Paul's Greetings

This forty-first message from Romans highlights Paul's appreciation of his co-workers. He began with a REFERENCE to Phoebe, promoting her as his emissary to the church of Rome, since she had been a dedicated servant to her own church in Cenchrea. His commendation came with a specific two-part provision: (1) that they accept her in the Lord, appropriate to her service, and (2) that they assist her however she needed, because she had been a protector of many - even of Paul. He then proceeded to give special RECOGNITION to twenty-eight faithful servants and numerous brethren, saints and churches who Paul described as useful in the ministry - he greeted them with a deep, sincere attachment - a "written embrace". Finally, He closed this section of greetings with a command to the Roman believers to affectionately kiss one another as members of one family.