June 12, 2024
Romans 16
In our final chapter of Romans, several names are mentioned as people who have helped Paul and were committed to the gospel of Christ. Many of the names are women. I believe, especially after this study, women have a special and important part working in the kingdom of God. It seems over time women have been harmed and treated as a lesser vessel instead of a weaker vessel as stated in scripture, 1 Peter 3:17. Men, women are not a lesser vessel but a weaker vessel in a sense of strength and leadership in the family. Men have been given the responsibility of leading the family in the ways of God much like the Hebrews were responsible in the Old Testament to be keepers of the oracles of God, some men rise to the occasion with sincere leadership and some men don’t. Romans 16 confirms women are strong in their abilities because of the roles that have been played out by Phebe (vs1) who was considered a deaconess, a server of the church, Priscilla (vs 3-4), Rufus’ mom (vs 13), Tryphena and Tryphosa (vs 12), etc. There can only be one person in charge, ultimately God is in charge, but to run things in this present age and ages of past and those yet to come, God has seen fit to have the role of leadership filled by the man, as in creation, man was created first and woman from him. But all of God’s creation can be used according to the will of God. Many women have held leadership roles. Deborah was a prophetess and a judge, Miriam was a prophetess and the sister of Moses, Rahab, though she ran a prostitution house, trusted God and hid the Hebrew spies. She was in the line of Christ, and Tamar also in the line of Christ. She deceived Judah when Judah did not obey the Lord’s command to have the youngest son marry her when he became of age because Judah’s other 2 sons died. Instead, Judah got her pregnant after he laid with her as she was disguised as a prostitute. We are instructed to treat our wives with respect and wives are instructed to treat their husbands with likewise respect, 1 Peter 3:7-9.
So, men, do not look down on a woman but treat her kindly. Women have special insights many men do not have. If Paul trusted the woman to be a deaconess, Phebe, we should follow his lead. If Jesus had respect to women, we should too. For example, Mary anointed Jesus’ feet and the disciples shamed her saying the perfume could have been sold and money given to the poor. Jesus stepped in and told them to “leave her alone, she has done a good thing…” John 12:3, Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in adultery, the woman who bled for 12 years and was healed after she touched Jesus, trusting in Jesus. Men, we might be the head of the family, but it takes two to run and make a family. You will be accountable, as the leader, for the teaching of the gospel to your family. As Paul allowed women to care for him, entrusted the letter to the Romans to Phebe, do not be proud and think you have the answers for all your life and your family’s life circumstances. You trust and obey, for there is no other way, hymn by John H Sammis, “Trust and Obey.
Now, let’s talk about “lesser vessels. I would consider a donkey a lesser vessel based on Jesus’ statement of being worth more than many sparrows, Matthew 10:31. How about a female donkey. Yes, God used a female donkey to talk to the prophet Balaam in Numbers 22:28, “Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she asked Balaam, ‘What have I done to you that you have beaten me these 3 times?’” This female donkey saw an angel and saved the life of Balaam from the angel who was too slay him if they continued traveling in the direction to a Moab city. Now, I am not comparing women to a donkey just as an illustration that weaker vessels are not lessor vessels like animals are, but lessor vessels are used by God, too. So, even though Jesus says we are worth more, to get our attention God will use a lesser vessel. Another example of a “lesser vessel” are stones. Jesus said, “I tell you, if they (the people of Jerusalem) were to keep silent, the stones would cry out.” Luke 19:40. this was when Jesus was entering Jerusalem for Passover week before His crucifixion. So, let’s respect and be thankful for the creation God has made and lets treat each other with love and compassion as the many times Jesus did in His earthly ministry. Remember to not think too highly of yourself but put others before you, Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves.”
As the benediction wraps up, Paul warns of those who would create divisions in the church with their only intentions to build their bank accounts. Their teachings would be against the teachings of scripture. Some of these people are very sly so we would benefit to study God’s word and seek to understand, to apply, and correct, but in love for the sake of Christ Jesus.
And now, like many times in this Epistle, glory to God, a doxology to proclaim the goodness and power, the majesty and holiness of God the Father, our Savior, Jesus, and the Spirit given to us at salvation to honor and obey the perfect plan laid before us. All we need to do is trust and obey and surrender to the Spirit as the secret from the Old Testament becomes known through the reading and studying of scripture that salvation has come to all, by faith, Jew and Gentile.
Prayer:
Again, heavenly Father, all scripture is profitable for our learning. This chapter and letter, given to us by Paul, who was inspired by You, has given us an insight into Your character, Your love for us, the wrath that awaits those who reject you and the simple plan of salvation by faith in Jesus and not by works. Your plan does not change, help us to change our ways to walk humbly and faithfully by your side. Seeking your wisdom and not the world’s way. Our only hope in everything and anything is the faith you continue to build in us to trust and obey You.
Amen
-David Mroz
