1. Phoebe, Priscilla and Aquila, and Epenetus (1-5)

Paul concludes his letter with personal greetings, words of encouragement and a benediction. He greets the people who had shared in his gospel work throughout the Empire, and who were now in Rome. Phoebe was the bearer of this very important letter. She had been a great help to many people, especially to Paul and he instructs the Church to welcome her warmly and supply all her needs. Priscilla and Aquila's house church was a missionary church. They were Jews, but they wholeheartedly participated in the ministry to Gentiles. They were self-supporting laymen and fruitful one-to-one Bible teachers (Acts 18).Epenetus' conversion brought hope that all Asia could be reached for Christ.

2. Hard-working women and others (6-16)

Paul recognized the women who worked hard making an environment for gospel work-Mary, Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis. He acknowledges two outstanding apostles (missionaries) who were his seniors. He encourages them all to show the affection of Christ to one another (16).

Application: Lord, help me to receive others in the Lord and to encourage all those who work hard for you.
One Word: Welcome one another with affection