In chapter 14 and 15 Paul compares two types of Christians; those weak in the faith, and those strong in the faith; those who haven’t yet had their minds renewed (Romans 12:2) and still struggle with the legal aspects of the law, what to eat, what day to worship on, and who don’t yet fully understand the liberty we have in Christ.
We are all walking with Jesus on the same path but are not all in the same place. Some are weaker, others are stronger. But the strong should not despise the weak, but bear with the scruples of the weak (Romans 15:1) and not to please himself but please his neighbour receiving one another as Christ received us allowing time for the Holy Spirit to do His work in each of us.
As Paul closes his letter to the Romans in chapter 16 he commends those who have been of service to him. His intent is not to elevate these above others but to encourage and edify them, and us, to imitation.
Among the names are Jews and Gentiles, and men and women. He encourages the church to avoid contention and division which do not serve the Lord (V18). These should be dealt with and avoided.
Whether our names are noted in a letter, or in the church, shouldn’t really matter. What matters is that our names are written in the Lambs Book of Life (Revelation 21:27) and that we abide in Christ and are established according to the gospel. To be in Christ is all that matters.
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