Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  2024  Day78

March 18;        Romans 16:4;          133/260;        ‘Risking Your Neck’

Romans 16:4 who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

There are heroes for the Lord Jesus that we know little or nothing about.  Missionaries in the past packed their personal belongings in coffins, because the only way these heroes for Jesus would be coming back home was in one of those coffins.  Hebrews 11 teaches us about the persecution of Christians, telling us that the world was not worthy of these believers whose names we will never know, but who are well known by the Lord.  Jesus Christ is worth risking your life for, He is worth everything.  This verse is referring to Paul’s faithful friends Aquila and Priscilla.  Their natural vocation was tent making and they met Paul and became friends as he joined them, plying their trade with them.  In the time of Paul’s ministry, ministers who traveled were not supported financially and had to work at a trade.  We learn that Aquila and Priscilla were disciples of Jesus.  In Corinth, where Paul made tents with them, Aquila and Priscilla helped to disciple a young man named Apollos.  Apollos loved the Lord, but was limited in his knowledge of Jesus.  Aquila and Priscilla helped Apollos grow spiritually.  Additionally, Aquila and Priscilla, together pastored a church that met in their home (Romans 16:5).  Though we do not know the specifics, Aquila and Priscilla traveled with Paul.  Paul’s life was always endangered and this verse tells us that his faithful friends stood by him sharing the dangers.  Jesus Christ makes heroes out of ordinary people.  It brings dignity to willing risk your life helping others as they minister for the Lord Jesus