The Saints Behind the Scroll: What Romans 16 Teaches Us About Real Ministry

The Saints Behind the Scroll: What Romans 16 Teaches Us About Real Ministry

Shalom, beloved friends,

My good friend and fellow Trike riding Veteran, Dennis the Beef-master asked me a question regarding this passage.  I thought you might be interested in my answer.  Here goes!

There’s a chapter in the book of Romans that many believers skip. It’s not about deep doctrine or eschatology or supernatural gifts. It’s a list of names. Romans 16.

And yet, it might be one of the most spiritually loaded chapters in the entire Brit Chadashah.

In Romans 16:3–16, Rav Sha’ul (Paul) greets more than two dozen individuals by name. These aren’t just random friends or acquaintances. These are warriors. Teachers. Apostles. Hosts of house churches. Martyrs. Women. Men. Families. Spiritual mothers. Fellow prisoners. And every one of them is written into the eternal record of Scripture by name.

This chapter reads like a hall of faith from the front lines of the early qahal—the called-out ones. And it deserves our attention.

Who Were They?

Some names are clearly male or female by their Greek, Latin, or Hebrew structure. Others require careful study. But with the help of the Complete Jewish Bible, Strong’s Concordance, and the insights of scholars like Dr. Skip Moen and Dr. Michael Heiser, here’s what we find:

Confirmed or likely female figures:

• Prisca (Priscilla) – Prominent teacher, wife of Aquila. Always listed first.

• Mary – A hard-working sister in the faith.

• Junia – Identified by Paul as "outstanding among the apostles." Yes—female, and apostolic.

• Tryphena & Tryphosa – Twin sisters who labored in the Lord.

• Persis – Likely a Persian woman honored for her work.

• Rufus’ mother – Paul calls her “a mother to me also.”

• Julia – Greeted along with Philologus.

• Nereus’ sister – Unnamed, but honored.

Confirmed or likely male figures:

• Aquila – Husband of Priscilla, tentmaker, teacher.

• Andronicus – Likely Junia’s husband or ministry partner.

• Urbanus, Apelles, Aristobulus, Narcissus, Rufus, Hermes, Phlegon, Patrobas, Hermas, Philologus, Stachys, Olympas, and others – All male by name structure or cultural usage.

Why Does This Matter?

Because Paul didn’t just list names, he honored roles.

Women were laborers. Teachers. Apostles. Spiritual mothers. They risked their lives. They hosted congregations. They taught Scripture. They were seen.

Men were not just leaders, they were co-laborers. Tentmakers. Prisoners. Servants. Many from pagan, Jewish, or Roman backgrounds. Many who bore scars for Messiah.

In first-century Rome, to be a named believer was to risk everything. This wasn’t about popularity. It was about proximity to persecution and perseverance in the faith.

And Paul honors them, name by name.

Are You on the List?

No, I don’t mean the biblical canon. I mean in heaven. In the scrolls of eternity. Are you one of the faithful who carries the fire of obedience when no one’s watching?

Would Paul, if he were writing today, mention your name?

Would your reputation be one of hospitality, faithfulness, endurance, or courageous teaching?

Final Thought

Romans 16 is more than a goodbye. It’s a snapshot of what the remnant really looks like. Men and women. Married and single. Jew and Gentile. Rich and poor. Teachers and mothers. Prisoners and prophets.

May we live lives worthy of being remembered—not for applause, but for allegiance to the King.

Stand strong. Stay faithful.

Dr. Shawn Michael Greener
www.TrueWordFaithforLife.com
Shalom b’Shem Yeshua