I would like to highlight the word inside this term “devotional” and relay my devotion to this board.  I’ll use Romans 16 as the cite where Paul shares his recommendations with the church at Rome.  His recommendations include people with whom he travels, as well as those who personally serve with him. One would think with a strong personality like Paul, he wouldn’t appear to need people, but that is not the case.

In the light of your collective recommendation of Pastor Dennis and I as the interim pastoral team, I’d like to offer my regards for each of you from this chapter of appreciation.   They are in no particular order – just the order Paul transcribed.

Phoebe, meaning “bright or radiant”. She was probably the bearer of this epistle to Rome, and Paul asked them to receive her as worthy of the saints.  “Saint” is the word “hagion ” and means “holy, set apart”.  She is a sister in Christ, not a blood relative or kinsman.  She protected the work of God.  Jan E. (verse 1),

Pricilla and Aquila were a well-known couple in the early church.  Aquila was a tent maker, and thus, had that common ground with Paul.  They both understood the rigors of making tents – dwelling places, and what it would cost to dig those stakes in the ground. They had a church in their house – they brought Christ home with them.  Duane (and Dixie) (verse 3).

Andronicas and Junia – kinsmen – relatives of Paul and fellow prisoners (fellow captives).  The one phrase: “is of note among the apostles”, depicts a person of honor in their ranks.  The word “note’ is “episemoi” and means “stamped, marked imprint of gospel”. Dave (verse 7).

Rufus meaning “red”, was personally close to Paul.  He was chosen in the Lord.  His mother became like a mother to Paul, so there is a close family tie here. Vernita (verse 13). (Red-Vernita’s favorite color!)

Timothy – A fellow worker and protege of Paul.  He was a novice and is the one to whom Paul wrote two epistles of qualifications for ministry.  He had a good reputation in his town, and “despise not thy youth, but be thou an example…” Kristen (verse 21).

Tertius – a scribe, one who took this dictation and did the actual writing of the letter for Paul.

Paul would have wanted someone who was loyal, careful, and close to him.  He asked people to salute him. Jan K. (verse 22).

Erastus – chamberlain of the city (not a maid), but the church treasurer and possibly the administrator of the city also.  He would have been organized and one who Paul looked to be devout in word and function. Darlene (verse 23).