Paul, the apostle:
What? I can’t believe you skipped over the closing of my letter! Just a long list of names, you say? No, no, no! These people are very important in my life. They are my friends.
Phoebe, she is a true servant. She helped me, and I want you to help her. She deserves high honor. Are you a true servant? Do you help those who are true servants? I didn’t just write these things for the church in Rome, you know.
Priscilla and Aquila, they risked their lives for me. Have you had a friend that would do that? Would you do that for someone? I’m not the only one who is thankful they exist. A church meets in their home. Have you ever had a group of people over regularly? You have to keep your house presentable. That takes work, you know.
Epaenetus is a dear friend. He is the first person to become a Christian in the province of Asia. It’s easy to become a Christian when everyone is doing it. He became a Christian first. He didn’t hesitate to follow Jesus. Are you waiting for others before you make a commitment to Jesus? If so, you should think about Epaenetus’ example.
Mary, worked hard for you. Don’t forget that. She’s a servant. You should be grateful for what she did.
Ampliatus – I love him so much. He’s a real brother in the Lord. Urbanas – he’s a coworker; and don’t forget Stachys. He is beloved, oh, how I love him.
Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. That’s saying a lot! Don’t forget Aristobulus and his household. They’re my friends, or Herodion, the house of Narcissus. These aren’t just names. These people are important enough that I had their names written by Tertius. It’s not like he had a typewriter or a computer, you know. If something was written down, it was important.
Tryphona and Tryphosa, they worked for the Lord. Would make good names for twins, don’t you think? Try and Try again. (Sorry, I just couldn’t resist!)
Persis worked hard for the Lord. Do you do that?
Rufus, the Lord picked him. He’s special. His mom, she’s like a mom to me. Why he turned out so well, I think.
Andronicus and Junias, they were in prison with me. You suffer together with someone and you get close to them. The apostles respect them. Respect from the apostles says a lot about their character. Would they respect you? What could you do differently so they would? They became Christians before I did. They’re not recent converts. They have stood the test of time. They didn’t give up even when they were sent to prison. Be sure to pray for people who are in prison for the faith.
Now the rest of these people are important, too. Don’t forget them. They are brothers and sisters in the Lord. Brothers and sisters are important just because they are brothers and sisters:
Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, Philologus, and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olypas and the believers with them.
Now, why don’t you take the time to greet each other in Christian love? This love is special. Treat each other special. Learn a few names. Write them down.
Names are important. Don’t skip them next time you’re reading my letter. These people were special enough that I had Tertius write them. They were going to hear this letter read, and I wanted them to know by name that I love them.
I hope you will show love to your brothers and sisters where you meet. Tell them what they mean to you. It’s important.
Oh, and your name, is it written in the Book of Life. God writes names in his book. Your name is important. I sure hope I will hear your name read on that great day!
Note: The idea of using Tryphona and Tryphosa as names for twins was not original with me. It came from a counselor at camp. The joke about them, however, is something for which I’ll take credit – or blame. I am going through a book entitled: The Daily Writer by Fred White which gives ideas for writing. The monologue idea is from May 7.
© Eva Pauline Scott and Pauline’s Thoughts, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Eva Pauline Scott and Pauline’s Thoughts with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
