Caretaker kneeling and scrubbing a cathedral floor with a bucket and brush
Bible, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Servant, Service

BE A MARY

ROMANS 16:6

“Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.”

There sure are a lot of Marys (not sure if that’s a word, lol) in the New Testament, aren’t there? Let’s list them:

  • Mary, the mother of Jesus.
  • Mary Magdalene: Jesus cast seven demons out of her.
  • Mary of Bethany: The sister of Martha and Lazarus.
  • Mary the Mother of James and Joseph (Joses): She witnessed the crucifixion, saw where Jesus was buried, and went to the empty tomb with spices.
  • Mary of Clopas (or Cleophas): Mentioned as standing near the cross with Jesus’ mother.
  • Mary the Mother of John Mark: Her home in Jerusalem served as a gathering place and prayer meeting spot for early believers, where Peter went after an angel freed him from prison.

And then we come to today’s Mary. In Romans 16:6 Paul sends greetings to Mary in Rome. That’s all we know of her. She must have been well known, like Phoebe whom we saw earlier, for all Paul says is about her is that she has worked hard for the church there in Rome. So many people never get recognized for the work they do in the church. I don’t think Paul was trying to embarrass Mary by pointing her out, but I do think he was reminding the church of what she had done for them.

APPLICATION

HELPS Word-studies gives us a great definition of what the Greek word for “has worked hard” means. “kopiáō (from kópos, ‘exhausting labor’) – to labor until worn-out, depleted (exhausted).” Mary had worked herself to the bone. She tirelessly served the church with no expectation of recognition or reward. After all, she wasn’t working for people. She was working for the Lord.

Do you know people like that? When I was at my previous church in Chattanooga, we had a team of men who showed up each week to volunteer in the maintenance department. They came each week to mop, vacuum, clean bathrooms and windows. They did whatever was asked of them. There was no way the church maintenance workers could have kept the facility clean without the selfless commitment of these men.

Perhaps God is calling you to be a Mary for your church. Every church needs more Marys serving in the nursery, children’s ministry or in the women’s ministry. In fact, there are places everywhere in the church for a Mary to serve (well, maybe not in men’s ministry, lol). But wait a minute, maybe you are a Manuel and not a Mary. Everyone can serve. Ask the Lord how He wants to use you.

Let us do all that we do for You, O Lord, and not for the applause of man.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Beloved, Bible, Love, Ministry, Romans, Salvation, Scripture

MY BELOVED

ROMANS 16:5b

“Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia.”

Do you have anyone who calls you “beloved”? That’s not a term we use a lot in the U.S., but when it is used it draws your attention. I have an acquaintance who has regularly used that term when she was talking to her followers. Because I know this person, I know that her “term of endearment” was genuine. She really loves those who follow her ministry and read her books.

Why did Paul call Epaenetus “beloved”? This is the only time in the entire New Testament when his name is referred to. He is only described as Paul’s first convert in Asia. He obviously lives in Rome at the time of the writing of this letter. I wonder if he was still there and was able to see Paul when he arrived. Wouldn’t that have been a grand reunion? They had certainly kept in touch since Paul knew he was in Rome. But why is he “beloved”?

APPLICATION

The word “beloved” is the Greek word agapétos which comes from agape. We all know that as God’s kind of love, right. K. Wuest describes it as “divinely-loved-ones.” That is a good description. A beloved person may not be the easiest person in the world to love, but they are someone you love because of the love of Christ that is in you and them. That makes them beloved.

So, why was Epaenetus so loved by Paul? The Topical Lexicon may lend some reasons. It says, “1. God often begins great movements through one receptive heart. 2. Early believers carry a stewardship to model faithfulness for those who follow. 3. Personal affection and recognition within the body, as Paul shows toward Epaenetus, nurture perseverance and unity.” Epaenetus’ conversion may have started the movement in Asia. We don’t that for sure, but we can speculate he had influence there.

Who calls you beloved? You can count on one person – the Lord Jesus Christ. Even He was called “beloved” by His Father. In Matthew 3:17 we see these words, “and behold, a voice from the heavens said, ‘This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” God looks down on you right now from heaven and declares you beloved. Never forget that. Now, see who you can call beloved on His behalf.

Thank You, Lord, for calling me as one of Your beloved saints.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Eternal Life, Life, Romans, Sacrifice, Scripture, Testimony

RISKING YOUR NECK

ROMANS 16:4-5a

“who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles; also greet the church that is in their house.”

There has not been an instance in my life when I have been required to risk my life for someone. Of course, if that moment arose, I wouldn’t hesitate to do that…for some people. Let’s be honest. If my wife or my family were in danger, I would not think twice about it. But for a stranger or even a friend? I am not sure. The Lord knows my heart and my desire to please Him. I only pray I would be obedient to what He calls me to do.

Paul mentions an incident that is not recorded in Scripture. We are not sure if he is referring to a specific time, like when Paul was threatened by others, or if he is talking in generalities. The term “risked their own necks” literally means that. The Greek has the idea of someone laying their head on the chopping block to be executed. Like I said, we don’t read where that happened, but Paul obviously felt they had placed themselves in imminent danger by helping him.

APPLICATION

Okay, let’s get real. Who are you willing to risk it all for? You may never be faced with such a situation, but are you prepared to lay it all on the line if necessary? Let’s think about that for a second. Does the risk of losing your life scare you? As followers of Christ, death is simply a passage to Him. Death has no sting for us. Amen?

I have mentioned my reading of the Voice of the Martyrs magazine. The stories told in that publication are full of Christians being forced to make such a decision. For many in those stories, death was the end result. But much like the Christians who marched into the Coliseum in Rome to face martyrdom, they stood bravely and gave it all for Jesus.

Think of the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, who was sinless and perfect, gave it all for you and me. He didn’t hesitate. Don’t let His prayer in Gethsemane confuse you. He wasn’t trying to back out of God’s plan for mankind. He was just expressing His humanity for a brief moment. He knew we were all worth His sacrifice.

Now, listen carefully. God doesn’t want your death in order to please Him. No, He wants your life! And if the Giver of life requires your life at some point, He will give you a much better life with Him for eternity. So, you can’t lose, can you?

Father, I pray I am willing to lay down my life for You if called on to do so.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Fellow worker, Gospel, Ministry, Romans, Scripture, Servant

FELLOW WORKERS

ROMANS 16:3

“Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,”

I have been blessed in my ministry to have some awesome coworkers. Many of those have become lifelong friends. I pray you have friends and coworkers like that. When people have a common passion, it is so much easier to work together. On the other hand, when someone on your team isn’t bought in to the vision, it can become quite burdensome.

Paul first met Prisca and Aquila when they had to leave Rome because of Claudius’ decree that all Jews had to vacate the city. In Acts 18:2 we read, “And he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to leave Rome.” And they weren’t just acquaintances. They helped Paul early on in his ministry. In Acts 18:26 we are told, “and he began speaking boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the way of God more accurately to him.” Fellow workers can help teach us, as well.

APPLICATION

Prisca and Acquila are mentioned again in 1 Corinthians 16:19. “The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.” They actually hosted a church in their home. Getting kicked out of Rome didn’t deter them. Coming to the aid of a new believer like Paul didn’t distract them. They were committed followers of Christ who joined arms with anyone who was like-minded in their mission to see the Gospel preached.

We also read in Acts 18:3 that Paul lived with them for a period of time since they had the same trade as tent makers. Not only did they minister together, but they also worked together. Can you just picture them sewing together these tents? I can imagine them praying over each as they were sold. I know a couple I have met several times at conferences who sell Christian t-shirts. As each shirt is sold, they pray for the buyer. It is really a precious thing to watch.

With whom are you linked together with in ministry? What else do you have in common? One of my ministry colleagues is also a hunter like me. We can talk about sharing the Gospel and about hunting. What a blessing. Find like-minded believers to do life with. I promise you will bless each other and make your ministry that much more fruitful.

Thank You, Lord, for the people You have put in my life over the years.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Scripture, Service, Body, Servant, Helping, Romans

HELPING EACH OTHER

ROMANS 16:2

“that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.”

I like to help others when I can. That may involve meeting with them to talk about issues they are struggling with. It could mean some physical labor like mowing a lawn or simply bringing in a trash can. Helping others is a good way to witness to someone without even saying anything.

Paul spends some time in today’s verse continuing to recommend Phoebe to the Roman church. He encourages them to “help her in whatever matter she may have need of you.” That sounds similar to the words Paul wrote to Philemon about his runaway slave, Onesimus. In verse 17 of Philemon, Paul writes, “If then you regard me as a partner, accept him as you would me.” Paul was always advocating for those who have proven themselves in their service to him or others.

APPLICATION

At first glance of the English translation, you might think the same root Greek word is used for “help” and “helper.” But it’s not. The first word is the Greek word that means to stand beside someone or to assist them. But the Greek word for “helper is a different word entirely. It’s the word prostatis. Barnes describes prostatis this way, “The word used here, prostatis, means properly ‘a patron, a help,’ and was applied by the Greeks to one who ‘presided’ over an assembly; to one who became ‘a patron’ of others; who aided or defended them in their cause; and especially to one who undertook to manage the cause of ‘strangers’ and foreigners before the courts.” 

Some commentators speculate she may have had legal business in Roman which required her to travel there. Perhaps she was doing that on behalf of someone else. We don’t know and really can’t speculate why she was traveling to Rome. For whatever reason she was going, Paul is telling the church there to help her however they could.

Are you a helper of others? Do you advocate for those in need? You may have been on the receiving side of that. If so, reciprocate. Pay it forward. If you are like me, there is probably someone you know who needs a little help. If you are able, help them. You can at least pray for them and let them know you did. That may be all the help they want right now. And prayer is free and limitless. Amen?

O Lord, it is a blessing to help others as You direct. Use me in whatever way You see best.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Entrust, Recommendations, Romans, Scripture, Servant, Service, Trust, Trustworthy

RECOMMENDING OTHERS

ROMANS 16:1

“I recommend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea,”

We’re beginning Paul’s “sign off” of the letter to the Roman church. In these 27 verses of chapter 16, he mentions by name 35 people plus gives references to others not named specifically. Paul valued people. Through his years of ministry, he had many believers who served beside him as well as those who served him. He knew the ministry God had given him was not his alone. He needed others to carry out the mission. As we go through this final chapter, don’t just read the names and move on. See what you can find out about each person named. I hope to share much of that with you but do your own deep dive.

Paul begins this last chapter naming a lady who we have all probably heard of, right? Paul recommends her to the church. This probably meant she was the bearer of the letter to Rome. It was customary for the bearer of the letter to be named and introduced to those receiving the letter. Phoebe was a Greek name, and she was from the church at Cenchrea. She was possibly a widow traveling to Rome on business herself.

APPLICATION

I get asked occasionally to write a letter of recommendation for someone. I was asked that recently by someone who used to work with me in another state. In order to recommend someone, you have to have personal knowledge of their character. Undoubtedly, Paul knew Phoebe well enough to trust her to not only deliver this letter but to also answer any questions that might arise upon its reading. That was also a responsibility of the letter bearer. She is called a “servant of the church at Cenchrea.” The word “servant” is the Greek word diakonos from which we get our word “deacon.” Much has been made of this one little word attributed to Phoebe. I do not want to get into a debate about the role of women in the church. Let me just share the context of this letter.

In the early church it was common for women to be “ordained” as deaconesses to serve other women. These were generally older women who could teach and guide younger women. They also were usually widows who could give the time needed without disrupting their own home. Paul had obviously observed Phoebe serving in that role or had been informed by others.

Cenchrea was a hard place to be a Christian. Some ancient texts called this port the “wickedest place on the face of the earth.” You can imagine an ancient seaport and the kind of sailors and merchants who gathered there. Phoebe had to be tough and resilient to live a life as a godly woman in such a wicked place. But she had shown Paul she was a woman to be trusted with these precious words to the church.

Let me ask you a question. Could someone recommend you for such a task? Have you proven yourself worthy of such an honor? Seek the Lord with all your heart and strive to please Him in all you do. Others will see that and one day may even ask you to take on a task such as this.

O Father, count me worthy of Your work today. I only want to please You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Scripture, Peace, Harmony, Whole, Romans

PEACE LIKE A RIVER

ROMANS 15:33

“Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.”

You probably know the old Christian song “I’ve Got Peace like a River.” It says, “I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river in my soul. I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river. I’ve got peace like a river in my soul.” It’s a simple little song, but it packs a powerful message.

Paul ends this chapter by giving the Lord a third character title. In Romans 15:5 he calls Him the God of patience (endurance). In Romans 15:13 He is called the God of hope. And here in today’s verse He is called the God of peace. What does that really mean? What is peace? It has been said that you cannot experience the peace of God until you have peace with God. That’s where it all starts.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “peace” is eirḗnē. When two armies make peace, they stop fighting. That is not what eirḗnē means. You can experience God’s peace even in the midst of conflicts. The word means “wholeness, harmony, and well-being granted by God and experienced among His people. In the New Testament it is never a mere absence of conflict; it is the positive, covenantal state that flows from God’s redemptive work in Christ and is applied by the Holy Spirit to individuals and communities.” (Topical Lexicon)

One of my favorite verses on peace is Philippians 4:7 which says, “And the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” This verse follows the verse that tells us to not be anxious about anything. Do you have that kind of peace today? It is within you if you are a follower of Christ. How do I know that? Because we are told that peace is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 tells us that. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,…”

No more comforting words can be found than in John 14:27 when Jesus tells His disciples, “‘Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you.’” Christ’s peace far exceeds any kind of peace the world may offer. His peace is perfect. Paul is praying for God’s peace to reign among the Jewish and Gentile believers there in Rome. You see there are three kinds of peace mentioned in the Bible – the peace with God, the peace of God and the peace with others.

So many of us grab onto those first two and shrug off the third. But we are told to pursue this peace in 2 Timothy 2:22. “pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.” Paul mentioned this earlier in Romans 14:19. “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” Today, as you enjoy the God of peace, make peace with others.

I do have peace like a river, Lord. Let my peace with You flow over into the lives of others.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, Scripture, Joy, Restoration, Rest, Romans, Relaxing

CHILLIN’

ROMANS 15:32

“so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and relax in your company.”

Don’t you love to relax sometime? We all do. But I know some people who have a hard time turning off their “go switch” and simply relaxing. Whether it’s with family or friends, they just can’t seem to shut down. I used to be that way, but as I have gotten older, I have learned to enjoy time to sit and relax. I have found all kinds of ways to relax. Some of those ways may seem like work to you, but they relax me. Even God rested on the Sabbath, didn’t He?

Paul was looking forward to visiting the church in Rome and to relax in their company. I don’t think he envisioned his first visit being under armed guard. But he was allowed visitors in his rented quarters, so he did in some way relax with them. The word “relax” is synanapaúomai “(from sýn, ‘identified with’ and anapaúō, ‘pause completely’) – properly, pause together, i.e. when people enjoy God’s unique rest together which only results from first fighting God’s battles in the unity of the Spirit.” (HELPS Word-studies). This word only occurs here in the New Testament. I always find that interesting, don’t you? Why here? Why did the Holy Spirit inspire Paul to use this word?

APPLICATION

You need to remember that Paul had no idea at the writing of this letter in Corinth when or if he would get to visit Rome. He wanted to, but he knew he had to deliver the gift to the Jerusalem saints first. We know what happened there (as we discussed yesterday). Paul was arrested and eventually winds up in Rome under house arrest. I truly believe this word was prophetic in that Paul actually did have a relatively comfortable place to await his hearing. He had the chance to relax with fellow believers.

Paul probably did arrive with joy, as he says in today’s verse. Can you picture the joy the Roman believers must have expressed upon finally seeing Paul in the flesh? They had heard about him and had probably been praying for him. Now, they had the opportunity to serve alongside him and minister to him while he was there. We know the impact Paul had on some of the Romans soldiers and probably other unbelievers.

Let me turn this conversation a bit. Maybe you have a property that you can make available to a servant of the Lord. These servants often do not have the means to afford expensive vacations and could use a simple place to relax and spend time with the Lord. I have some friends who have made their places available to my family, and it has been greatly appreciated. Relaxing or chilling is healthy for all of us. Don’t feel guilty if the Lord allows you time to do that.

I truly appreciate the opportunities You have given me, Lord, to relax and unwind. I have needed those times.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bible, God's Will, Prayer, Romans, Scripture, Service

ANSWERED PRAYERS

ROMANS 15:31

“that I may be rescued from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may prove acceptable to the saints;”

Sometimes you just know you are going into dangerous territory. I have traveled in some parts of the world that were a little “sketchy.” I knew I was supposed to go and trusted the Lord to protect me. He has done that, and I believe He will continue to do that as long as I am doing His will and not mine. I am not saying I may not suffer hardships, but I know He will see me through in one way or the other. I always have people praying as I go.

Paul asked for prayers in the previous verse, and in today’s verse he says why. If you want a great reminder of the dangers he was facing, go back and read Acts 21 and 22. Keep in mind, Paul had been given letters by the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem to go and arrest Christians. Instead, Paul had been arrested by Jesus on the Damascus Road. These leaders were furious and now wanted Paul dead. So, Paul knew he was entering into the lions’ den upon returning to Jerusalem.

APPLICATION

Do you struggle trusting God in times of trouble? Don’t feel bad. Most everyone does. Even the strongest believers can get weak knees at times. A momentary lack of faith does not mean you have lost your faith. But in those darkest moments God grows you. There is not a hole too deep or an ocean too wide that God cannot reach you. He is right there with you.

I recall one time I was in a part of Uganda leading a conference where most of the people were Muslim. There had been attacks on Christians there for sharing the Gospel and here I was training these Christian leaders. I had not even realized it, but we started this conference on the very days leading up to Ramadan. If you know anything about Islam, Ramadan is a holy period of fasting and praying for Muslims. One morning just before daybreak I heard drums beating and they were getting louder and louder. I looked out my hotel window and could see nothing but drums and chanting. I never got scared. Maybe I was just naïve, but I truly believe the Lord calmed my spirit.

As you face uncertain days (and we all do from time to time), let the Lord calm your spirit. He has the peace that passes understanding (Phil. 4:7). He is the One who rescues every lost sheep. He is our refuge and our tower of safety. Lean into him. Ask others to pray for you and then step in faith trusting the One Who leads you.

Father, when I tremble, calm my spirit. Help me to trust You with all my fears.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Allies, Bible, Holy Spirit, Intercession, Prayer, Romans, Scripture

STRIVING IN PRAYER

ROMANS 15:30

“Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,”

When I read the words “strive together,” I thought of the game tug of war. You have probably played that as a child, maybe even as an adult. Two groups get on opposite ends of a long, large rope and try to pull the other group across a line. It takes every member of the group pulling together and using all their strength to win. That’s my mental image of striving together.”

I doubt Paul was thinking about tug of war, lol. But he knew he needed fellow believers “pulling” for him as he sought to share the Gospel in the Gentile world. The word Paul uses here for “strive together” is only used here in the New Testament. It’s the Greek word synagōnízomai “(from sýn, ‘identified with’ and agōnízomai, ‘agonize, strive’) – properly, fight (agonize) together; ‘to strive together with, to help (properly, “sharing in a contest”)’” (HELPS Word-studies) Remember, that preposition sýn is the one that means once together it can’t be separated. That is the kind of intercessor Paul is seeking.

APPLICATION

Albert Barnes says, “The word ‘strive’ denotes intense ‘agony’ or effort, such as was used by the wrestlers in the Greek games; and then the ‘agony,’ or strong effort, which a man makes in prayer, who is earnestly desirous to be heard. The use of the word here denotes Paul’s earnest desire that they should make an ‘intense’ effort in their prayers that he might be delivered.” Paul knew the success of his ministry depended on the prayers of others. In the ministry I serve, we have said many times that the success of Every Man A Warrior is due to the millions of women who have been praying for their husbands, brothers, fathers and sons.

Do you have people in your life who pray for you this way? Do you pray this way for others? I have shared before that I have daily, weekly and monthly prayer lists. I have been praying for some missionaries for decades. They send me specific prayers to lift before the Father and other times I just pray generally for them. I have been praying for a specific family need for a few years now. I will continue to “strive” in that prayer until God answers.

Now, it is important if you are striving in prayer that you pray according to God’s will. We know if we do that, He will answer (1 John 5:14).  Claim His promises for those you are praying for. Search the Scriptures for praying according to His will. Ask the Lord to show you exactly how to pray and what to pray for. He loves to hear our intercessions for others. And He will answer in His perfect time and His perfect way. So, pray believing He is listening to every word.

I know You are listening, Lord, so I come together with my fellow believers to ask that You set the prisoner free.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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