Church Workers Honored by Paul

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Summary:

Paul sends personal greetings to many believers in Rome. He commends and honors them for their service, faith, and partnership in the gospel.

• Prisca (Priscilla) and Aquila – fellow workers who risked their lives for Paul.

• Epaenetus – first convert to Christ from Asia.

• Mary – noted for her hard work for the believers.

• Andronicus and Junia – Paul’s kinsmen, fellow prisoners, well-regarded among the apostles, and in Christ before Paul.

• Ampliatus, Urbanus, Stachys, Apelles, Aristobulus’ household, Herodion, Narcissus’ household, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus and his mother, Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, Olympas, and others with them – all greeted with affection and recognized as faithful workers and beloved in the Lord.

Paul closes by urging them to greet one another with a holy kiss and affirms that all the churches of Christ send greetings.

Teaching:

Among the co-workers mentioned in today’s passage, about nine appear to be women—a remarkable fact considering the historical context. Notable examples include Prisca, Mary, Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Persis, Rufus’ mother, Olympas, and Phoebe.

  Prisca (Priscilla) – Paul’s fellow worker in Christ, who, along with her husband Aquila, risked her life for him; hosted a church in their home.

  Mary – Commended by Paul for her hard labor and service to the believers.

  Tryphaena and Tryphosa – Likely sisters; described as women who “work hard in the Lord.”

  Persis – “Beloved” by Paul; noted for her great and faithful labor in the Lord.

  Rufus’ mother – Honored as a mother figure not only to Rufus but also to Paul himself.

  Olympas – Mentioned with a group of believers; recognized as part of the faithful community in Rome.

  Phoebe – Introduced earlier in Romans 16:1–2 as a servant (deacon) of the church in Cenchrea; praised for helping many, including Paul himself, likely the letter-bearer of Romans.

In today’s world, the changing structures of society and family often make it difficult for men to focus on faith. This calls for vigilance through the Word and the Spirit, along with a will and determination to live according to God’s will.

The fact that these names are recorded in Scripture can be seen as a reflection of their names being written in the Book of Life. Likewise, if we are part of the church, our names, too, should be recorded.

Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Sep 5, 2025

Roman 16:3-16