Romans 16:14-15: Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the Brothers Who Are With Them. . .

Romans 16:14–15

Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. (ESV)

I have met many people who will say that they are not good with names. Apparently, Paul is very good with names. He mentions all of these different saints by name. I am sure that each one of them had served in the ministry of the Gospel with Paul in some special way. They were of great value to him. Not only did they share a bond because of Christ, but they shared labor together.

How do you view those who you rub shoulders with in your local church. Do you know everyone's name? There are some churches that do a great job of emphasizing opportunities for fellowship. Perhaps they have regularly scheduled potluck dinners. Maybe they have Bible studies that meet in individuals' homes. There is emphasis placed on being with one another.

We were made with a need to be together with other people. In the Garden of Eden, God looked at the first man and said, "It is not good for the man to be alone" (Genesis 2:18). He gave Eve to Adam to be a helper. We celebrate the fact that God established marriage. We love the helper that God gives to us if we have been blessed enough to be married.

Whether we have a spouse or not, the truth of Genesis 2:18 is still relevant. We need one another. It is not good for us to be alone. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ you need to be with other believers. This walk of faith is hard. It is better walked with other people who can help us. Paul was speaking to a group of believers and he knows them by name. He needed them. He knew that it would not be good for him to attempt ministry alone.

Do you know the names of people in your church? Perhaps you should. Ask the Lord to help you to find brothers and sisters in the Lord who can help you in this walk of faith. It is not good for you to be alone.