The People of Romans: More than Just Names | Bob Wriedt | Romans 16:1-16
When you read the list of names in Romans 16:1-16—Phoebe, Prisca and Aquila, Andronicus and Junia, Epaenetus, Ampliatus, Rufus—what do you take away from it? If your answer is "Not much," you’re not alone. But there is so much more here than meets the eye.
These names represent real people whose lives teach us about the heart of early Christianity and what it means to live faithfully today. This passage is not just a list. It is a treasure trove of examples and mentors in the faith.
Join us this week at Grace as we uncover the stories behind these names and discover how their lives can inspire us to live with purpose, faithfulness, and a heart for the gospel. These early Christians remind us that every believer, no matter their role, has a significant part to play in God’s story.
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Romans 16:1-16
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae,2 that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well.
3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in Asia. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners. They are well known to the apostles, and they were in Christ before me.8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.