v.1-16
1. v.1-2 Paul recommended Phoebe; v.3-16 Paul greeted those who are in Roman church.
But Paul did not just say their names, he introduced the work or title or their relationship with him. Then he praised the person or told other something great about that person. Not only for Phoebe whom he recommended, but even people among Roman church whom they knew very well. Why? He encouraged them even he was written a theology book. This is not a how-to-book, but a pastor who encouraged his church family to grow.
2. Phoebe:
a servant of the church in Cenchrea (NET In the NT some who are called διάκονος are related to a particular church, yet the scholarly consensus is that such individuals are not deacons, but “servants” or “ministers” (other viable translations for διάκονος). For example, Epaphras is associated with the church in Colossians and is called a διάκονος in Col 1:7, but no contemporary translation regards him as a deacon. In 1 Tim 4:6 Paul calls Timothy a διάκονος; Timothy was associated with the church in Ephesus, but he obviously was not a deacon...Within the NT, the διακον- word group rarely functions with a technical nuance) (BDAG-one who serves as an intermediary in a transaction, agent, intermediary, courier)
Paul recommended her so that they may welcome her and provider her with whatever help she may need from you (BDAG-whatever undertaking she may need you). This is a open check provided for a trusted co-worker. The reason is given in the following: she has been a great help (BDAG-a woman in a supportive role, patron, benefactor...she has proved to be of great assistance to many, including myself) to many, including me. Her help should be evidence if she is the one who carried Paul's letter from Corinthians to Romans.
3. Prisca and Aquila
my fellow workers in Christ Jesus what they have in common was that they were all workers of JC, this is in common with the following b/s e.g. the first convert to Christ v.5, my compatriots and my fellow prisoners...they were in Christ before me v.7, our fellow worker in Christ v.9 etc.
who risked their own necks for my life...the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them they put themselves at risk for Paul to be save because they saw the value of Paul (who was the Apostle to the Gentiles) to the Gentiles church.
(PNTC) Evidently what they did was widely known, but unfortunately we do not share that knowledge. Paul lets us know that there was an occasion when he was in great danger in Ephesus (1 Cor. 15:32; cf. Acts 19:23, 30–31). There may possibly be a connection...The expression indicates that Prisca and her husband were widely known among the Gentiles.
the church in their house they were leaders of a house church
4. The mentioned of multiple sisters and they shared a common character: worked very hard for the church and for the Lord v.6, 12a, b.
Reflection: We need to greet each other more often, say welcome, say thank you, remind each other our positions: fellow workers in JC.
Phoebe gave help to others with her own resources and with her own time and energy. Not only she helped the important figure like Paul, but many other people. Roman church was also commanded by Paul to help her with whatever way Phoebe needed. How do I do in helping others? With my money, time, or energy? Do I help others in whatever way they need?
Prisca and Aquila put themselves at risk for Paul's life and gratitude towards them was well deserved. What kind of person will risk their lives for others for the Gospel? How do we support our missionaries? By sending them checks??
v.17-27
1. Facing the danger of those who have smooth talk and flattery who would deceive the minds of the naive and obedience, we will teach the naive the evil scheme of these people. But that's not what Paul said in v.19.
19 Your obedience is known to all and thus I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise [BDAG-the wisdom is divine in nature and origin] in what is good and innocent (BDAG-unmixed] in what is evil.
a. Their obedience is celebrated. It is not treated as a disadvantage in facing the deceiver
b. Paul wanted them to be wise in what is good and continue to be innocent in what is evil. In other words, they need to have the wisdom from God in what is good and do not mix with the evil.
Reflection: Teaching children for not being naive shall focus on their obedience and the wisdom or the ability to discern what is good. There are too many evil things in the world. Focus on teaching them about God so that they have the ability to discern.
2. Paul is not alone. He was surrounded by his fellow workers and his fellow countrymen. Someone who penned the book for Paul, and others host him.
Reflection: Do I have companion b/s around me?
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