marking journey


Romans 16:1-18    

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the ekklesia which is at Cenchrea, that you receive her in the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and that you help her in whatever matter she may have need of you; for she herself has also been a helper of many, and of myself as well.

Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus, who for my life risked their own necks, to whom not only do I give thanks, but also all the ekklesia of the Gentiles -- and greet the ekklesia that is in their house.

Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is first-fruit of Achaia/Asia onto Christ.

Greet Mary, who has worked hard for you.

Greet Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are advancing on occasion among the apostles; who also were in Christ before me.

Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord.

Greet Urbanus, our fellow-worker in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

Greet Apelles, one tested in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.

Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, workers in the Lord.

Greet Persis the beloved, who has worked hard in the Lord.

Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, also his mother and mine.

Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brethren with them.

Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

Greet one another with fondness. All the ekklesia of Christ greet you.

Now I urge you, brethren, scope out those who intersect with you and those unleashed while yet readily adjoin rising close alongside; as you are situated to the learning in which you advanced vitally, so succeed in sourcing to tend; situated to tend those converging with you vitally apart from what is realized tending vacancy. For as they move to bring forth to tend the Lord, such men are at juncture with Jesus Christ; relieved of serving Him, arising but instead to tend the vacancy of their stomach/hollow; amending design to yield at-point accomplishment and pleasant expression, that they may bring along separately adjoining hearts attending, unsuspecting.

[ Additional reference: I Corinthians 16; Colossians 4:7-18; II Timothy 4:10-22; Titus 3:12-15; Philemon 1:23-25; Hebrews 13:23-25... ]



ekklesia takes note in the journeys of pilgrims, teachers and opposers.    

With the law, prophets and psalms, we receive meaningful anecdotes and observations. New Testament writings move us to the journeying [within, and in the world]. Indeed, often referred are the recorded journeys of apostles, prophets and others still. Journey continues, even as Luke's account of the Acts fails to end conclusively.

Journey lends perspective in brief, and when that journey is by faith endeavored, the great reward of Christ "in grace and truth" unfolds to testify of Him. Because of His journey…

Journey accounting may assist in bringing aide or consideration for others. Yet for the naive, so often the value of journey amounts to novelty, curiosity, indifference or contempt. May God help us not to miss or mishandle the journeys by His hand.

Journey is not a catechism. Indeed, religious people have often responded to journey accounts as if excuse to stir up distinctions between themselves and others, which often has led to the larger error of establishing a sect. Most denominations have the misuse of someone's journey accounts to credit for their own sorrowful advance. Especially tragic is this pattern, since wisdom would otherwise move all men toward reconciliation over isolation.

It is good to appreciate where another has set his/her heart or foot; to experiences and exposure. With love and mature mind, the ekklesia considers journey.