Paul wraps up his letter with acknowledgments of fellow believers and ministers. He commends Phoebe, a deacon of the church at Cenchreae, who was his patron as well as host (in Acts). Then the couple Prisca (Pricilla) and Aquila, his fellow tentmakers and house church leaders who “risked their necks” for him. He greets his first Asian (Turkish) convert and Mary (which one?). He names Adronicus and Junia his fellow kinsmen, prisoners and apostles. He lists twenty other members by name, including many with non-Jewish ethnicities noting several family relations, spouses, a son and mother, and sibling group. You can feel his warmth and care and personal connection with each of them as he calls them to greet each other with a holy kiss.

His final instruction to them is to watch out for divisive and contrary doctrine. He warns them against those who use ministry to feed their own appetites, and use flattery and smooth talk to deceive the naive. Paul wants them to be wise to what is good and innocent to evil. 

He includes a greeting from Timothy and three of his travel companions. The scribe Tertius, who wrote the letter, includes his greeting as well. Paul includes his host, the city treasurer and another brother from another mother. 

His final, final goodbye is a blessing to God, his gospel and the preaching of Jesus, the mysteries of faith, and the written prophecies that bring faith to God and Jesus. Phew!

Paul’s super long greetings and departures reflect a the power and importance of relationships. Nobody is left out! If the saints are the stones that the Kingdom of God is built with, then love and service is the mortar holding it all together.