This week's devotion is from Deacon Tanya Behnke.

Romans 16:1-16

1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, 2 so that you may welcome her in the Lord, as is fitting for the saints, and help her in whatever she may require from you, for she has been a benefactor of many and of myself as well. 3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my coworkers in Christ Jesus, 4 who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but also all the churches of the gentiles. 5 Greet also the church in their house. Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who was the first convert in Asia for Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who has worked very hard for you. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Israelites who were in prison with me; they are prominent among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our coworker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys. 10 Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus. 11 Greet my fellow Israelite Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus. 12 Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and greet his mother—a mother to me also. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you.

When reading Paul's letters, it can be easy to overlook his sometimes lengthy greetings. But they in themselves, especially this one, have their own stories to tell us. Of the women mentioned by name, which, compared to the men isn't very many, we see multiple here recognized by Paul. The beauty of this is that it shows the important role that women once played in early Christianity! 

Phoebe, a deacon of the church, a leader of the church, a follower of Jesus that Paul recognizes the work that she does and asks Rome to welcome and help her! Some think she helped Paul in delivering and sharing his letters.

Prisca (mentioned before her husband Aquila) was an early convert to Christianity and along with her husband are thought to have worked closely with Paul in his ministry. As a missionary, she taught others about Jesus!

Other women noted by Paul in his greeting, Mary, Persis, Tryphena and Tryphosa, Rufus' mother, Julia, and Nereus' sisters.  For the limited number of women mentioned by name in the Bible, Paul notes a number of them in this greeting, recognizing their work and assistance in his ministry! 2,000 years of women in the Bible often being overlooked, and yet they are still here, their names inspiring us and letting us know that Jesus' ministry valued and included women!

Dear Lord, May we remember these women that came before us, knowing and recognizing their importance to early Christianity! Help us today to remember and recognize those that are often overlooked in history and in society. Help us to lift up their voices as inspiration to others! Amen.