Romans 16
1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Here is the kicker, Phebe was a teacher, head of the church in Cenchrea. That's right, she was a Pastor! There are so many people that want to put others in bondage because of their ignorance and refusal for Truth.
2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
She's carrying Paul letter to Rome and he wants them to accept her as one of their own. As she has taught many about Christ, she is a great help to Paul by going before him to Rome.
3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
4 Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
They showed the power of faith. They taught The Truth regardless of what the outcome could have been.
5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
Epaenetus became one of the first converts in the church of Achaia. Ἀχαΐα Achaḯa, ach-ah-ee'-ah; of uncertain derivation, trouble, the maritime region of northern Peloponnesus.
6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
This "Mary" is "Mariam" and as the others, she is a very important part of the church. She taught The Truth to those who would listen. There are those who use I Corinthians 14 to say women shouldn't talk or teach in church. They miss the meaning. We will get there in our study's and open [some] eyes.
7 Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
Andronicus and Junia were teaching The Truth before Paul was converted on that road to Damascus.
8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
Ἀμπλίας Amplías, am-plee'-as; contracted for Latin ampliatus (enlarged); Amplias, a Roman Christian:—Amplias. The church is growing throughout all the tribes, races and nations.
9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
Οὐρβανός Ourbanós, oor-ban-os'; of Latin origin; Urbanus (of the city, "urbane"), a Christian:—Urbanus.
10 Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household.
11 Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
12 Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
Trphena and Tryphosa, two more women that are teaching The Word. Persis, a feminine name of Persia and yet another teacher of The Word. Do you know why you don't learn about these female Pastors? Because most "teachers" don't teach. We go through each verse as it's written, because that's how you're to read any book. Chapter by Chapter and Verse by Verse, the context will be achieved. We will learn more about the people, places and things of God that just aren't being taught today. God's Word opens a whole new world when you take the time to study it.
13 Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
14 Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
15 Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
Julia and the sister of Nereus, are more women teaching The Word of God.
16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
Those in Christ salute you. "Salute" = ἀσπάζομαι aspázomai, (figuratively) to welcome:—embrace, greet, salute.
17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Many so called "Pastors" don't have a clue about The Word of God,
but they know about the income levels. False doctrines, feel good messages with
sugar coated words for the flesh. Judge righteously or you could fall in with
these churches, becoming part of the problem within the church body today. If
it doesn't teach ALL of God's Word, but has a lot
of words, it's a fake, AVOID THEM! Ephesians 4:10-23 10 He that descended is the same also that
ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.) 11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists;
and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the
edifying of the body of Christ: 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the
Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness
of Christ: 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried
about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning
craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which
is the head, even Christ: 16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that
which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure
of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk
not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God
through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: 19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to
work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But ye have not so learned Christ; 21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the
truth is in Jesus: 22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is
corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; 23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
The world grows more evil by the day and few churches are teaching The Truth today. Use caution and check everything out for yourself. Don't take my word or anyone's for truth. Only Gods!
19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
ONLY God's Word can show you what is good or evil. Thing is you must pick it
up and seek the understanding through His Spirit.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be
ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.2 Timothy 3:12-16 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ
Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being
deceived. 14 But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been
assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to
make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Are you living The Word daily? Then you know the outcome of the end. Heaven in the end won't have ANY evil in it. It's a place I want to be, but if I'm not found worthy, I'm glad I won't be there to ruin any of it. The time is fast approaching, get ready NOW!
21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
This is a postscript of Paul's writings. Tertius continues in adding a note to the chapter.
23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
End of added note by Tertius, Paul continues.
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
"Was" secret but is now known by those of us that seek Truth. God has opened up everything we need to know. The secret starts in Genesis but is opened in Matthew. Matthew 13:35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world." Study the parables of God and sight will be given. Do you know about "the tares of the field." Study Matthew 13.
26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
To have faith, you must give yourself to God and by giving yourself, you must study His letter to you. Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.