The Friendship Factor
Read: Romans 16:1-16
The Apostle Paul had many friends, and it was easy for him to make friends. It has been said that the greatest ministers are those who can make friends.
In this lesson I want us to consider the twenty-seven (27) people that Paul lists here as he brings the book of Romans to a close. All twenty-seven (27) people played significant roles in Paul’s life. As do our friends today!
Paul’s List of Friends
Friend 1 – Phoebe – 16:1
- Servant of the church
- Receive her
- She has been a helper of many and of myself
Friend 2 & 3 – Priscilla and Aquila – 16:3-4
- Fellow workers in Christ Jesus
- Risked their own necks for my life
- Give thanks
- Church in their house
Friend 4 – Epaenetus – 16:5
- Firstfruits of Achaia to Christ
Friend 5 – Mary – 16:6
- Labored much for us
Friend 6 & 7 – Andronicus & Junia – 16:7
- My countrymen
- Fellow prisoners
- Apostles – messengers
- Were in Christ before me
Friend 8 – Amplias – 16:8
- My beloved in the Lord
Friend 9 & 10 – Urbanus and Stachys – 16:9
- Fellow worker in Christ
- My beloved
Friend 11 & 12 – Apelles and Aristobulus – 16:10
- Approved in Christ
- Household of Aristobulus (not one, but many)
Friend 13 & 14 – Herodion and Narcissus – 16:11
- My countryman
- Household of Narcissus (not one, but many)
Friend 15, 16, & 17 – Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis – 16:12
- Labored in the Lord
- Beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord
Friend 18 – Rufus – 16:13
- Chosen in the Lord
- His mother and mine
Friend 19 – 23 – Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, and Hermes – 16:14
- Brethren with them (again, not one, but many)
Friend 24 – 27 – Philologus, Julia, Nereus (his sister) , and Olympas – 16:15
- All the saints who are with them (again we have many)
In Romans 16:16 we read,
“Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.”
Wrap Up
The Friendship Factor equals the true value of friendships. Why not jot a note to those you value the most – encourage your friends. Write them a quick sentence telling them how important they are to you.
Tonight, I want to express to all of you how much I appreciate serving the Lord along side of you. Thank you all so much for all you do. You are my beloved!