17 April 2025
“Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews and fellow prisoners.” Romans 16:7 continues the long list of names, yet it reveals something deeper. Mark Penrith says, “Paul ignores every rung of that ladder.” The Roman world was built on status. Rank mattered. Position mattered. But in the church, something radical has happened. In Christ, identity is no longer shaped by status, but by grace.
“They are noteworthy in the eyes of the apostles, and they were also in Christ before me.” Paul honours them, yet he does not elevate them above others. Mark explains, “These two are believers of reputation.” Yet they stand alongside slaves, servants, and ordinary saints. The same phrase keeps appearing, “in Christ.” That is the great equaliser. It removes pride. It removes comparison. It binds believers together on the same foundation.
“Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.” Mark notes, “Ampliatus is a common slave name.” No status. No recognition in the world. Yet Paul calls him beloved. This is the beauty of the gospel. The world measures worth by achievement and position. Christ measures by redemption. Every believer stands equally loved and fully accepted.
“Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord.” These names may sound delicate, yet Mark says, “Delicate names. Strong labour.” God values faithfulness, not appearance. He sees the quiet service. He honours the hidden work. In the church, those the world overlooks often shine the brightest.
“Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, also his mother and mine.” Mark highlights this tender detail, “Paul needed a mother. And God gave him one. In the church.” This is family language. Deep. Personal. Real. It cuts across every category. Age, gender, background, all fade in the light of shared belonging.
“Jew and Greek. Slave and free. Men and women. Prisoners and patrons.” Mark repeats the point clearly. “Paul greets them all with the same refrain. In the Lord.” That is your identity too. So act on it. Step outside your normal circle. Speak to someone different. Build a bridge where comfort would keep you apart.
Who do you tend to overlook in the church, and why?
Lord, thank You that in Christ I am fully accepted. Help me to see others the same way. Remove pride and partiality from my heart. Teach me to love Your people equally. Amen.