Off the Shelf Sunday School--Romans

Greetings (16:1-16)

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church in Cenchrea. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been a great help to many people, including me. Greet Priscilla and Aquilla, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful for them. Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia. Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, whom I love in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those in the hosehold of Narcissus who are in the Lord. Greet my friend Perisis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them. Greet Philolgus, Julia, Nereus and this sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.     

1.    Phoebe is an example of a Christian who exemplifies self-sacrificing service for other believers. These Christians have the gift of mercy and are looking for needs in the church that they can help. Do you know of some people in your church that are like her?  

2.    Priscilla and Aquilla are Christians who practice hospitality and host a church in their house. Early Christian churches met in homes and not in formal buildings. What are the advantages and disadvantages of meeting in homes?

3.    Paul calls Andronicus and Junias apostles. The word apostle means messenger and it generally refers to those first-generation Christians who preached the gospel—especially the twelve chosen disciples of Jesus.

4.    Paul thinks fondly of certain Christians who are members of his family or who are devoted servants of the church. Who are some special Christians who you admire and think fondly of? What makes them special to you? How can you follow their example and become special to others?

5.    A holy kiss was a sign of affection among Christians. Today it is like a hand- shake.