RomansNäide

Romans 16
The People Who Carried the Gospel

Romans 16 is a chapter many skip—just a list of names, right? But these verses are a window into the heartbeat of the early church. Paul doesn’t just sign off with theology—he names people. Real people. People who carried the gospel on their backs, who hosted churches in their homes, who risked their lives. These weren’t platformed leaders. They were ordinary, faithful believers—men and women—who were known by name and remembered for their faith.

Phoebe, a deacon, is the first mentioned. Paul calls her a benefactor of many, including himself. Priscilla and Aquila risked their lives for him. Andronicus and Junia were in prison with him. He greets Mary, who worked hard, and Rufus’ mother, who was like a mother to him. It’s a list of love and loyalty.

What does this teach us? That gospel work isn’t for a few. The church is built on the shoulders of many—those who open their homes, who labour in prayer, who give when no one sees. Paul greets each one with affection and respect. They mattered.

In a culture where being seen often seems to matter more than being faithful, Romans 16 reminds us of the power of quiet consistency. Of relationships rooted in grace. Of a church that sees and honours the unseen.

This is the real strength of the body of Christ—not celebrity, but community. Not performance, but partnership.