25 April 2025
“Timothy, my co-worker, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen, greet you. I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you” (Romans 16:21–23, CSB). Mark Penrith reminds us, “A list of names. Easy to skip. Easy to treat as a postscript.” Yet these names matter. They show that the Christian life is not lived in isolation. God places believers in a community where faith is strengthened together.
Mark draws out the significance, “These names prove we do not stand alone.” Each person plays a role. “A co-worker. Countrymen. A scribe. A host. A treasurer. A brother.” Different backgrounds. Different responsibilities. One shared allegiance to Christ. This is how the church stands firm. Not as scattered individuals, but as a united body. You are not meant to fight deception on your own. You need others beside you.
Mark presses the picture further, “Paul is not a lone ranger. He is surrounded. And so are you.” That truth challenges the tendency to withdraw. When life becomes busy, it is easy to drift into isolation. Yet isolation weakens you. Community strengthens you. God uses ordinary relationships to guard your faith and steady your walk. You need voices that remind you of truth. You need people who will stand with you.
He gives a vivid image, “Think of a South African rugby scrum. The forwards lock arms. Shoulder to shoulder.” That is how believers stand. “We are not individuals fighting private battles against the Serpent. We are a scrum.” Strength comes from closeness. Stability comes from shared effort. When pressure comes, you do not stand alone. You lean into one another. Together, you hold your ground.
This shapes how you live. Mark says, “We lock arms. Shoulder to shoulder.” That requires intention. Reach out to someone. Encourage them. Pray with them. Do not wait for perfect conditions. Small steps build strong connections. Faith grows in the context of real relationships.
Lead your family to see this clearly. “The church gathered under his roof.” Church is not just a place you attend. It is a people you belong to. Help your children experience that. Involve them in relationships. Let them see that following Christ means walking with others.
Consider your own life. Who are you walking with? Who is walking with you? Do not settle for standing alone when God has given you a people.
Lord, thank You for the gift of Your people. Help me to walk closely with others and to stand firm together in the gospel. Amen.