Final greetings
Day 579, Friday, Mar. 13
Romans 16:1-27
Yesterday we read about the collection for the church at Jerusalem, which Paul frequently mentions near the end of his letters. Today we find another common ending element: personal greetings.
The list of personal greetings is unusually long in Romans. It seems like Paul is reassuring the church that, while he has not visited yet in person, a number of people they recognize as leaders in their church know him and can vouch for him.
One of the striking things about this list is the number of women who are included. We often hear people speak of the passages in which Paul seems to question women in church leadership, but it’s not as simple as that. In other places, such as here, he speaks of women as respected co-workers and leaders in the Christian community.
He also includes a closing warning about those who would disrupt the community. “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned.”
Another thing to notice is verse 22: “I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.”
Paul’s letters often make note of the scribe who actually wrote out the letter that Paul dictated. This gives some support to the idea that Paul’s thorn in the flesh is related to his eyes—possibly poor vision or painful headaches.
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Friday meditation
Psalms 94:1-11
The Lord is a God who avenges. O God who avenges, shine forth. Rise up, Judge of the earth; pay back to the proud what they deserve. How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant?
They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. They crush your people, Lord; they oppress your inheritance. They slay the widow and the foreigner; they murder the fatherless. They say, “The Lord does not see; the God of Jacob takes no notice.”
Take notice, you senseless ones among the people; you fools, when will you become wise? Does he who fashioned the ear not hear? Does he who formed the eye not see? Does he who disciplines nations not punish? Does he who teaches mankind lack knowledge? The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile.
Prayer focus
Thank you for all of those who have built your church over the centuries.