Women of the Bible from A to Z series
“Greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa,
women who work very
hard for the Lord…”
Romans 16:12a ncv
I confess; I’ve never noticed the list of people Paul
recognizes for their work. In this chapter of Romans, he praises—to the best of
my counting—almost 30 people by name for their faithful service, and eight of
his fellow workers who send their greetings to the church as well as.
Based upon the similarities of their names and the fact they
are tied together in the chapter, leads most researchers to believe that
Tryphena and Tryphosa were probably sisters or close relatives. I wonder if not
twins.
Their names, which mean delicate, dainty, and luxurious,
indicate a high society family, yet according to Christian Bookshelf, “…they occur immediately after the household of Narcissus and in
close connection with that of Aristobulus, both of which are groups of slaves.
Aristobulus was a grandson of Herod the Great, and Narcissus was a well-known
freedman, whose slaves at his death would probably become the property of the
Emperor.”
Yet these two dainty, delicate women labored for the Lord
along side slaves of two societal well-knowns.
Paul commends them and their fellow workers much like Jesus taught, “… ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful
in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more
responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” Matthew 25:21 nlt
To be commended by the Apostle Paul was a great honor. To
have it recorded in the history of the early church, admirable. But to have my
name written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 21:27b) and to hear the Lord
Himself say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” is a joy too
unattainable for my words!
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I agree. I would not know how to contain the joy! I'd be overwhelmed if He'd say, Thanks for trying. I would be speechless, even if He were to only smile. He has already done so much!
ReplyDeleteGreat T post. Thank you!
Thanks, Petra. Won't it be awesome to actually be standing in HIS presence?!
DeleteReally enjoying your series on women in the bible.
ReplyDeleteTo be mentioned in the bible must be quite cool but as you say, to have your name "written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev. 21:27b) and to hear the Lord Himself say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant,” is a joy too unattainable for my words!"
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Thank you, Dino. I appreciate your kind words, and I'm humbled by those who read what I write. God bless.
DeleteI read somewhere that part of the reason Paul recognized so many people was to show that he truly cared, that he was building relationships. We all need to follow that example.
ReplyDeleteAnd knowing I will hear "Well done, good and faithful servant" encourages me on days when I wonder if what I do really matters. It does when it is for God!
Thank you for sharing your talent for writing! God bless you!