Author: Dave Dishman (Page 357 of 475)

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

Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters (Romans 14:1).

I cannot tell you how much time I waste quarreling over disputable matters. When I was younger I mostly quarreled out loud, but with age I defer to my mind. Safer that way.

As a fresh staff member with Cru at Kansas State University, I remember wrangling over the pamphlet, 88 Reasons Why The Rapture Will Be In 1988. Then much longer disputes about the book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye (the author of which recently kissed his faith goodbye). Sometimes frustrated with students young in their walk with God, I crossed the line into quarreling more than once.

A few verses down the page Paul adds, Make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister (14:13).

My quibbles with the various evangelical fads ebbing in and out of our ministry helped a few people—some ideas fail biblical scrutiny—but other times made students feel silly, or even dumb. Treating a sincere young believer, who’s trying to figure out her faith in this crazy world, to “four reasons why the book you hold in your hand comes from the pit” is just the sort of obstacle Paul refers to.

Thankfully, I’ve gotten better over the years. More patient, quicker to listen and slower to speak. I’ve watched the Holy Spirit move people far beyond what I might have accomplished with my arguments and counterpoints.

I’m still up for a good book discussion—but I hope to keep it a discussion, not a roast.

Romans 14 in week twenty-three of reading the Bible cover to cover

Photo by Jamie Street