I commend to you Phoebe our sister (Family), who is a servant (Ministry Role- Acts 6 –Greek: deachonoy – Deacon/Deaconess) of the church in Cenchrea, that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper (Practical Activity-Benefactress) of many and of myself also.
Romans 16:1-2

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.  Likewise greet the church that is in their house.
Romans 16:3-5a

Priscilla and Aquila
Originally From Rome
Kicked Out of Italy By
Emperor Claudius, 49 A.D.
Landed In Corinth
They Were Tent Makers
Paul Later Sent Them To Ephesus

Greet my beloved Epaenetus , who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. Greet Mary, who labored much for us.
Romans 16:5b-6

Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord.
Romans 16:7-8

Greet Urbanus (Common Name For A Slave, “Lit. City Bread”), our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys (Uncommon Greek Name – Appears Once In The Royal House In Rome), my beloved.
Romans 16:9

Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. (Brother of Herod Agrippa I and The Grandson of Herod the Great)
Romans 16:10

Greet Herodion (Herod’s Family) , my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus (Well Known, Rich, Influential, Very Ungodly, the Secretary of Claudius For A Season) who are in the Lord.
Romans 16:11

Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.
Romans 16:12

Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren who are with them.
Romans 16:13-14

And when they had mocked Him, they took the purple off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him out to crucify Him. Then they compelled a certain man, Simon a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, as he was coming out of the country and passing by, to bear His cross.
Mark 15:20-21

Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.
Romans 16:15-16

Romans 16:16 C.R.A.B.

Greet one another with anything other than a holy kiss. (Fist Bump, High Five) The churches of Christ greet you.

Three Observations From Romans 16

Paul Was Not Just A Soul Winner
Paul Was A Friend Maker

Paul Names 26 People
2 Are Unnamed
Paul Was Friendly

A man who has friends must himself be friendly,
Proverbs 18:24a

If The World Seems Cold To You, Be The Fire That Warms The World

A True Friend Is A Supplier

Always Ask Yourself, “How Can I Add Value To This Person?”

Paul Considered His Spiritual Friends, His Family
We Are Family!

11 Times Paul Uses
“In Christ” And “In The Lord” & “Brother”, “Sister” And “Brethren”

Why?
We Are Family

IMPORTANT!!!!!
How Connected Are You To Your Spiritual Family?

Could You Name 26 People
In The Family?

Paul Was Friendly
Paul Was Family
Paul Was Discerning

(Always Protecting
His Friends And Family)

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
Romans 16:17-18

For your obedience has become known to all. Therefore I am glad on your behalf; but I want you to be wise in what is good, and simple concerning evil.
Romans 16:19

And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
Romans 16:20

Paul’s Challenge:
Be Friendly
Be Family
Be Discerning