Read: Romans 16:21-23; 1 Corinthians 1:26-27
Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you. (Rom. 16:23)
When I’m communicating with someone, I find that I shouldn’t assume that people are the same as me. This has helped me learn to listen better. I wonder if that was an important skill in the Roman church, made up of people who came from so many different backgrounds.
Today we learn that “Erastus, the city treasurer,” sent greetings (Rom. 16:23). A Latin inscription found at Corinth states: “Erastus laid this pavement at his own expense, in appreciation of his appointment as [an elected official of public works].” For a time, historians concluded that the early Christians were all people from the bottom of society. We recall Paul’s words “not many of you . . . were powerful, not many were of noble birth” (1 Cor. 1:26). The Roman church directory includes the family that belongs to Aristobulus (16:10) and the family that belongs to Narcissus (v. 11) who were most likely slaves. However, the inclusion of greetings from Erastus suggests that the early church also included people who were well-connected and had money. Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers, from the middle class.
For the last week as we have studied the Roman church directory, we’ve seen that the diversity of its members shaped the Roman house churches. Within that diversity, Paul desired unity. Today, recognizing that not every believer is the same, we should strive for unity within diversity.
As you pray, give thanks for the rich diversity of the body of Christ.
Kent Fry is a retired pastor and visiting research fellow at the Van Raalte Institute in Holland, Michigan. He and his wife, Joyce, are active members of Second Reformed Church in Zeeland, Michigan. Kent is an active cyclist, and he and Joyce enjoy time with their children and grandchildren.
