Romans 16:2

Romans 16:2 that ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever matter she may have need of you: for she herself also hath been. helper of many, and of mine own self.

'receive her in the Lord' -'give her. Christian welcome--one worthy of Christ's people' (TCNT) 'i.e. as. fellow-Christian. Travelling Christians in the days of the primitive Church could always be sure of finding hospitality with their fellow-Christians in any place where there was. church.' (F.F. Bruce p. 270) 'As the Lord would wish..in. manner pleasing to Christ..that would have Christ's approval.' (McGuiggan p. 439)

'Worthily of the saints' -'in. manner worthy of the saints' (NASV) 'with such kindness as it becomes Christians to show.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 718)

Points to Note:

1. There is. certain way that Christians are to act. We are to live up to our 'name and calling' (Ephesians 5:3; Ephesians 4:1). Unfortunately, some Christians don't ever seem to think about "doing. good job" in their service to God, or of "trying their best". I'm not talking about trying to earn salvation, rather, simply giving God our best. Where. could stand back and say, 'You know,. did do. good job (effort that. am proud of, that. am willing to place my name on, that. wouldn't be ashamed for everyone to know about, and to know that. "Christian" did that) in teaching that person or assisting them, raising those children, extending hospitality, etc...

'Since they were Christ's they were to be like him. They had. name to live up to. Their treatment of this lady was to match their status.' (McGuiggan p. 439)

2. 'And yet. Church is not always the welcoming institution that it ought to be. It is possible for Churches...to become little cliques, almost little closed societies which are not really interested in welcoming the stranger. When. stranger comes among us, Paul's advice (command) still holds good--welcome such. one as God's dedicated people ought to welcome each other.' (Barclay p. 227)

'assist' -'to stand by' (Robertson p. 425), 'and give her any help she may require.' (Mof) 'He speaks indefinitely, but his language suggests that she was going to Rome on business in which they could assist her.' (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 718) 'Assist speaks of "standing by someone, watching". In this case they are to (as it were) stand by her so that they could be there when she needed something.' (McGuiggan p. 440)

'whatsoever matter' -Phoebe's business in Rome is unclear. It may have been personal business, or some business relating to the Church in Cenchrea.

'for' -here is one reason that we need to be so willing to help this woman. 'Help her for she is. helper' (McGarvey p. 545)

'helper' -4368. prostatis pros-tat'-is; feminine of. derivative of 4291;. patroness, i.e. assistant: -succourer.

'The term "helper" is almost the same as "patroness" and intimates that the one so designated was possibly. person of some wealth and social position.' (Erdman pp. 167-168)

'and of mind own self'

Points to Note:

1. Unfortunately, somebody has come up with the idea that unless women can hold positions of authority in the Church, they don't have any real value and all their talents are being wasted. Look at this woman and other's that the Bible will mention, did their talents go to waste because they weren't elders? (Acts 9:36; Acts 16:14; Acts 18:26; Romans 16:6). In reality, the vast majority of Christian men never hold such positions either (just look at the qualifications). Does that mean that their talents are being wasted?

2. The next time that someone tries to argue that the Bible is anti-women, have them read this chapter!

'Thank God that along the way he (Paul) met up with beautiful ladies who provided comfort and help where needed.. heard someone say that Paul saluted 16 women in this section.' (McGuiggan p. 440)

'This list of obscure names is of great value and of true significance. It gives an aspect of reality and deep human interest to the whole epistle, and its accompanying phrases indicate that Christian doctrines were bearing fruit in the lives of those to whom they had been proclaimed. These greetings reveal the heart of Paul, showing his tender affection, his appreciation of kindness, his warm sympathy, and his high valuation of human friendships. They give instructive glimpses of the life of the early church, enabling us to form. picture of its close fellowships, its heroic sufferings, its generous sympathies, its purity, its devotion, its faith, its hope, its love.' (Erdman p. 169)

As we are preaching the restoration of the New Testament Church, let's "restore" this type of concern for our brethren too! This section of Scripture has. part in the New Testament Church also.

In verses 3-16 Paul sends his greetings to various brethren and sisters in Rome.