How does Romans 16:9 encourage us to value fellow believers in our lives? Setting the Scene “Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.” (Romans 16:9) Paul is wrapping up his letter with a rapid series of greetings. One short sentence—and yet an entire worldview of what believers mean to one another shines through it. What This Simple Greeting Tells Us • Individual names matter. Paul does not settle for a generic “everyone at Rome.” He remembers Urbanus and Stachys specifically, showing that God’s people are never faceless. • Shared calling bonds us. Urbanus is “our fellow worker in Christ.” Ministry is not a solo act; every believer contributes to the advance of the gospel (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:8-9). • Affection is appropriate. Paul openly calls Stachys “my beloved.” Genuine love among Christians is not optional sentiment but commanded reality (John 13:34-35). • Public honor strengthens the body. Mentioning these brothers in a widely circulated letter affirms their service and encourages others to value faithful laborers (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). Echoes Throughout Scripture • Philippians 1:3-5—Paul thanks God for believers “because of your partnership in the gospel.” • Colossians 4:7-11—another roll call of named coworkers, highlighting each one’s contribution. • Hebrews 6:10—“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown.” • 1 Corinthians 12:18-26—the body illustration shows every part is needed and honored. • 3 John 1:4—“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Living It Out Today • Learn and use fellow believers’ names; it signals that people are valued, not interchangeable. • Acknowledge others’ ministries—children’s teachers, tech teams, quiet servants behind the scenes. • Express affection appropriately: a sincere word, note, or act of kindness that says “you are loved.” • Celebrate faithfulness publicly; testimonies and thank-yous build a culture of honor. • Share the load; volunteer alongside brothers and sisters so the label “fellow worker” fits you too. • Pray specifically for coworkers in Christ, thanking God by name as Paul does (Ephesians 1:16). • Guard against comparison. Rejoice in others’ roles, remembering God arranges the body as He wills. Why It Matters Valuing believers is not nicety but necessity. When the church practices Romans 16:9 living—name-honoring, affection-bearing, coworker-affirming community—it offers a living picture of Christ’s own love and keeps the mission moving forward with joy. |
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