Study 137

Romans 16:21-24

THE NEED OF FELLOW WORKERS

Sending of greetings on behalf of his fellow workers
One practice that Paul included in his epistles was the offer of greetings. He would take the trouble to specially remember his brethren. He wrote down a list of people whom he wanted to greet personally in the church in Rome. At the same time, Paul also expressed greetings on behalf of his fellow workers. These fellow workers had worked alongside Paul and he sought to perform a favour for them by sending greetings to the brethren in Rome on their behalf. This demonstrates the kind of concern that Paul's fellow workers also had for the church in Rome.

As Paul wrote these greetings, he revealed important insights concerning his fellow workers. We catch a glimpse of the kind of assistance that Paul received from them. This gives us a better understanding of how Paul was able to continue serving the Lord despite difficulties such as imprisonment and persecution. There was a core group of workers who specially stood by him and supported him in his work.

The need of workers to serve alongside with us
Paul revealed his need for others to serve alongside him as he wrote the greetings of his fellow workers. Without them, Paul would not have been able to serve the Lord as effectively. Who were they and what kind of roles did they play in the ministry of Paul?

Timothy was specially regarded as a fellow worker of Paul. He had a "close, father and son" relationship with Paul. He was given the privilege to serve alongside Paul. "Timothy, my fellow worker." (Romans 16:21)

His countrymen were also specially mentioned…in sending their greetings to the Lord. "And Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you." (Romans 16:21)

Tertius was given the task of writing this epistle. "I, Tertius, who wrote this epistle, greet you in the Lord." (Romans 16:22) Paul may have been not able to write his epistle possibly due to imprisonment. Tertius was delegated this responsibility to assist him.

Gaius played the role of host to Paul. He may have accommodated Paul and even went to the extent of opening his house to be used as a church. "Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you." (Romans 16:23)

Erastus was someone significant in the city where Paul was. He was the treasurer of the city and may have helped Paul in one way or another. Paul also sent greetings on his behalf. "Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you." (Romans 16:23)

Qartus was considered a brother whom Paul related closely with in the ministry, "And Quartus, a brother." (Romans 16:23)

As we can see, Paul needed to depend on his fellow workers to serve alongside him in fulfilling the work that the Lord had called him to do.

Depending on the grace of God
But ultimately, we recognise our great need to depend on the grace of God. While we have others to assist us in serving the Lord, we really need to tap the grace of God. "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." (Romans 16:24) As much as Paul wished for the grace of God to be with the brethren in Rome, let's be challenged to ask for the Lord's grace consistently…that we may serve the Lord faithfully and well.

~ A-P Rev Mark Tan ~

First released 22 August 2004 © Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, Singapore