Romans Chapters XV-XVI

15:1 We who are strong (those mature in the faith) ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; 2 let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. 3 For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me."(Psalm 69:9) 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

All things are done to glorify God

“Christ did not please himself nor did he think it robery to be equal with God, but wanted to please men, that is, to save them, he suffered the reproaches of those who reproached God, as it is written.” (+Origen)

In oneness of mind

“It is a great blessing that they should all understand and think alike. If you want to know just how great it is, look at what the Savior said in the Gospel, If two or three of you agree, whatever they ask will be done for them by God . . . This unanimity must be in accord with Christ Jesus, for of course it is possible to conspire together for evil.” (Origen)

Liturgical Tradition:

“And grant that with one voice and one heart we may glorify and praise Your most majestic name, of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and forever and to the ages of ages, Amen.” (Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, Petition after the consecration)

7 Welcome one another, (Jews & Gentiles, Strong & Weak)) therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. 8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised (Jews) to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will praise thee among the Gentiles, and sing to thy name"; 10 and again it is said, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people"; 11 and again, "Praise the Lord, all Gentiles, and let all the peoples praise him"; 12 and further Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse shall come, (Virgin Mary) he (Christ) who rises to rule the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles hope."

Accepting One another:

“If someone wants to break relations with you, do not dio the same with him. . . Rather, display even more love towards him, that you may draw him to you. For he is a member of the body, and when a member is cut off we must do everything we can to unite it again and then pay more attention to it.” (+Chrysostom)

Liturgical Tradition:

The Virgin Mary is from the “root of Jesse” (Jesse was the Father of David) from which the Messiah comes

“Rod of the root of Jesse, and flower that blossomed from his stem, O Christ, Thou has sprung from the Virgin. From the mountain overshadowed by the forest Thou hast come, made flesh from her that knew no wedlock, O God who are not formed from matter. Glory to Your power, O Lord.” (Canticle Four, Matins, Nativity of Christ)

“O Virgin, sprung from the root of Jesse, (Isaiah 11:1) You have passed beyond the boundaries of human nature, for You have born the pre-eternal Word of the Father.” (Second Canon, of the same)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

“. . .I think that believers can have the fullness of peace when they are reconciled to God the Father by faith. . . For if someone who believes is armed with the power of the Holy Spirit, it is certain that he will always have the fullness of joy and peace.” (Origen)

“You will achieve this by abounding in hope, which is the cause of all good things and comes from the Holy Spirit. It is not just from the Spirit, though, because you must do your part also. That is why Paul adds the words in believing.” (+Chrysostom)

14 I myself am satisfied about you, my brethren, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, and able to instruct one another. 15 But on some points I have written to you very boldly by way of reminder, because of the grace given me by God 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

“For Paul, his preaching and evangelizing were a priestly service. It was his form of sacrifice.” (+Chrysostom)

17 In Christ Jesus, then, I have reason to be proud of my work for God. 18 For I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has wrought through me to win obedience from the Gentiles, by word and deed, 19 by the power of signs and wonders, by the power of the Holy Spirit, so that from Jerusalem and as far round as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ, 20 thus making it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on another man's foundation, 21 but as it is written, "They shall see who have never been told of him, and they shall understand who have never heard of him." 22 This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, since I no longer have any room for work in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to come to you, 24 I hope to see you in passing as I go to Spain, and to be sped on my journey there by you, once I have enjoyed your company for a little. 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem with aid for the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem; 27 they were pleased to do it, and indeed they are in debt to them, for if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings. 28 When therefore I have completed this, and have delivered to them what has been raised, I shall go on by way of you to Spain; 29 and I know that when I come to you I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.

30 I appeal to you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, 31 that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 so that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Romans 16

16:1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church at Cenchreae,

Phoebe must likely was the one who delivered the letter to the Romans

2 that you may receive her in the Lord as befits the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a helper of many and of myself as well. 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila (70), my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I but also all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks; 5 greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus (70), who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. 6 Greet Mariam, who has worked hard among you. 7 Greet Andronicus (70) and Junia, my kinsmen and my fellow prisoners; they are men (& women) of note among the apostles, and they were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus (70), my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus (70), our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys (70). 10 Greet Apelles (70), who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus (70). 11 Greet my kinsman Herodion (70). Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus (70). 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus (70), eminent in the Lord, also his mother (Un-named) and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus (70), Phlegon (70), Hermes (70), Patrobas (70), Hermas (70), and the brethren who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus (70), Julia, Nereus and his sister (Un-named), and Olympas (70), and all the saints who are with them.

10 women are mentioned here by Paul.

Phoebe was a deaconess

Prisca - co-worker, a female missionary with her husband Aquila (Teacher, Saint & Apostle: Feb 15)

Jounia considered an apostle (May 17)

In response to Mariam being mentioned Chrysostom said:

“. . . there are such women amoung us. But we are put to shaame that we men are left so far behind them. . .For the women of those days were more spirited than lions.” (+Chrysostom)

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. 17 I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. 19 For while your obedience is known to all, so that I rejoice over you, I would have you wise as to what is good and guileless as to what is evil; 20 then the God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you; so do Lucius (70) and Jason (70) and Sosipater (70), my kinsmen. 22 I Tertius (70) , the writer of this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius (70) , who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus (70), the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus (70) , greet you.24

25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which was kept secret for long ages 26 but is now disclosed and through the prophetic writings is made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith-- 27 to the only wise God be glory for evermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.