No One Does it Alone

In the beginning of chapter 16, which is the end of Paul’s letter to the Romans, we see Paul mentioning many people who were important to his ministry.  Here are the first 5 verses:  “I commend to you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church in Cenchrea, ² that you may receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in whatever business she has need of you; for indeed she has been a helper of many and of myself also.  ³ Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, ⁴ who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. ⁵ Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Phoebe is only mentioned this one time in the New Testament.  Priscilla and Aquila are mentioned also in the book of Acts.  Some believe that Phoebe was the one who carried Paul’s letter to the Romans.  All three of these people were important to the ministry of the gospel of Jesus Christ, though we don’t know very many details.  The point I would like to make is that Paul couldn’t do his work alone. No one does it alone.  You and I need others to help accomplish the ministry tasks that God has for us.  I think of our group of 29 people here in Westernport, MD this week.  Each person has an important part to play in the success of the trip.  I honestly believe that we would greatly miss any one of the people if they were not here. Would the job get done?  Yes, but without each one the job would not be done as well.  I pray that you see yourself as part of a team that is accomplishing God’s purpose and plan in your life.