It’s good to have friends. Paul mentioned friends and co-workers at the end of several of his letters, modeling the value of living and ministering in community.

Paul greeted both men and women in Romans 16, praising them for their commitment and reliability. The mix of Jews and Gentiles on the list revealed the spreading influence of the newly founded Christian faith.

I’m drawn to two names as I read through Paul’s comments, starting with Epenetus, the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ (16:5). I wonder—what convinced him to give his life to Christ? Did he hear the gospel from Paul, or from someone else? Following this great distinction as “first believer,” Epenetus is believed to have gone on to become the first Bishop of Carthage.

The next greeting begs for more backstory—Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test (16:10). What test? Or set of tests? What challenges faced Apelles in his faith and how did he overcome them? This high praise from Paul sums up all we know about Apelles—not bad if one line is all you get.

While we only glimpse a snapshot of these men’s lives, the depth of their faith shines across the centuries.

I find every name on this list inspiring. Each represents a follower of Jesus, living for the Lord, befriending Paul in his work. So many stories, so much I wish I knew—I can’t wait to bug them all in heaven!

Romans 16 in week twenty-four of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by James Baldwin