And all who believed were together and had all things in common....Greet one another with a holy kiss. Acts 2:44, Romans 16:16
This afternoon, I continued my study of Romans. Using my commentary - Exalting Jesus in Romans (eBook) - I moved to chapter twenty Christian Friendship, which covers Romans 16. My focus today is v16:1-16, 21-23, which my commentary refers to under the heading How Christian Friendship Is Emphasized. More so than anywhere else I can recall in scripture, in Romans 16, I see a very personal connection that Paul has to so many people that he names them individually/specifically. We see a gratefulness from Paul for all that these people mean to him as he recalls specific acts or characteristics such as:
- being a patron (providing for material needs) (Phoebe/v16:2)
- risking lives for believers (Priscilla/Aquila/v16:3)
- being first of converts in Asia (Epaenetus/v16:5)
- kinsmen and fellow prisoners (v16:6/Andronicus and Junia)
- my beloved (v16:8/Ampliatus)
- fellow worker (Urbanus/v16:9)
- my beloved (Stachys/v16:9)
- approved in Christ (Apelles/v16:10)
- kinsman (Herodion/v16:11)
- fellow workers (Tryphaena and Tryphosa/v16:12)
- worked hard in the Lord (Persis/v16:12)
- chosen in the Lord (Rufus/v16:13)
- Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them (v16:14)
- Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them (v16:14)
- fellow worker (Timothy/v16:21)
- kinsmen (Lucius and Jason and Sosipater/v16:21)
- scribe of letter (Tertius/v16:22)
- Paul's host (Gaius/v16:23)
- city treasurer (Erastus/v16:23)
I am drawn to Acts 2:42-47 where the Fellowship of the Believers of the early church is described. In Acts 2:44 it is said that these early believers "had all things in common." The most important bond of all - one that transcends race, gender, culture, age, education, income, etc. - is a shared belief and passion for Jesus Christ. This is the basis for Christian friendship. We are called to attend church corporately, to study Bible together, to sharpen our understanding of God and scripture, to pray and encourage one another, to serve with one another, to support one another, to confess our sins to one another, to hold each other accountable, etc. We are to acknowledge our need for one another and the power of togetherness.
My commentary highlights how this chapter was a personal thanks to believers all of which we know little or nothing about - it shows how ordinary people through togetherness demonstrate the power of Christ - as the church is intended. Friendships, community and relationships are key - our faith is weak without them. I am urged to look back at Genesis 2:18 where God Himself says "[i]t is not good that the man should be alone." We must encourage and spur one another one on (Proverbs 27:17), and help one another avoid sin. We are also urged to see in today's text the diversity and how despite the diversity there is oneness in Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:28).
Comment and discuss this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who has provided so many fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who have blessed and sharpened me, etc. Thank You Jesus! I am grateful...yet undeserving. My sin of worry and other sins continue. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
