Roll Call of Ordinary Christians

By Ron Adams

    Hebrews chapter 11 is often referred to as “The  Role  Call  of  the  Old  Testament  Faithful” and rightly  so. And there are other individuals that are often mentioned in the New Testament: the Apostles, Paul, Timothy,  Titus, Mark, Luke, Barnabas. But many other Christians were busy doing  what  they  could  where  they  were.  In Romans chapter 16, we are given the names of some.  I  prefer  to  call  this  the  “Roll  Call  of Ordinary  Christians”  –  true  foot  soldiers  of  the cross.
    Phoebe,  who  is  a  servant  of  the  church which is at Cenchrea . . . Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers  in Christ Jesus, who  for my life risked  their  own  necks  .  .  .  Epaenetus,  my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia . . . Mary, who has worked hard for you … Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners, who are outstanding among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me … Ampliatus,  my  beloved  in  the  Lord  … Urbanus,  our  fellow  worker  in  Christ  … Stachys my beloved . . . Apelles, the approved in Christ . . . the household of Aristobulus … Herodion, my kinsman . . . the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord . . . Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in  the  Lord …  Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord . . . Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine  .  .  . Asyncritus,  Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them . . . Philologus and Julia . . . Nereus and his sister . . . Olympas . . . and all the saints who are with them.
    Today, many Christians are busy doing what they can where they are. We may never know them  or  hear  what  they  have  done,  but  their work makes a difference. They don’t do it to be praised by men but by God. Thank God for the “foot soldiers” in each congregation – including this one.
    “Have you heard . . .?”

- F.Y.C. is a monthly publication by Ron Adams. Bible references are from the NASB except where another translation is referenced. Back issues are archived at http://ra10ar.com Be thoughtful and kind. All rights reserved. © 2016