ROMANS 16:1-16 COMMENDATION What is it that enables one to gain the approval of others? To express in words things that are praiseworthy of another person cannot be done in any way that is less than the honest truth. When a person has been proved trustworthy because of the activities and acts of assistance done on behalf of others, then that approval can be defined and put into readable words. The sister in the Lord, Phoebe, who served the assembly in Cenchrea near Corinth, was notable for her hospitality and commitment to the well-being of the saints that met there. She was a helper herself, and now it was her turn to be helped.
A letter with the name of such a committed servant of God such as Phoebe, is not something to be considered lightly or of little value. The evaluation of one's attitude and personal service is made by more than one person. Each of us is daily leaving behind us a trail that will be either commendable or blamable.
Those whose names are listed here, are noted by their willingness to be counted in their own sphere of service for the Lord by the apostle Paul, who could write what the Spirit of God saw was being done by them. Nothing of what we do can be thought of as being overlooked. The list of people at the conclusion of this epistle indicates that the Gospel being explained to the Roman believers was being lived out by people in their very midst. To be used as an example of what God's intention is of His people, is a great privilege and honor. Any labor for the Lord is of value to the saints of God wherever they are found. Couples working together for the Lord, faithful sisters and trustworthy brethren are always worthy of our commendation from one assembly to another. These postscripts on the pages of divine inspiration should awaken in each of us a desire to be found faithful in whatever service for the Lord we have been called to do.
To be a helper of the saints of God is to be a helper of the Lord. "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these," we read in His holy Word, We have done that service unto Him and He of that work takes due note - So in a day yet in the future, the results of that labor He will show.
Hospitality is a work that in many places is never done. The only ones to enter there are parents, or daughters and sons. Strangers pass by looking for a place that will show them hospitality - Those angels that report back to their Master will tell Him what they see.
Some faithful laborers do the tasks that others will not do. Even though unsung by men, the Master honors them when they're through. Others find themselves bound in chains almost forgotten by the saints. But He who sees in every place strengthens their spirits lest they faint.
Week by week their home is opened for the saints to come and meet. They are not complaining when each of the saints that enter they greet. As the church in the home gathers to remember the Lord, or sing or pray - They count it a privilege to be allowed by God to serve Him in this way.
We don't know all that is going on among the saints of God - But this postscript does remind us that we are serving a risen Lord Who knows every action and attitude and considers what is done As done unto Him as well as others and will give honor to each one.
"All-knowing Father, each of those who have shown hospitality to us over the last months is one of Thy own people. Bless them I pray for what they have done for us and how they have provided so much for us. Honor them for honoring Thee. Some of their children have turned away from Thy trust. Turn them again to Thyself that they may hear Thy Gospel and be saved. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."