Paul did not just care about disciples and followers of Jesus generically. He took time to know them as individuals. He cared about them for who they were specifically. As he closes his letter to Romans, we see how many individuals are important to him. It is not just about “leading a church” but developing relationships and leading people to live like Yeshua.
Greetings and Love Expressed
1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea; 2that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.
3Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; 5also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. 6Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. 10Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them. 15Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.
I am always impressed by Paul in that he developed and maintained personal relationships with so many while traveling and sharing God’s truth over such great distances. He did not just come and “preach”… he connected with people. He did not just move on after engaging people in a new city… he kept in touch with them. Paul sets a wonderful example for us to follow.
Take time pray and to listen. Ask God how you can connect personally with fellow believers and develop strong relationship ties with them. How can you encourage one another and appreciate one another while still seeking wholeheartedly to honor our Father in all aspects of our lives?
Shalom. May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. Devotion by John in service to Christ
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