Memorize: Salutations given by Paul
Key Verses: 5, 16, 17,
Paul was a man who made many connections with people. Although he had never been to Rome, he knew many prominent Christians there. This is more than “name dropping.” Paul has a genuine interest in them, and in their well-being. Some even risked their lives to help. They met in houses. No fancy church buildings for the earliest Jesus-followers. They met on river banks, under shade trees, in synagogues, almost anywhere they could find space.
Today in the West we rent space in public schools. In other parts of the world they meet as the Early Church did, any place there is space and a little bit of safety. I again urge you to visit www.persecution.org to read and hear the stories of Jesus-followers around the world who live their faith on the edge. Death lurks in the angry mobs who kill Christians on a whim. This is more than a spiritual battle; the spiritual becomes physical when this kind of hatred bubbles to the surface.
Paul takes time at the end of this letter to thank those who have helped in the ministry. He greets men and women, holding both of equal value and with equal esteem. Both ministered to God’s people, it seems with no silly dividing lines. No one was hesitant to allow a woman to be used as an instrument of the Spirit. By acknowledging the women, Paul follows in Jesus’ footsteps, breaking down an ancient barrier.
Paul acknowledges Jews and non-Jews equally. He greeted those of all classes, rich and poor alike. There were those in government and those of the lowest social status. Paul recognized any and all who stepped up and served God’s people.
An appropriate greeting of his day was “a holy kiss.” Many cultures use a kiss on the cheek, or in the air as cheeks touch, as a greeting of familiarity and warmth. This is a cultural expression that changes over time. We might exchange a warm handshake, a Western custom.
There will be those who want to destroy the Church for selfish reasons. Paul tells us to watch out for them, again echoing Jesus’ words. Not everyone operates with pure motives. We don’t need to worry about Satan’s influence. He will be crushed, crushed through the obedience that comes from faith. Righteousness comes to everyone who believes.
The Arnold Journey 