Greet the Saints. [Sermon]. Romans 16:1-16.

NEW BOOK: Bold as a Lion: Christian Courage in an Age of Cowards. Now available in paperback and ebook! Get it here: https://amzn.to/49FjBA8 Greet All the Saints – Romans 16:1–16 | Who Are the Real Saints? What comes to mind when you picture a “saint”? A robed figure with a halo? A stained-glass icon? A gaunt mystic frozen in time? In this expositional sermon on Romans 16:1–16, we challenge the 2D image of sainthood shaped by centuries of art and tradition—and rediscover the real saints described by the Apostle Paul: ordinary believers with an extraordinary Christ. In this passage, Paul greets over two dozen men and women in the Roman church—workers, risk-takers, first converts, suffering servants, and beloved friends. Far from unreachable spiritual elites, these saints were faithful Christians who labored, loved, and endured hardship for the sake of the gospel. 🔎 In This Sermon, We Explore: Phoebe (Romans 16:1–2) – Was she a deacon? What does the Greek word diakonos really mean? How should we think about women and church office in light of Acts 6 and 1 Timothy 3? Priscilla and Aquila – A married couple serving Christ together (see Acts 18). What does their partnership teach us about ministry and marriage? Epaenetus – The first convert in Asia. What courage it takes to be the “first fruit” in your family, school, or nation! Rufus – Could this be the son of Simon of Cyrene from Gospel of Mark 15:21? What does this possibility reveal about the spread of the early church? The repeated themes of hard work and belovedness in Paul’s greetings. The remarkable interconnectivity of the early church—and how it models Presbyterian accountability and cooperation. Why the explosive growth of early Christianity was fueled by both the Holy Spirit and a willingness to suffer. 🏛 Historical & Theological Themes The history of “saint” imagery—from early catacomb frescoes to Byzantine mosaics. The contrast between biblical sainthood and later Roman Catholic canonization. The historicity of Christianity reflected in Paul’s personal greetings. Reformed theology on conversion, irresistible grace, and faithful perseverance. Lessons for today’s evangelical church: service, sacrifice, unity, and bold witness. The saints in Romans 16 were not marble statues—they were men and women who had encountered the risen Christ and gave their lives to His mission. True saints are not untouchable icons. They are redeemed sinners, deeply loved by God, working hard for a glorious Savior. (1) MY CHURCH Gospel Fellowship PCA - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCY4sKhJMv8-7nmtTiHwAsLA Gospel Fellowship PCA Website - https://www.gospelfellowshippca.org/ Gospel Fellowship PCA Podcast - Spotify: Gospel Fellowship Presbyterian Church (2) Study at RPTS Seminary! https://studyatrpts.com/index.html?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=MatthewEverhard_CTA (3) MY BOOKS: Worshiptainment - https://amzn.to/4040jPQ A Theology of Joy - https://amzn.to/3tUfBZO Souls: How Jesus Saves Sinners - https://amzn.to/3f233s6 AUDIBLE: Souls: How Jesus Saves Sinners - https://amzn.to/3VT7wN9 Holy Living: Jonathan Edwards's 70 Resolutions - https://amzn.to/38fl4vX Hold Fast the Faith: A Devotional Commentary on the Westminster Confession - https://amzn.to/3Bco9cI Unknown: The Extraordinary Influence of Ordinary Christians - https://amzn.to/38hiQwg (4) SOCIAL MEDIA Twitter - @matt_everhard Instagram - matthew_everhard Email Me: doctor + everhard (all one word) at gmail dot you know Note - this channel contains affiliate links. Some books and products on this channel have been provided free for the purpose of fair and honest reviews.