Saturday, July 27, 2024  

---

Today's Scripture
Romans 16:1–16

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, so that you may welcome her in the Lord as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, who work with me in Christ Jesus, and who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. Greet Mary, who has worked very hard among you. Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. Greet my relative Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; and greet his mother — a mother to me also. Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. (NRSV)

---

Reflection

This devotion was difficult for me to write. When I read this passage where Paul is offering greetings and giving instructions about the early church leaders of which at least 50 percent, according to those named, were women, I think, “What happened?”

When, why, and who changed the general narrative of Paul to reduce the role of women in the church to being simply helpmates, as I was taught in Sunday School, and not the powerful early adapters that they were? What happened to not only recognizing Mary, the first follower Jesus appeared to after his resurrection, but all the women listed here by Paul? He describes them as being trusted benefactors, deacons, leaders, courageous life-riskers, first converters to Christ, outstanding, hard-workers, and compassionate caretakers. Feminist theologian Megan Watterson writes about Thecla — a contemporary of the women in this passage — who, in the apocryphal gospel account of her life, was a follower of Christ and was influenced and known by Paul. She experienced miracles, evading death by fire and wild animals as she was stripped, abused, and condemned by the patriarchal leaders of her time. They were alarmed, challenged, and frightened of her unwavering faith, courage, and appeal to other women of her culture.

The women followers of Christ listed in Romans 16, Thecla, and Mary leave me wanting to know them better. There are similarities in these women in that they did not behave as expected by church and political leaders but rose as women leaders of great conviction and faith. Perhaps it is time for me and all of us to dig a little deeper, calling out the ability to carry forth the qualities mentioned here by both men and women in the early church. Surely the challenges of our times with the rise of Christian Nationalism, the denial of women’s health rights, and the dignity and agency of choice being taken away call for action. Circumstances arising now require an integration of both masculine and feminine leadership qualities based on faith, hope, and love rather than divisiveness, lack of respect, and domination through legislation.

It is time to claim anew the Christian unitive principle written about by Paul in Galatians 3: 28. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

---

Prayer
May we have the courage, clarity, and conviction to claim our birthright of unity in Christ and let that be our north star value as we make decisions and take action. May we be wise, loving leaders in the different circumstances of our lives. With gratitude for the call. Amen.

---

Written by Susan Schemper, Replogle Center for Counseling and Wellbeing

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

Devotion index by date | I’d like to receive daily devotions by email