| We all have times where we ask the question, “does what I do really matter in the big picture?” After all the theology and practical Truth that Paul laid out in this letter to the Roman church, he ends with a list of names. Other than Priscilla and Aquilla (and possibly Rufus), none of these names are listed anywhere else in Scripture. That said, these were people that were important to Paul and helped him with the task that he was called to do. Without them, and millions of other “known unknown” people, we may not be followers of Jesus Christ today. This is a list of 28 people. He referenced people that were single, married, widows, and widowers. He greeted men and women, slaves and social elites, new Christians and mature believers. There were Greeks, Romans, and Jews. He met some in prisons, many is synagogues, several in market places, and a few in churches. They came from all over the Roman empire, from multiple backgrounds and traditions, but they all had one thing in common: salvation by grace alone through faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. The body of Christ is held together by those who serve in obscurity. Even though Paul wrote half of the New Testament, he did not operate alone. He still needed people. The same is true today. Whether your ministry is seen or unseen, it is so important. God ordains and appoints our assignments, so lean in and enjoy the ride! Acts 11 and Hebrews 11 both lists include unnamed champions of the faith. Acts 11:21 says, “And the hand of the Lord was with them, a great number who believed turned to the Lord.” Their faithfulness, even in anonymity, helped the gospel continue. More importantly, being “unknown” kept the light on Jesus Christ. To those who may feel unknown in their labors, know that you are known by the Father in heaven. To those who would honestly say, “I don’t know the Lord”, you can rest assured that He knows you. It’s one thing to be named by Paul here in the Bible but so much better to be named in the Lamb’s Book of Life! Questions to Consider: - Why is it important that Paul appreciated and encouraged others publicly?
- Who is someone that has encouraged your faith recently?
- What does this passage teach us about teamwork in the church?
- How does social media sometimes reward fame more than faithfulness?
- Who are some of the people that may be “unknown” at Carmel, but make a huge difference in the ministry that the Carmel family is able to live out?
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