Romans 16:1-16
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome 
  her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she 
  needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me.

3 Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 
  4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the 
  Gentile churches. 5 Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home.

Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a 
  follower of Christ. 6 Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. 
  7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly 
  respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. 8 Greet Ampliatus, 
  my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend 
  Stachys. 

10 Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers 
  from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s 
  people from the household of Narcissus. 12Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the 
  Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, 
  whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother 
  to me. 

14 Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and 
  sisters who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, 
  and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. 16 Greet each other with a sacred 
  kiss. All the churches of Christ send you their greetings.

The Apostle’s Greetings, Pt. 2 — Pastor Lonnie D Bell, Jr.
Romans 16:1-16
Sermon Series: Romans (88th Sermon)
January 30, 2022

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   What do you find most surprising, interesting, or edifying in this list of names? Are there any that stand out to you?
2.   How does this passage reflect the diversity of the Roman church? Considering the rest of the letter, how might this diversity have given rise to tension and division?
3.   What does it say about God’s purposes that many of these people were likely slaves or former slaves? How does this relate to 1 Corinthians 1:26-29?
4.   Where do we see reference to multiple house churches? Where do we find evidence that Christianity had made its way into “Caesar’s household” (Philippians 4:22)?
5.   What language does Paul use to emphasize unity amid diversity? How can we lose sight of the one great unifier?
6.   How does Paul’s directive in v. 16 build on his example? What is the “holy kiss,” and what are the implications for us today?
7.   How does the final sentence keep both the universal and the local church in view?

References: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Mark 15:21; Philippians 4:22; Romans 12:10; 1 Peter 5:14.