MWB from Ian with thanks.
Introduction: Paul often mentions people who were important in his ministry and to him personally. We know little about several of them but in that which we do know we see how such characters are important in today’s church. During the next few weeks we will have a look at some of them and their role in Paul’s ministry.
Romans 16 v.7 – Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
“My relatives – – – they were in Christ before me” – Imagine, as a Christian, what it was like to be related to the man Saul who was doing everything to destroy the church. Were these two relatives praying for Saul as he set out to Damascus. Were they asking the Lord to forgive and redeem him? – Praise the Lord, – we all benefit from God’s answers to such prayers. These two became closer to Paul and actually spent time in prison with him. He said – “They are outstanding among the apostles,” – (ie. those who preached the gospel). We know little about these two; many say that Junias was a woman so were they in fact a couple, a couple bold in their faith in Jesus?
Have we members of our families who seem to be so totally opposed to the Lord? At times we despair when praying for our relatives but take faith from these relatives of Paul – Let us keep praying in faith for God’s hand is upon our families and he hears those prayers said in love.