Read Romans 16
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%2016&version=NIV
16:1–2 Phoebe (16:1), a member of the church at Cenchrea (the eastern port of Corinth), is believed to have carried the letter to Rome. The term “deacon” (16:1) leads some to conclude that Phoebe was a deaconess (cf. Eph. 6:21; 1 Tim. 3:11).
16:3–16 Just how Priscilla (Prisca, nasb) and Aquila (16:3; cf. Acts 18:2, 26; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Tim. 4:19) had risked their lives for Paul (16:4) is not disclosed. It is debated whether “Junia” (16:7) was a male or female. Rather than being included as apostles, Andronicus and Junia may have been well known to the apostles (“relatives,” 16:7). Christian love (16:16; cf. 1 Cor. 16:20; 2 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thess. 5:26) is often translated as “a holy kiss” (kjv, niv) and was a culturally accepted Christian greeting that corresponds in Western culture to the handshake.
16:17–20 In 16:20 Paul saw the second coming of Christ as the final end to the conflict between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent prophesied in Genesis 3:15.
16:21–23 Tertius (16:22) was Paul’s amanuensis, or stenographer, who did the actual writing of the letter (cf. 1 Cor. 16:21; Gal. 6:11; Col. 4:18.
16:25–27 The book ends with a final confession of the power of God through the gospel—a gospel in full accord with God’s Word and universally the standard for faith.
Discussion and reflection question
How do you handle strife in your life? Do you avoid it? Deal with it? Go along with those who cause strife? What is the ultimate consequence of strife?
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Strife is such a bummer. I avoid it when I can, either by avoiding the people who instigate it or compromise where appropriate. Strife can cause divorce, loss of friendships or domestic abuse. Now that I live alone and don't work, I don't have as many people to butt heads with anymore. It is worth the trouble to practice looking through anger and still handling things in a loving way.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Colene that strife is something to avoid, if possible. But unless you are a hermit, it is difficult to avoid strife. I handle strife mainly through prayer. I find that if I ask for God's help in any situation, He provides that help. That doesn't mean that the strife will go away but maybe I can show God's love in the situation or I can alleviate the strife.
ReplyDeleteThe utlimate consequence of Strife is usually not good. Yes broken friendships, distrust among coworkers, barriers among relatives & neighbors. I try to avoid it if possible. But like Doug said, is pretty hard to do. If I foresee strife coming my way, I will pray for guidance & help from god. Then when it does happen, I try to turn the other cheek & feel calmness or not as bad as I thought it would be, with gods help.
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