My Romans 16

A few years ago I led my single adult ministry through an over seventy week bible study on the book of Romans. I chose Romans because it is packed with all the great doctrines of the Christian faith. As I prepared and studied for the lessons that I would write I struggled with Romans chapter 16 because, unlike the rest of the book, it seems to lack any doctrinal significance. I wondered how anyone could teach or preach from this chapter, after all, it seems to simply be Paul’s farewell of his letter to the Romans. I bet that most teachers and preachers just skip right over this seemingly meaningless chapter.

But is any chapter, or even word, of Holy Scripture “seemingly meaningless”? May it never be!

As I reflected on chapter 16 I noticed something that in these days of church planting, and especially being away from the Christians that I led, discipled, ministered to, and loved that Romans 16 is so significant to my life and should be to every Christian.

Paul uses the word “Greet” 18 times in the first 16 verses; 22 times in the whole chapter. The first 18 times he is asking the church at Rome to greet others on his behalf, the final 4 times he is sending the greetings of others with him as he writes. In all Paul sends greetings to over 30 people, churches or groups of believers!

Why is this chapter so significant?

This chapter teaches us how important Christian relationships and partnerships are as we all work together to advance the Kingdom of God. This chapter illustrates how God puts other Christians in our life to encourage, support, and pray for us. This chapter shows us the love and longing that we should have for our fellow brothers and sisters in the Lord when they are not nearby.

As I have traveled this week, last weekend in Tulsa, OK and this upcoming weekend in Dallas, TX Romans 16 has come to my mind again as I seek more prayer, financial, and missionary partners in these two cities. Who will I be able to add to my chapter of Christian partners?

Thank you to all of you in my Romans 16. Thank you to all of you who have partnered with us, support us, encourage us, and pray for us. Thank you, and know that we long to be with you. I know that church planting in Chicago would be so much easier if a few of you were here.

Thank you, and we send our love with a Holy Kiss (electronically!)