Greet Mary Romans 16:6

Paul the apostle told the believers in Rome, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:”, and he added, “Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks,

but also all the churches of the Gentiles.” He continued, “Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the first-fruits of Achaia unto Christ.” In chapter sixteen and verse six of Romans, Paul instructed the believers to, “greet Mary” where we read:

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us.

The verse begins, “Greet Mary, ...” Paul began with the word, “greet” which means “salute, bid welcome, wish well to and receive joyfully” “Mary” whose name means “their rebellion” and was “a Roman Christian”. Paul wanted the believers in Rome to “salute and bid welcome” to a woman named “Mary” who dwelt among them.

The verse continues, “... who bestowed much labor on us.”. Paul added the words, “who bestowed” which means “Mary grew weary, tired and exhausted with” “much labor” or “a lot of burdens, griefs and bodily efforts” “on us” which means “upon Paul and his companions”. Paul noted “Mary's” tireless effort toward he and his companions who lived among the believers in Rome.

When we consider these words of Paul, we see yet another example of a woman who served in the ministry. “Mary” of Rome served the “ministers”. There were many women who served Jesus and His disciples such as “Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James along with “Susanna and Salome”. “Mary” of Rome was recognized by Paul in her service toward him and his companions, and people who receive Jesus Christ as their personal “Savior and Lord” would do well to follow her example and “bestow much labor” upon those who “minister” God's gospel to the world.

Next time Paul tells the believers in Rome to “salute Andronicus and Junia”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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