^5b Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia. ⁶ Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you … ⁸ Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. ⁹ Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. ¹⁰ Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. ¹¹ Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. ¹² Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord. Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord. ¹³ Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine. ¹⁴ Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them. ¹⁵ Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

The sheer length of this greetings list speaks of Paul being well-acquainted with the believers in Rome, despite never having been there himself. Travel under the Pax Romana (Roman Peace) and the extensive roadway system throughout the empire afforded unprecedented ability and freedom of travel for the Christians, albeit often fueled by persecution. All the names in our list today are mentioned only here in the Bible, except for Rufus, who was possibly the same Rufus said to be a son of Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus’ cross (Mark 15:21).

While it is altogether easy to relegate such lists to historical trivia or a source for baby names, we learn much from a closer look. First, who of us wouldn’t feel it a great honor to be named in Scripture, if only by brief mention? Indeed, just to have our names written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life is the ultimate honor (Rev 21:27). Second, Paul’s ministry netted him a great circle of close friends, who likewise were committed to serving the Lord. Ministry can at times be very lonely, but there are nonetheless many fellow workers, albeit often separated by miles.

Finally, when we read through the descriptions that make these noteworthy individuals, we notice these descriptions: beloved (used of four individuals), first convert (like a store owner proudly displays the first dollar he makes), hardworking, fellow workers in Christ, approved in Christ, choice man, godly parentage. The list contains many women: Phoebe (1), Prisca (3), Mary (6), Junias (7), Tryphaena, Tryphosa, Persis (12), Rufus’ mother (13), Julia (15) and possibly a few more. The list includes two households, possibility indicating the conversion of the slaves of unbelievers. While in Paul’s eyes some receive more recognition than others, what matters more is how we live our lives before the “eyes of Him with whom we have to do,” namely the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord, help me live my life so as to be praised by You. That is all I want.