Parting Words for the Romans

I enjoyed reading Paul's acknowledgements of fellow believers. Reading all the names gives real credence to the fact that these were actual people living out actual lives in history. Of special interest is the fact that Paul lists many women. While the Bible has been criticized for it's subjugation of women, the truth is that New testament writers elevated the position of women far beyond what was customary in that time and culture. Women were not educated, even in matters of religion, and were consider inferior to men. That Paul mentions serving alongside many women and praises their usefulness to the church, is extraordinary. He speaks often of Priscilla, wife of Aquila, who is always listed first within the pair. He speaks of Phoebe, a deaconess in a house church, and mentions by name several other women respected by the apostles. In another of Paul's letters, he will deal with the specific roles for women in the church, but in this letter, in a general sense, Paul bestows great and uncommon value upon women.

Tomorrow's reading: 2 Cor. 2:5-6:13