Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

Bible: Romans 16:1-24

She has been the benefactor of many people, including me (V.2).

Reading

I have an odd reading habit. When I pick up a new book, the first thing I usually do is read the acknowledgements pages. Here authors usually take a few lines to mention the other people who helped create the book. It gives authors a final chance to give a big “thank you”.

When Paul neared the end of his letter to the church in Rome, he ended with a similar ‘acknowledgements’ section (ROMANS 16). Although Paul had done a lot for the church and had helped guide it through his letters, he recognised his work with them was only possible because of the love and support of many other Christians It’s great to think about the many ways people in the first churches worked together. For example, Phoebe not only served in the church but also gave money so that Paul and others could travel and tell more people about Jesus (ROMANS 16:1-2). “Fellow workers” Priscilla and Aquilla opened their home as a meeting place for Christians (V.3) and even risked their lives for Paul. Rufus’ mother showed so much care for Paul that he described her as “a mother to me, too” (V.13).

Today, the church still needs all of us. We’re designed to work together as one body with many parts (ROMANS 12:3-8). Recognising and being thankful for each other by taking time to say “thank you” is one way we can “take delight in honouring each other” (V.10 NLT).

THE CHURCH NEEDS ALL OF US, INCLUDING YOU!

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries