Stephen begins by describing the origins of the Church in Rome, noting its early establishment, possibly by believers returning from Jerusalem after Pentecost. He highlights key figures like Priscilla and Aquila, who hosted the church in their home, and emphasizes the church's diverse makeup, composed of Jews and Gentiles, slaves and freemen. Stephen refutes the Catholic tradition of Peter founding the Roman church, pointing to scriptural evidence that contradicts this claim. He then delves into the church's vibrant life, marked by strong faith, obedience, and love for one another, as evidenced by their warm reception of Paul upon his arrival. He touches upon Paul's ministry in Rome, preaching freely and establishing a strong testimony, even among Roman guards. Despite facing persecution, the Roman church remained resilient, their faith unshaken. Stephen concludes by drawing lessons from the Church in Rome, emphasizing the power of the Gospel to break down barriers between Jews and Gentiles, slaves and freemen. He highlights the significant role women played in the early church and underscores the importance of house churches and small group gatherings. He closes by urging believers to learn from the Roman church's example, emphasizing unity, faithfulness, and the importance of expressing Christ through the Church.
Origins and makeup of the Church in Rome
Established by early believers, potentially those returning from Jerusalem after Pentecost
Key figures like Priscilla and Aquila, who hosted the church in their house
Diverse makeup of Jews and Gentiles, slaves and freemen
The Church's vibrant life
Strong faith, obedience, and love for one another
Warm reception of Paul upon his arrival
Paul’s fruitful ministry in Rome
Resilience amidst persecution
Lessons from the Roman Church
The power of the Gospel in breaking down social barriers
Significant role of women in the early church
Importance of house churches and small group gatherings
Conclusion
Call to unity and faithfulness
Importance of expressing Christ through the Church
This message is also printed in booklet form under the title: The Life of the Church, the Body of Christ.
19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21 Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. 22 I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord. 23 Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
25 Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, 26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: 27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.
7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers; 10 Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; 12 That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, which had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we tarried there three days. 13 And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli: 14 Where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days: and so we went toward Rome. 15 And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii forum, and The three taverns: whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.