“…be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil” (v 19). Explore, think about, build on, market and be intentional about what is good, looking and moving forward. Glad that as a church we have turned around and are being wise about what is good.

Paul is taking time to respect, appreciate and greet people individually and specifically.

Along with our obedience and service to our Lord Jesus Christ, we need “to be wise in what is good and guileless in what is evil” (v. 19). Paul alludes to Jesus’ exhortation to his disciples: “Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10: 16).

Paul not only talks about the work done in local churches but encourages the church network. Vs 1, 23 – receiving one another and helping each other.

Paul strengthens the believers and also didn’t forget to warn them of evil ones.
-(v16) Greet one another!
-(v17) Watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles. Keep away from them! (v18) For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of the naive people.
-This book (letter) was written in the middle of 1st century. In early 3rd century, the entire nation has accepted our Lord Jesus Christ and became headquarters for the whole world. Great job, Paul..!!!

While it was initially confusing to see in this chapter a list of names (about 25 ?), after reading I thought that Paul was merely dropping names ( how unpleasant to be a part of a conversation when someone is listing a bunch of people showing his connections. We start to disconnect and merely start nodding our heads just to be nice ). But then I started noticing the words Paul uses Sister (v 1)
Servant of church (1)
Patron (2)
Saint
Fellow workers(7)
Fellow prisoners
Kinsmen(7)
Workers of the Lord
Convert
Beloved
Brothers (14)
Mother(13)
Wow.. These are not just names on a list but they are His relationships. They define Paul’s very ministry on earth. To see them as God’s partners in God’s Glory.
Also the variety of people both male and female, some giving their neck and some hosting, one help to write the letter for Paul one and the other treasurer.. All for God’s glory
Lord will you teach me to meet people and get to know them not just their names but their relationship with you for your glory.

v. 25-27 The mystery of Christ that was kept secret from the beginning has been revealed. The mystery is “சகல ஜாதிகளும் (Gentiles) விசுவாசத்திற்குக் கீழ்ப்படியும்படிக்கு அவர்களுக்கு அறிவிக்கப்பட்டதுமாயிருக்கிற இரகசியத்தை வெளிப்படுத்துகிறதான”Mystery in
1 Colossians 1:25-27
கிறிஸ்துவானவர் மகிமையின் நம்பிக்கையாக உங்களுக்குள் (Gentiles) இருப்பதே அந்த இரகசியம்.
Mystery in 1 Tim 3:16, Ephesians 3:2-6
The mystery is ” verse 6 : That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel”

“The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet.”

Chap 14 of Roman says we have to receive and accept people as they are ; not judging or with contempt according to their practice. Roman chap 15 says receive one another as Christ received each one of us to to glory of God.

v. 27 says we have to share our material and spiritual blessings to edify each other and to Glorify God