of the "seventy disciples" by the Eastern Orthodox church; may have been bishop of Odessos (Bulgaria)
Urbanus and Stachys (v 9)- I couldn't find much other that they helped with the Roman church
Apelles (v 10)- not much is known other than he suffered for the Gospel ("tested and proved")
Aristobulus family (v 10)- interesting the household is greeted, but not the man; maybe he didn't convert to Christianity yet-(but others in his home did?) however some say that he may have been one of the 70 apostles and may have even preached in Britain
Herodion (v 11)- one of the original 70 disciples; believed to be the Bishop of Patras (Greek city); beaten, stoned, and stabbed, he was left for dead; "arose" eventually to be beheaded
Narcissus' family (v 11)- Narcissus was a freedman of Claudius that died a few years prior to this letter; this may be his family
Tryphena and Tryphosa (v 12)- sisters; their names mean luxurious and delicate (obviously their parents had ideal thoughts about their children!)
Persis (v 12)- another woman that was helpful for the Roman church
Rufus (v 13)- possibly the son of Simon of Cyrene (Mark 15:21) who has some influence among the Romans
The list continues (vv 14- 15)- but not much s known about why Paul included them. Some points to consider- the number of women Paul listed is significant. As I mentioned earlier, Paul tends to have a negative outlook on women, but he does credit them when they do work for the church. Paul seems to be genuine and generous with paying compliments to the people that have helped the Roman church. It is amazing the number of people he lists, having never been to Rome! Kisses (v 16) were common greetings in the early church. However, Clement of Alexandria cautions that the kiss may be like "spiders biting the lip's" and we are to "avoid the poison of licentiousness" by kissing with a "chaste and closed mouth." (Church Life Journal, University of Notre Dame, Feb 15, 2021)! Another point to emphasize and take note of...the church was started by regular people, people like you and me, people that had a love for God and the message of hope and peace. The church was not started by theologians or "Bible- thumpers"; I think we (others) may forget that! There are 24 names listed in these short paragraphs; at least 13 of these name come up in official documents of the Roman Emperor- possibly indicating that many people of the Emperors servants were Christians.
Paul warns the faithful to watch out for the false prophets and those that want to cause disruption among the Christians (vv 17- 19). Those evil forces are present and looking to cause division and disruption (not too uncommon today) and they will do it with smooth talk ("fancy talk and smooth words") and being nice. They may seem like they are for the noble cause but in fact are selfish and looking to gain control for their benefit. God will crush Satan (v 20) but Satan will be under the feet of people.
Paul ends with greetings from the people with him (remember he is in Corinth writing this letter). Of course, Timothy comes first (v 21) as he is one of Paul's closest and most trusted friends and associates. Tertius (v 22) was the scribe. This was common for Paul- he would dictate and someone would write (remember, Paul probably had poor vision, so writing may have been difficult). The naming of the scribe is unusual, typically they were not mentioned. Gaius (v 23) showed great hospitality to Paul and Timothy, so much so that Paul declares "the whole church" was hosted by him!
With all that the Romans are going through (life is ok now, but persecution is starting), Paul closes with commending God that will give you strength. That same greeting holds for us too. With all that we, as individuals and as churches are struggling through- remember the strength God provides us...if we let God! The "mystery" or "secret" (v 25c) Paul talks about is the salvation offered through Christ. It was secret or a mystery, especially for the Jews, for so long, even though prophets and signs showed it. Now, everyone across the world (v 26) can know that mystery!
Amen!
Great ending with all the people that were instrumental in the church. Think back on your faith development and the number of people that were involved in that!
Tomorrow we start 1 Thessalonians; I will post an introduction later today.
Enjoy the sunshine again!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
It is interesting that Paul mentions several women in this last verse. However, my feeling is not that Paul thought negatively about women but only thought of them according to the culture of the day. It hasn't been so long in our own country where women could vote and/or own property. Paul truly believed that the role that women played were the right role for women. I think (my feelings only) that Paul did not mention women a lot because he knew that what the women said, the recipients of the letter would not give it much credence. And I am just as sure that woman were not involved in the discussions/decision - but then, just how many men does Paul mention?
ReplyDeleteI do have a few questions and notes from my commentary in my Bible
What does it mean in verse 3 and 4 when Paul says that Priscilla and Aquila "laid down their own necks" for Paul? Did they die or suffer in some way? And in Acts they came from Rome to Corinth because of Claudis - so since this letter is to Rome, did they go back?
Paul mentions that Andronicus and Junia were not only kinsmen but fellow prisoners - when was this?
The commentary in my Bible says that Amplias, Urban, Stachys, Apelles were all common slave names found in the Imperial household.
It also says that Aristobulus MIGHT refer to the grandson of Herod the Great and brother of Herod Agrippa I
In my translation - vs. 13 says "Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine." Does that mean they are, maybe, cousins?
Vs. 25 Paul says ".Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ..." My commentary says it is not Paul's gospel BUT the gospel he received directly from Jesus. ??????
Looking forward to 1 Thessalonians!!
Enjoy the day - sheep look great!!
Good point Donna...it isn't that Paul thought negatively of women- it was the common culture at that time. Women were, and still are, instrumental in faith development. I would bet that most of us learned about faith and God from our mom or maternal relative. Religion is more emotional- and men have a tougher time with that- in general.
DeletePriscilla and Aquila were (supposedly) tent makers, like Paul, and met him in Corinth. Aquila is listed as one of the 70 Disciples; Priscilla is thought to have been the leader of a local congregation. It seems as though they did travel between Rome and Corinth frequently, possibly helping to start both churches. When Claudius died in 54 AD, Nero reversed the expulsion of the Jews from Rome and they probably moved back to Rome then. It is believed that they were martyred (along with many Christians) as a result of the great fire in Rome; Nero blamed the fire on the Christians and many were killed as a result. As Christians, they were frequently persecuted for their beliefs.
Re: Andronicus and Junia- I couldn't find specific dates- but Paul was in prison several times; it also may mean that they were prisoners at one time and therefore "fellow" prisoners.
Several of the names listed were slaves or freed people from the palace- showing that there was an "infiltration" of Christianity to the emperor.
Interesting relationship with Aristobulus- Herod comes up often doesn't he!
I don't think Rufus and Paul were cousins. I think the reference was more that she was like a mother to Paul- caring for him and being mom-like.
When Paul says "his Gospel" in v 25- it is a reference to the opposition from Jews and other non- Christians that are putting the Jesus Gospel in a negative view.
Great thoughts and questions- thanks DOnna!
Paul ends this chapter in Romans with greetings. i wonder wy he waited til the end to greet the Christians in Rome?
ReplyDeleteHe does mention a few women in his greetings as i think he sees these women as followers and some leaders in Christ. He mentions Rufus 's mother and says she is like a mother to him. Have not heard Paul mention his own family at all in any books we have read so far. I wonder if he was orphaned or if his family denounced him?
Paul warns the romans at the end of his letter to watch out for people who are not true Christians but may lead then astray. Also the end of the letter tells that it is Tertius who is writing this letter for Paul.
I have enjoyed reading Romans and looking forward to the next letter to the Thessalonians.
Have a good day everyone and enjoy the sunshine.
Great job shearing Pastor Paul maybe your next job could be barber.
Oh, Clara, you just answered a question of mine about Rufus' mother. Thank you!!!
DeleteIt is odd that the greeting comes at the end- unusual for Paul- he usually has this in the beginning!
DeletePaul only mentions his father in passing ("I am a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee"- Acts 23:6) and mom isn't mentioned at all. Luke does say "Paul's sister's son" (Acts 23:16). It is assumed Pal is unmarried (1 Corinthians 7:8) "I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I"
Great commentary Clara!
It is nice to see some women mentioned but they don't seem to receive the respect that men do. The Catholic church is an example of that. Priests are held in the highest regard. They have always lived in nice homes with their parishioners taking good care of them. A nun up until recently lived a very simple life of service. Their room was called a cell with no amenities and of course women cannot be priests.
ReplyDeleteI wish it was said how Epaenetus who was the first person in Asia to have faith in Christ came to be. Did someone travel to Asia? Did I miss something?
Cathy I am so sorry about your friend. I wish I was better about sending notes. What a joy it is to receive one in the mail.
Jack ... Great story about your class reunion.
Yes, women usually do not receive the credit they deserve- especially in the church that is open and welcoming to all! Women have always(?) been looked at negativity in the church- not sure why!
DeleteThere isn't much available on Epaenetus. Paul did some work in Asia, Priscilla and Aquila were in Asia some time too. There were several others that are not listed in Paul's work. God was active!
Good thoughts Cindy. THanks
Clara suggested that your next job could be barbering, Pastor. If it were me, I'd stick to sheep. They aren't nearly as style conscious or fussy as people. They probably never complain if you have one side a touch longer than the other.:)
ReplyDeleteThis chapter does have kind of a funny ending. Imagine Paul giving this much attention to women! Like Cindy, I think women weren't given much attention or respect.
Jack, I liked your story about the class reunion. The only thing that would have been better is if you could have said that the person who was a bully had apologized. At least the person had changed for the better and you were able to enjoy his company and feel better.
Yah- my sheep look scraggly!
DeleteYah, women were not highly regarded and Paul did mention several of them at the end!
Thanks Cathy
No, Cathy, the bully did not apologize. I was just so happy and relieved that he was no longer the bully that I remembered. That was enough for me. To all, I am glad you enjoyed my story. I enjoyed telling it, especially since it had a happy ending.
ReplyDeleteNow for another story: I remember that on the days that I signed up to be Liturgist, it seemed that the lessons I was to read all contained names that were almost unpronounceable. Reading this chapter out loud, as we do every night (I read half and Rhea read the other half), brought back this memory. I know it wasn't intentional as other Liturgists had trouble with names (I will never forget "asparagus" - the culprit will not be named here), but I imagine that most of the lessons came from the Lectionary.
It seemed that this chapter was like the closing credits at the end of a movie, but, as Cindy said, women received the recognition and respect that they deserved.
You don't think it wasn't intentional Jack- but I have my ways! Hahaha!! ;)
DeleteGood analogy- closing credits! I like that idea!
I loved when you were liturgist, Jack, and that you always read from your father's Bible. It was very interesting!! And your reunion story was great - I guess people can change!!
ReplyDelete