16 April 2025
“Give my greetings to Prisca and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.” Romans 16:3 begins a long list of names. This is not filler. This is intentional. Mark Penrith says, “He writes a family roll call.” Every name matters. Every person matters. Christianity is not abstract. It is deeply personal. God saves individuals and places them into real relationships within the church.
“Greet. Greet. Greet.” That repeated command drives the passage. Mark explains, “Not a casual wave of greeting across the courtyard. The word carries weight.” This kind of greeting is warm. It is deliberate. It moves toward people. It refuses distance. You cannot live the Christian life at arm’s length. You must engage. You must know others and be known by them.
“Greet also the church that meets in their home.” The early church gathered in close spaces. They shared life. They knew each other. Mark notes, “The bonds of church family is stronger than geography.” That same principle applies today. You may see the same faces each week. But familiarity is not the same as relationship. Growth happens when you move beyond recognition into real connection.
“Greet my dear friend Epaenetus, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia.” Names carry stories. Histories. Testimonies of grace. Mark says, “Paul names people because people matter.” When you learn someone’s name, you begin to value their story. You begin to invest. This is how the body builds itself up in love.
“Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you.” Faithfulness often goes unnoticed. Yet Paul highlights it. Mark points out that Paul is “recognising the contribution of women in this passage.” He sees people. He honours them. You are called to do the same. Look beyond yourself. Notice others. Speak words of encouragement.
“Do not wait to be greeted. Greet. Do not wait to be known. Know.” That command is simple. It is practical. Learn one new name this week. Take the first step. Build the habit. Over time, strangers become brothers and sisters.
Who in your church do you recognise by face but not truly know?
Lord, help me to see people as You see them. Give me courage to move toward others. Teach me to love Your church personally and intentionally. Amen.