We have seen before that Paul has a deep heart for this church in Rome. Even though he hasn't visited Rome he knows some of its members. Chapter 16 details for us these people and their names tell us more about them. Long lists of names aren't simply in the Bible to fill space; they communicate important details of how God works through his people to build his church.

The church in Rome was a diverse church made up of Jews, Greeks and Romans. It had nobility and slaves and it was a place where both men and women worshiped and served. This has bearing for us as a church today.

Every church should strive to welcome and greet all who enter its fellowship. This includes those who are visitors and those who come week by week. The church should also express its affection and acceptance of one another in deeds as well as words. When we work together in the church we get to know each other and so our bond of fellowship grows. And when we do all of this then we should expect growth in the church as we live as the people of God.

The picture Paul paints for us in Romans 16: 1-16 is a beautiful one of what the church should be and how God's people should be one in the Holy Spirit, under one gospel.

Romans - The heart of the Gospel is a teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. Find out more at www.annalongpc.org/sermons.

Kim Robinson

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