Thank you to Pat for this week’s MWB
Rom.16 v.12: Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord.
Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
We continue with Paul’s personal greeting list which again highlights his appreciation of fellow Christians involved in the ministry of expanding and proclaiming Gods kingdom. Today its the turn of Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis, women who were possibly former slaves but obviously had become valued and active members of the early church community. Here Paul acknowledges the contribution of each of these 3 women, who worked hard, were dedicated and committed in serving the Lord and his church. Tryphena and Tryphosa were probably sisters, being mentioned together and having similar names, their names actually mean ‘dainty’ or ‘delicate’ but these two women had chosen lives of service, “working hard for the Lord” rather than sitting back and expecting others to do the work! Paul’s description focuses on their sacrifice, effort and willingness to commit themselves to kingdom work. Persis is also referred to as a dear friend, finding a special attention reflecting her character and attitude as she served. So there is great teamwork within the early church ministry with these 3 women contributing in valued ways and being acknowledged by church leaders, thanked and remembered by Paul himself.
Is there anyone you can encourage in the church family by saying ‘well done’, ‘I appreciate you’ or ‘thank you’ ?
Is there someone you could ask to help with the activities of the church so they can experience the joy of serving the Lord and working hard for the kingdom?
Or perhaps God is actually calling you to respond, to recognise that he has given you gifts and wants you to use them to serve him.
So are we working hard for the Lord? Not because we want to make a great name for ourselves or seem important but because we want to make Jesus know through what we do and how we act. Remember we can’t earn our salvation through works, but works are the evidence that we know Jesus as our Lord and Saviour and honour him. See James 2: 14 – 19.
We’re not sure what specific gifts Tryphena, Tryphosa and Persis had, but Paul leaves no doubt that they used them earnestly and effectively and were enthusiastic and willing followers of Christ. Let them be an example to us all at St Christopher’s today.
Dear Lord, we thank you that you can use each one of us to serve others in your kingdom. Help us to identify the gifts you have given us so we can put them into action and see others grow in faith as we work together in building your church and extending your kingdom. Help us to appreciate each other and work as a team to share the Gospel message. Strengthen all those who serve in your church both here and overseas and help us to do our part as you call, equip and use us.
Amen